Roaming Network - Channel Question

I have an Airport Express and an Airport Extreme which I have set up for roaming, so that no matter where I am in my house I am getting coverage from at least one of them.
Is it best to have the two base stations on the same channel or on different ones? I have heard conflicting suggestions.
At the moment I have the Extreme on channel 6 and the Express on channel 11.
Thanks in advance,
David

If you are using WDS to connect the 2 wirelessly, they must be set to the same channel.
If they are connected via Ethernet to extend the network, they should use channels that are 3 or more apart to reduce interference.

Similar Messages

Roaming Network & Same Channel

I have set up a roaming network with an airport extreme & 2 airport expresses via Ethernet. Setup was a breeze using the utility. I have read that on a roaming each base-station should be 4-5 channels removed from the other stations so as to not cause interference. Every station on the roaming network is set to "automatic" for radio mode and radio channel. Out of pure curiosity, I looked to see which channel the base-stations were tuned to and found that two of the three were set to the same channel in 2.4ghz and on the 5ghz a different pair were set to the same channel. Is this normal? Should I manually change? Everything is working perfect, i just don't know if i am missing out on optimal performance.
Jimmy

Setting the Radio Channel to "automatic" usually provides the best channel selections ... but not always. The key for a roaming network is that only the base station adjacent to each other should have their channels set to 4-5 channels apart to prevent interference. Automatic tends to do the trick nicely.
If you can imagine a roaming network that spans over 4 base stations or more, you start running out of channels to choose from if you configure each to have a 4-5 channel separation from each other. Since the 2.4 GHz band only has three really non-overlapping channels, this would get harder as you add more base stations. So, either setting them all to automatic or carefully setting them manually you will still find some operating on the same channels. Again, this is ok as long as they are not near each other.

Question about upgrading HW in an existing roaming network...

I have a roaming network with the following configuration:
First Generation AirPort Extreme (i.e., first square model) acting as the base station connected to my DSL modem. I have a First Generation Airport Express connected to the Extreme via cable acting as a roaming network. This Express extends my network as a roaming network and also provides wireless printing. I also have another First Generation Airport Express joining the same WiFi network (i.e., with the Extreme) to run AirTunes.
For years, this has worked just fine. However, my Express (set up as a roaming network) keeps needing to be reset once a week (by unplugging and plugging back in). I have tried everything to correct this rather new problem. I suspect that it is either interference, the Express is now faulty, or (long shot) my MacBook Pro which is really old is causing some interruption with the Express (it loses it connection a couple times a week, yet all my other Macs don't. And, it had its first Kernel Panic last week). I am getting a new MBP any day as it needed to be updated anyway.
So I am wondering if I can swap out the Express (i.e., the one in roaming) with a new Extreme. I'd like to set up the Extreme in N-mode (something I have not been able to do with my current Extreme since I had b/g Expresses. I would also like to move to 5 Ghz to help minimize interference. That said, do I need to also replace the Express that is used for AirTunes to allow N-mode and 5 GHz??? Or, could I connect the older Express to my Extreme via cable and have AirTunes, while running a 5 GHz N-mode WiFi?
Also, I understand the new Extremes simultaneously run at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Does that mean I am running two WiFis or one WiFi being broadcase on two frequencies? I would want to enjoy 5 GHz, but still have my iPhone connect to the WiFi.

As you are aware, your iPhone will not connect to a 5GHz network and neither will your old Express...
I don't see any need to update this unit as this time if you are just streaming music using Airplay...
However, if you want to spend the money, you could buy a new Airport Express to replace the older "g" version.
I'm sure others here will have other ideas...
If I were to do this set up (i.e., have the old Extreme replace the old Express, and have the new Extreme be the new base station), would the old "AirTunes" Express be able to join the new Extreme simultaneous 2.4/5GHz network because it is connecting to it vis-a-vis 2.4 GHz? In other words, this would elimate the need to directly plug the old "AirTunes" Express directly into the new Extreme... correct?
Also, I assume that the new Extreme (via USB) can do the wireless printing like I currently use the old roaming Express for. Is that right?

