Roaming Network Problem

Hi everybody
In my home I have setup a roaming network using the following base stations:
AirPort Extreme connected to modem over ethernet - creates a wireless network
AirPort Express 1 connected to AirPort Extreme over ethernet - creates the same wireless network
AirPort Express 2 is set to "Join a wireless network" for AirTunes
Everything works fine except one thing: I want to place the AirPort Extreme in a different room. I have an ethernet cable that links the room of the modem an the new location for the Extreme. Now the problem is that I have no more possibility to connect Express 1 to Extreme using ethernet. I could connect Express 1 to the modem instead to the Extreme, but this is not the correct setup for a roaming network, right?
Has anybody a solution for this? Thanks in advance..

If you forget about AirPort Express 2 for now.....
You cannot have a "roaming" configuration unless the AirPort Extreme is connected to the modem by Ethernet and AirPort Express 1 is connected to the AirPort Extreme by Ethernet.
If you cannot connect AirPort Express 1 to the AirPort Extreme with an Ethernet cable, you could connect using a pair of Ethernet power line adapters.
If that is not possible, then you have no other option except to connect AirPort Express 1 to the AirPort Extreme using wireless only in an "extend a wireless network" setup. This will not be a "roaming" network, of course.

Similar Messages

HT4260 Creating roaming network problem?

HI
I tried to create roaming network at home with help of that article. I just bought new airport extreme for basestation to first floor and new airport express to 2nd floor. I´m planning to connect them with ethernet.
I´m using Mountain Lion on my mac and airport utility 6.1 . I noticed that I don´t have all the option needed to configure roaming network with that new airport utility?
Can some give me working instructions how to create roaming network with those tools?
Thx, Jukka

Sorry - I am a Windows guy and didn't read your post completely - and yes Apple does want you to use this version - but as I understand it, it can be used to set up a basic roaming network - but I don't have Mountain Lion so I can't advise you - however an alternative would be to use someone else's computer with 5.6.1 to set up your network (by the way you could even use a Windows computer) - but I can say from experience that once you set it up, you will be very happy with it - I have an office with 8 Extremes and 2 Expresses on 2 T1 lines and they work great - I would also suggest that you contact Apple and tell them what you think - maybe if enough people complain that it is broken, they will fix it - and again I am sorry about the mix-up - all the different versions and compatibility make it very confusing - many of the gurus feel the same way and suggest some of the things I mention - and you could re-word your question and post it again (this time I won't jump in) and maybe one of the gurus will answer.- anyway good luck - I was only trying to help

Airport Extreme network performance problems - roaming network help!!

Hi! I have the following setup: ADSL2 Router (about 18Mbps down and 1.5Mbps up - tested by connecting laptop directly to modem), connected to Time capsule set up to "create network" in "bridge mode" 802.11n 2.4GHz. My desktop is connected directly to the Time Capsule - download speed is OK, upload speed is a mere fraction of what it is supposed to be, sometimes a mere 50Kbps. In the next room (about 5 meters and 2 walls away) speed on the wireless network drops to about a tenth of wha I get at the modem and I can not reliably use my apple TV in that same room as the bandwidth does not seem to cut it. I have an extra Airport Extreme base station but I can not seem to set it up to make the situation any better. If I set it up wireless to "extend the network" the speeds just drop further. If I try to set it up as a roaming network linking it directly to the time capsule via an ethernet cable as per the instructions from Apple, I would need to set the Time Capsule to be "distributing a public IP address", however whenever I try do this I just get a NAT error message saying I should switch to bridge mode (I have tried to change the subnet IP range, etc without any luck). If I switch to bridge mode and connect the airport extreme (also in bridge mode) I just get a network that is frozen . . . I am tearing my hair out : (( Is there a way to connect both the Time Capsule and the Airport Extreme to the modem/router to cast the same wifi network?? Or can I connect them to each other in bridge mode somehow?? Any suggestions will be much appreciated! Thanks

It would be a good idea to "hard reset" the "remote" AirPort Extreme (AEBS) to clear out any old and possibly conflicting settings. Hold in the reset button for 10-12 seconds. You'll see the amber light begin to blink more quickly during this process, just be sure to hold for the full 10-12 seconds and then release the reset button.
Check that the ethernet connection is from one of the LAN <-> ports on your "main" AEBS to the WAN