Roaming network question

I have a 6th Gen Timecapsule and a 6th Gen AE set up in a roaming network. I noticed that some of the settings under internet options are different, and was wondering if that was normal or not.
Thanks

Where I'm confused is that in this article, Apple says to put my main base station to 'share a public IP address' rather than bridge mode.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4260
Apple's instructions in the support document assume that the main base station is connected to a simple modem...not a modem/router or gateway type of device.
Unfortunatey, an example of the AirPort Extreme connecting to a modem/router or gateway type of device is not presented.
Your AirPort Extreme is connected to a router, so Bridge Mode is the correct setting for the AirPort Extreme and also the correct setting for the AirPort Express that will be extending the network.

Adding 802.11b/g AX(s) to multi-Airport Extreme 802.11n roaming network

First, a thanks to folks like Tesserax and Bob for the great ideas on this forum -- the questions & answers I've read have helped me to date, though I still have a question!
My home wireless network today consists of:
One fifth-generation AEBS running in 802.11n only (5 GHz) / 802.11n only (2.4 GHz) mode, on channels 149 (automatic)/11 (automatic) -- provides DHCP services
One second-generation AEBS running in 802.11n only (5 GHz) mode, on channel 157 (automatic) -- bridge mode
There is a wired home network with Cat5e and a gigabit switch in the basement. 30 down/5 up DOCSIS 3.0 service through Time Warner Cable, upstream from the fifth-gen AEBS. The AEBS units are connected in roaming mode via Ethernet.
Using the Airport Utility on my iOS devices, I'm getting "excellent" (59-65 Mb/s) connectivity when I am near either of the AEBS units. It is a large brick house built in the 1920s, and while there are now no dead zones in the house, there are areas where I drop down to 10-15 Mb/s per the Airport Utility. Unfortunately, the two AEBSs are at opposite ends of the house near external walls, one on first floor and one on second -- and the first floor rear AEBS needs to be where it is to serve a breakfast room and sunroom, while the home office AEBS needs to be where I have two Ethernet drops as the cable modem and switch are in the basement.
Before I added the fifth-gen AEBS, I had the older AEBS and two 802.11b/g Airport Express (AX) devices, also in roaming mode. I wasn't thrilled with performance, and while performance is much better with the two AEBS model, I'm wondering about the benefits of redeploying my AX devices elsewhere in the house on the roaming network -- on the theory that I should be getting better 802.11g performance from a device close enough to get max speeds than I am from a farther-away 802.11n AEBS.
However, I am concerned about whether adding back in 802.11b/g devices on 2.4 GHz would restrict the performance of my 802.11n network? I am assuming that might happen because I have 802.11n running on both frequencies... if I stepped back on the fifth-gen AEBS to 802.11n only (5 GHz) / 802.11b/g [or a similar setting] on that device, will that help? Or, am I running the risk of other cross-talk or interference -- or simply of my home network devices being befuddled by multiple access points in a single house?
Alternatively, I could try to replace my 802.11b/g AX units with 802.11n ones -- howeever, having just bought a new AEBS this week, that would encounter cross-talk with my Spousal Budgetary Compliance Unit (SBCU) and I could end up crashing the entire household....
Thoughts and ideas appreciated!

If you use the "b/g" AirPort Express devices in a roaming setup, any computers, iPads, etc in close proximity will connect at maximum "g" wireless speeds.
It's really not possible to predict the actual results in advance. The increased wireless coverage might tend to compensate for the lower speeds that would naturally occur due to signal drop off if you did not use the AirPort Express devices at all.
As long as the wireless access points are in a separate room, or separated by 25-30 feet or so from other access points, there should be no confusion that occurs with your laptop trying to connect. It will pick the strongest signal as it moves through the house.
I think the bottom line here is that this is one of those things where you just will not know unless you try. If the Ethernet cabling is already in place, it should not take long for you to find out how things are working.

Can you use a roaming network and wireless extender at same time?

Greetings community - I've been struggling with an attempt to extend my wireless network for some time now. Please forgive my ignorance on the topic - I realize how 'simple' this is for many of you. Let me summarize:
What I have functioning:
1. Comcast telephony modem
2. 5th gen Airport Extreme as main wireless router connected to modem via Ethernet (corner of floor 3)
3. 2nd gen Airport Express as wireless extender (hooked to a stereo on floor 2)
What I want to accomplish:
1. I have poor wireless signal on my sun porch (corner of floor 1 opposite side of building as modem)
Extra equipment I have:
1. Another 5th gen Airport Extreme
2. Another 2nd gen Airport Express
What I have tried (and failed at):
1. Initially I set up the second Airport Extreme as a second wireless extender and placed it at a further point away than my first wireless extender. I quickly realized that set up does not function appropriately and one cannot connect to the further extender (I read about that on the apple forums).
2. I tried placing the second Airport Extreme in a different part of the house at equal distance from the main router as the first wireless extender. It's capability to extend was minimal if any.
3. I tried connecting the Airport Extreme to the main router via an Ethernet cable with the hopes of creating a roaming network (which I read about on the apple forums). I would have to come up with a way to run the Ethernet through the house but I'm willing to cross that bridge later. Once I got that set up, the 2nd gen Airport Express which was previously set up as a wireless extender is no longer recognized. Argh!!
Questions/Theories/Suggestions:
1. Is it possible to have a wired extender (via Ethernet) function at the same time as a separate wireless extender all connected to the same router? If so how do I do it?
2. I thought about keeping Airport Extreme #1 wireless connected to Airport Express #1 and call that Network 1. Then plug Airport Extreme #2 directly into the modem to create Network #2 and use Airport Express #2 as wireless extender. When I tried plugging both Airport Extremes into the modem, they both stopped functioning.
3. Do I get a second modem to put somewhere else in the house and use Airport Extreme #2 and Airport Express #2 in that fashion? My guess is Comcast will try to charge me a separate internet access fee to do that (boo!!).
I know there are a lot of brilliant folks out there. I'm sure someone can read this and see the 'obvious errors' in my ideas and attempts. I'm certainly open to new suggestions as well.
Thank you in advance for your time and advice.
- The New Guy

Is is possible to rename the AEx 2 a different network name from the AEx1 and AE 1 (even though they are all connected to each other)? And say it is possible, would that potentially preventing the jumping?
No, in extend wireless the names must be the same..
However since you are creating a network on AE2 which is extended by AEx2 then you can indeed use a different name.. but it must be both,, AE2 and AEx2.
2. Even more crazy - if I did (could) give the AEx 2 a different network name, could I use my AE 2 as a wireless extension to that second network? Or is this just getting out of hand now?
You have lost me now.. there are ways and means.. but let me recommend a better solution.
Use EOP (homeplug in US) adapters if you cannot run ethernet. Multi-storey houses where you have heavy concrete construction are never going to work well with wireless alone. You are much better getting ethernet properly installed (which is the only 100% guaranteed method).. or buy a set of EOP adapters and give them a try.. they work in some cases and not others.. but better than wireless when they do work.
Otherwise I think you need higher power wireless routers.. but I can suggest you do the setup in a more controlled manner.
In other words do not use auto as per the airport utility.. use very short wireless names, different for both bands.. and fixed wireless channels.. then test which band works better.. Then you can do a link.. which will be slow but might give you better performance.
So..
Link1 Main AE1---- AEx1 This is wireless extend.
Link2 AEx1--ethernet--AE2. AE2 is in bridge mode and is also set to create a wireless network. (Use different wireless name here to prevent confusion).
Link3 AE2-----AEx2 Second wireless extend.
This overcomes the Apple limitation on multiple extends. It is not great setup but might get wireless to where you need it.. And better speed than you can get now.
NOTE>. I would personally never do this.. I will run ethernet forevermore.. having tried and tried in various places and using all kinds of equipment.. my conclusion is.. wireless is not suitable.. unless you can get enough signal in from one AP.. everything behind it must be ethernet.
It is much more expensive in some cases.. but ethernet works.. nothing else can be guaranteed to work.

Can I use two different frequencies on a roaming network?

I have a roaming network with a first generation Airport Extreme (i.e., first square model), with a first generation Airport Express connected via cable to make up the roaming network. This is for a detached office that is about 50 feet and several walls away. It has worked wonderfully for years until recently.
I believe I am now experiencing some interference to the Express. Basically once a week I have to unplug the Express, count to 10-15, and plug it back in. Then all is well... for about another week. Oddly, the Express light stays green (why if no internet??). Interestingly when I had my iPhone with me (office is primarily used for my MBP), it could still see the Express' SSID. However, like the MBP, its wifi "fan" icon is not able to show a signal.
I have tried changing the channel to one that isn't being used by my neighbors, nor my Extreme. For a while, I was also experiencing interference on the Extreme. But that seems to have been resolved after I changed the channel on that unit. I noticed that my all my neighbors run in 2.4Ghz. So I'm wondering if I should buy a new Express that can run in 5Ghz. But that means I lose wifi connection to my iPhone. I can live with that inconvenience in the detached office, but not in my home (i.e., where the Extreme is).
So my question is: In my roaming network, can I have my Extreme run in 2.4Ghz (to allow iPhone wifi connection) and my Express in 5Ghz?
Side question: I noticed in Airport Utility that my Extreme's frequency is updated (Manual Setup > Base Station > Options) is updated weekly. Could that be somehow causing my Express to stop having a wifi signal and require the Express rebooting (i.e., unplugging)?

So my question is: In my roaming network, can I have my Extreme run in 2.4Ghz (to allow iPhone wifi connection) and my Express in 5Ghz?
Yes
Thanks. Good to know!
Update Frequency specifies how often the Express will check to see if any updates are available...which would have nothing to do with losing the Wi-Fi signal or other problem.
Thx. I feel like an idiot!
Btw, two other questions, if I may:
1. If there is no wifi signal, why would the Express light still be green?
2. When there is interference, why would the Express need to be rebooted? Why wouldn't it simply regain it's connection once the interference subsided? The reason I as is that I have exprerienced interference with the Extreme before and there is no wifi signal. After a minute or two, it would reestablish internet connectivity on its own (i.e., without me unplugging and re-plugging it).

Time Capsule on a Roaming Network

Hello everyone,
Quick and hopefully simple questions.
I just bought a 2TB time capsule. Is there any good reason to setup partition(s)? My household has 1 iMac and 3 Macbooks. Would it be good to have a separate partition for each machine? I am also open to having some network attached storage on the time capsule but don't find it absolutely nessasary.
Lastly I plan on setting up a roaming network using my airport extreme(connected to the cable modem) and then run cat 6 to the time capsule and 2 other airport express units to get great wifi coverage throughout my house. Anyone have any tips or advice on this setup? I have checked the apple support site and understand the confing involved in setting up the roaming network, just wanted to poll the forums for any helpful advice.
Thanks for your time!!

Quick and hopefully simple questions.
I just bought a 2TB time capsule. Is there any good reason to setup partition(s)? My household has 1 iMac and 3 Macbooks. Would it be good to have a separate partition for each machine? I am also open to having some network attached storage on the time capsule but don't find it absolutely nessasary.
Answers are simple.. There is no way to partition a TC. Not without voiding warranty and removing the drive and doing it on a computer .. then returning the drive to the TC. So don't do it.
You do not need to have separate partitions for each machine.. if you are going to use Time Machine as most people do, each computer will create its own sparsebundle which is kind of virtual disk partition. Each computer will use only its own sparsebundle and everything will be kept isolated from each other.
I am not sure what you mean by using NAS .. do you mean a separate NAS plugged in or a USB drive or using some of the TC internal disk space for file sharing?? The later is not a great idea. TM and data do not generally get on too well.. And the TC is a backup target for TM.. it has no way to back itself up, nor can TM backup a network drive. So any files on the TC are not backed up.
See pondini .. our TM guru master for all things TM.
Basic info. http://pondini.org/TM/FAQ.html
See particularly Q3 here for sharing TM and data.
http://pondini.org/TM/Time_Capsule.html
Lastly I plan on setting up a roaming network using my airport extreme(connected to the cable modem) and then run cat 6 to the time capsule and 2 other airport express units to get great wifi coverage throughout my house. Anyone have any tips or advice on this setup? I have checked the apple support site and understand the confing involved in setting up the roaming network, just wanted to poll the forums for any helpful advice.
Roaming is a good setup. Not a lot that goes wrong.
BUT.. IMHO.. and it is that..
Setup the whole wireless network using simple names.. no spaces pure alphanumeric.
Since every unit gets the same SSID.. I do recommend a lot more manual control.. I simply don't trust the automagical system to work.
You have only 3 non-overlapping channels at 2.4ghz.. 11, 6, 1 and you need to setup each unit on one of those channels.
There are more channels at 5ghz and the range is poor so they tend to interfere less.. but AC wireless uses 80mhz and even N uses 40mhz. So take care to spread things.. and you decide. Hence I use separate names for 2.4ghz and 5ghz so I can force clients to use band I choose.. not the one they choose.
Be experimental.. no one setup is ideal for everyone.. and since wireless is about 80% straight voodoo then try a few arrangements and see what works well for you. Be prepared to wipe the whole thing out and start over.. keep track of all the options you try in a log. (that is the science part.. log the voodoo!!)

Settings for Roaming Network using Time Capsule plus old Airport Extreme

Hi all
I am trying to set up a network in the most effective way for my home and am experiencing some difficulties which I hope your support can help me overcome.
My home is constructed of concrete reinforced with steel and consequently the walls are dense and wireless signals are adversley affected. I have two wireless base stations via which I hope to provide wireless coverage to my whole home which is on the ground floor level only. My Time Capsule is located at one end of my home and is directly connected to my modem which receives the external fibre optic supplied internet connection. The Time Capsule is managed via Airport Utility 6.1. A mac is connected to the Time Capsule via ethernet cable - the Time Capsule also provides a wireless signal. Also connected to the Time Capsule via a long ethernet cable that is routed in internal cable channels within my home is an old conical shaped white Airport Extreme. The Airport Extreme is located at the other end of my house and also has a mac connected to it via ethernet and provides a wireless signal too. The Airport Extreme is managed via Airport Utility 5.6.
I hope to have a wireless network that my iphones and ipad can connect to in various areas of the house. I have read the instructions for setting up a Roaming Network, yet the screen shots provided do not reflect the screens I see using Airport Utility 5.6 and 6.1. Can anyone please assist with the settings that I require?
Also I have a question regarding a roaming network - if I connect a mobile device to the wireless network near to my Time Capsule and then move to the other end of my house near to the Airport Extreme what should happen to the wireless connection strength? Currently with my existing settings the mobile device is maintaining the connection to the Time Capsule and dropping to extremely low connections levels rather than picking up the wireless signal from the Airport Extreme. Should this be the case and if so is there some better way to set up my network?
Originally I had the Airport Extreme configured in a different location closer to the Time Capsule to extend the wireless network from the Time Capsule. The problem was that the Airport Extreme frequently seemed to not provide the newtork. I'm not sure if it lost the network from the Time Capsule or had some other problem.
All help will be greatly appreciated.

So just to be clear.. the Mac at the other end of the house.. has internet connection.. via ethernet.. through the old extreme.. ethernet to the TC.. which is connected via ethernet to the fibre connection.
Is the airport extreme in bridge mode?
As long as it is, you are good to go.
On both the TC and AEBS you create a wireless network.
On both TC and AEBS you name it the same.. eg 24ghz (please use short, no space, pure alphanumeric name).
You set both with the same security.. WPA2 Personal
You set both with the same passkey.. 8-12 characters pure alphanumeric.
BUT you set the wireless channels.. there are three channels that do not overlap.. 1, 6, 11 (13 in europe ME??)
Suggest you set TC to 6.. and set the AEBS to 11.
It might work on auto but IMHO wireless is something you are better controlling than leaving it to dumb algorithm

Do I need a Roaming Network or a Wireless Distribution System?

Hello - as the title says, I am confused about which type of network I should create.
My specs: Macbook Pro
Windows XP Toshiba Laptop
White UFO-shaped Airport Extreme Base Station
New White Square-shaped Airport Extreme Base Station
1 USB HP Deskjet printer
1 Ministack USB hub/external hard drive
1 LaCie USB external hard drive
I am in the process of finishing my basement and will finally have an "office" to place all of my stuff. I want to be able to hook up the USB printer and USB external hard drives at the same time for wireless availability, so I bought the new AEBS. I am concerned about placing the AEBS in the basement and its impact on wireless signal strength to the upper floors of the house, so I thought I would connect the older UFO-shaped AEBS into the system to extend the wireless range.
I am confused, however, about whether to set up a "roaming network" or a "Wireless Distribution System". I am not sure of the particular benefits of either system given my situation so any help someone could provide would be greatly appreciated.
My house is fairly new, and has a data line system to each room, and I have a cable modem and router in the basement and can share the internet connection to the whole house in this manner. My UFO-shaped AEBS was hooked up to the internet connection via this method with an ethernet cable into the back of the AEBS on the main floor of the house. The USB printer was plugged into the UFO-shaped AEBS. This worked well. Again, now that the new AEBS will be in the basement, I am concerned about signal strength, and would like to use my old AEBS to help out.
I have looked at the Designing Airport Extreme 802.11n Networks pdf document and while it is very detailed about how to set up each of these networks, it does not seem to adequately (in my opinion) address why I would choose one setup over another. For example, should I continue to connect the old AEBS to the ethernet wall connection to get internet connectivity, or should the old AEBS receive its connection wirelessly?
Thanks in advance.

I am confused, however, about whether to set up a "roaming network" or a "Wireless Distribution System".
A roaming network uses Ethernet to connect the base stations. Therefore they all transmit good quality wireless data signals. Physically adjacent base stations should be configured to use channels 3 or more apart to reduce interference with each other. Everything gets full bandwidth.
A WDS network connects the base stations via wireless. Therefore the remote and relay base stations can only transmit data with the same quality as they receive it wirelessly. So if a remote station receives a lousy wireless signal from the main base, all of the clients of that remote station will get a lousy data rate. Also each WDS link cuts the available bandwidth in half.
Since your house is already wired for Ethernet, I would use the "roaming network".

How to set up roaming networks in both 2.4 an 5 Ghz.

I have two Airport Extreme base stations, both separately ethernet-connected to our wired LAN. They are configured as a roaming network (both have the same SSID and security credentials). The roaming works pretty well.
However, when I flip the 5 Ghz option on on both stations, I get two different network names for the 5 Ghz WLAN.
Our regular (2.4 Ghz) network name is "Apple Network" -- and we only see one instance of this in the airport menu of any computer in range of both.
However, we see two different 5 Ghz network names show up: "Apple Network (5 Ghz)" and "Apple Network(5Ghz)" (note the missing space between the "k" and the opening parenthesis in the 2nd one).
When I look in Airport Utility, the 5 Ghz network names are identical (both network names have the space between the "k" and the opening parenthesis). So, the base station seems to be changing one of the names on purpose, I am guessing because they need to be unique?
However, this isn't the case for the 2.4 Ghz WLAN name (the 2 stations have identical SSID's, and the SSID only shows up once).
This is annoying and confusing for our users, since there are three networks, as follows:
"Apple Network"
"Apple Network (5Ghz)"
"Apple Network(5Ghz)"
My question is: is there a way to make the two 5Ghz network names the same (which they already appear to be in the Airport Util config), and also only appear once in the airport menu of the WLAN clients?
Thank very much.

Open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility
Click Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab located just below the row of icons
Click the Wireless Network Options button
Enter a check mark in the box next to 5 GHz Network Name
When you do this, "5 GHz" will be added to the SSID
Click Update and allow 25-30 seconds for the AirPort Extreme to restart

How do I know "Roaming Network" is working with Airport Express and Airport Extreme and should I use extended wireless network for third Express?

Attempting to eliminate a dead spot in Wifi coverage [and implement AirPlay] have one Airport Extreme 802.11n and two Airport Express 802.11n's.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4145
The Airport Extreme is of course connected to cable modem and Ethernet switch, and one Airport Express is connected to the Ethernet network. As per instructions for creating a "Roaming Network", Airport Express is set to same SSID, security type, and Password.
Questions:
1. How does the client device know which Airport to connect to? In other words, will it switch to the closer WiFi transmitter automatically? The WiFi reception problem is intermittent in the fringe areas so what I do not want it for it to stick with the more distant Airport Extreme in the basement when the Airport Express which is closer will work better.
2. How can I tell which of the Airports the attached client device is using?
The third Airport Express will be in a third location - I was planning on using it also for expanding coverage but after reading the warnings about performance suffering when purely using WiFi for the expansion in this location ("Wireless Extended Network" without an ethernet connection) I have figured that the single wired Airport Express will be adequate and will use the third Express to do Airplay only.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4259
Question: Can I use this second Airport Express to extend the wireless network via "Extended Wireless Network" while the other two are in "Roaming Netowrk" configuration? Without bogging down??
Mitch

1. How does the client device know which Airport to connect to?
The Mac computer will automatically connect to the wireless access point with the strongest signal...which is probably the closest AirPort. An iPhone or iPad may not do this and will tend to stay connected to one AirPort.
2. How can I tell which of the Airports the attached client device is using?
On a Mac, open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility. Click on one of AirPorts. In the area to the right, locate the AirPort ID and jot that down. Then do the same for your other AirPort.
Move your Mac near one of the AirPorts and log on to the wireless. Hold down the option key on the Mac while you click the fan shaped AirPort icon at the top of the screen. Look for the BSSID. That is the AirPort ID of the device to which you are connected.
If you are close to the "remote" AirPort, and you see the AIrPort ID of the "main" router when you are testing, then you know that the network is not configured correctly.
Can I use this second Airport Express to extend the wireless network via "Extended Wireless Network" while the other two are in "Roaming Netowrk" configuration? Without bogging down??
There will be a modest 10-15% bandwidth loss with the "extend" setup, assuming that the Express is located where it can receive a strong wireless signal from the AirPort to which it is associated. You can avoid the bandwidth loss if the Express is also connected via Ethernet as part of the roaming configuration.

Airport Extreme + Time Capsule Roaming Network

Ok, I'm completely lost here and haven't found any solutions specific to my situation. I currently have two ethernet jacks in my condo, both have fiber optic internet connection which provide access when connected to a computer and no router. I'm assuming there is a router somewhere in the building but alas it's not in my unit.
My home office is in the den where I have one ethernet jack. Connected to the jack is my airport extreme (dual band, 7.5.1 software). The second jack is located in the living room where I have my Time Capsule connected. I have it set this way because the wireless signal from the den does not extend well into the living room.
Basically I have two jacks, a TC and an AE and I'd like to create a roaming network. Both of them are set to bridge mode with the same SSID, WPA2 security, same password, etc. When I open airport utility on my main computer I can see both the AE and TC which is good because I have files I need to access for work on the TC. The problem I have is some of the wireless devices will not get an internet connection but instead get the self assigned IP address. My iPhone and iPad work all the time as well as the xbox and PS3 that are hardwired into the TC. Macbook laptop only connects about 1 out of every 4 times and other guests with iPhones have been getting the self assigned IP too. It's confusing because sometimes the devices connect flawlessly and sometimes they don't.
Sorry for the long-winded post but this situation has been very irritating for a couple months so I thought I'd finally seek answers here. I guess my basic question is what is the proper setup for an AE and a TC roaming network using two different ethernet jacks with no modem in my unit?

Welcome to the discussion area, Junkcanoe!
I don't have a setup like yours, but might be able to offer some assistance.
Basically I have two jacks, a TC and an AE and I'd like to create a roaming network. Both of them are set to bridge mode with the same SSID, WPA2 security, same password, etc.
This would be the normal way to set up a roaming network, but the wild card here is that we don't know anything about how the main router that supplies the ethernet connections (valid IP addresses) to the condos might be configured.
For example, most apartments, hotels, etc that provide ethernet jacks usually limit the number of devices that can connect to each jack. Hotels tend to limit this to one or two devices. I counted six devices that you say will work properly plus a few more. Since you have two separate ethernet jacks, you may be looking at a situation where each jack is allocated a total of 4 devices, or valid IP addresses.
The bottom line here is that we won't be able to make much progress until we know more how the main router there has been configured. Is it possible for you to ask the complex manager (who will probably need to ask the IT guy) how many devices are allowed to connect per ethernet jack? Another way to ask the same question is how may valid IP addresses will each ethernet jack allow?
If you can, could I ask you to perform an experiment? Rather than have both the AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule each connect to a separate ethernet jack, can you temporarily move one device near the other and connect them together using an ethernet cable? (Or, use a long ethernet cable if you don't want to move either device) LAN <-> port on one to LAN <-> port on the other. In other words, you'll only be using one of the ethernet ports in the condo for this experiment.
Any difference in performance or number of devices allowed to connect?
Message was edited by: Bob Timmons

Roaming network without effect

Hi guys
¨¨
I need some help. I have 2 airport extremes (A1143, one of them is 1 gen and the other is 2 gen) and have made a roaming network in my 120 m^2 appartment, but i dont really feel a difference !
in the utility on my imac i have same ssid name, same password, same protection and same channel settings (set as automatic as apple recommend)
One of them is DHCP distributor and the other is in bridge mode, I know that.
They are separated form each other at 7-8 meters. I have tried to turn my network down and turn it on again, no really effect.
I can however see that my wireless devices are connecting to the router with bridge mode when that is nearest and same with the other router.
Still its not ok. What is the problem ?
The 2 routers are not placed near metallic surfaces or anything.
I suspect that maybe my wireless phone are disturbing the network. The situation is that my wireless phone is situated in the same room as my router with bridge mode but there is only interference when the phone is calling and ringning ? or also when its in stand-by and not ringing ??
Thanks in advance

I must be the only guy in the world to have a set up like this. The Ethernet in our building, of course carries the internet signal all over the building to not only other Airport Extremes but to computers (mostly PC's) that are hardwire connected to the internet and to our local ethernet network via that ethernet cable.
When I ran the cat five cable from the Quest modem to the WAN port on the first Airport Extreme and then ran the Ethernet cable that supplies the whole building via various routers "patch panels" and "switcher" etc. out of that same Airport Extreme LAN port it didn't work. There was no Internet signal to the hardwire ethernet network throughout the building.
Before that supply cable (supplying the whole building and AE's with the internet) was hooked directly up to the Quest modem and now that it's back in place I (on my lone MAC in the building) have internet back again via the hardwired ethernet.
Why could I not use the AE LAN port to supply hard wired ethernet to the rest of the building? Why must that wire, apparently, be connected directly to the Quest modem? That same modem has four "out" ports. One supplies the whole building with said ethernet (which I temporarily disconnected to hook into the AE LAN port, hoping that the Internet signal would go from Quest modem to AE#1 WAN port, THROUGH that AE#1 and out to the rest of the building via the AE#1 LAN port, but that doesn't seem to work)
What am I missing?
I've got internet to the whole building: hardwired via the ethernet and wireless if one is willing to start up at each new location with a restart as described above, but roaming. Nope.

HT4260 setting up extended roaming network

I have an Airport Extreme and a new Time Machine. Because of the logistics of my house, the Airport Extreme base station must be the primary connection. When I go to set up Connection Sharing on it I get a conflict message stating that the IP address conflicts with that of the base station and the network does not work.
If both the A.E. base station and the Time Machine are set to Off (Bridge Mode) the network works fine.
I do not know how to configure an IP. Can the network function as it is (both devices set to Bridge Mode) or must I change the IP for the base station?
(computers connected --- Older Mac Pro (no wireless or bluetooth --- connected via ethernet cable) plus two iMacs and a MacBook and phones connected wirelessly)
thanks
Ron

hi
The situation described sounds a lot like the setup I have been thinking about for my home.
I have been reading the forums and apple's articles about the roaming network - this seems clearly the way to go if you can have the cabling, and you need more than one Airport basestation for better coverage and/or airtunes speakers.
However, in my home, I do not want the airport extreme to be providing the dhcp services.
The reason is that in this case (as I understand HT4260) I need two LAN cables to the primary airport extreme (=AE1) - one from the adsl-Modem+router to the AE1, and another cable from this AE1 back to the switch. From that switch I can reach the other Airport Extreme and Airport Express via the LAN cables. But, I don't have two cables available from a reasonable location where the AE1 can be placed with some useful coverage. I can set it up as described, but then the AE1 is stuck away in a closet with lots of concrete around it in a place where I don't really need coverage - wasting one AE1.
So... what I would like to do is the following:
-           phone line with adsl
\ and = cat 5/6 LAN cable
------ ADSL+router ============= (wan) AE1      (create the same network; internet as bridged)
         (runs DHCP)
               \       \============== (wan) AE2       (create the same network; internet as bridged)
                 \================= (wan) AX3       (create the same network; internet as bridged - add the speakers)
          add more as needed
and Optionally:                                AX4               (extend - so wirelessly - the same network; internet bridged - add the speakers)
My questions:
a) Would this create a good roaming network?
b) Would this create a good roaming network on both the 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz - assuming AE and AX are both the latest models?
c) Would the optional AX4 - which is not wired to the main switch - be able to extend this network - just so that I can get the music in the room I like - actually outside on the terras; of course in parallel to the other AE/AX at the same time?
d) Would this wireless extension slow down any of the other connections? Or only the clients of AX3 (as an example) to which AX4 connects wirelessly?
I am trying to get some feedback before buying one or more AE or AX to replace/extend my old 1st gen n model Airport Xpress.
Which leads me also to:
e) will the 1st-gen-n A xpress work nicely with n-speeds on the 2.4 band together with all the other ones?
     Obviously I would loose my 5Ghz network and guest-networks in the area covered by this older AX?
     (I very likely use this older as my "AX4" in the example above.
Thanks for your help!
Robert

Roaming Network - Channel Question

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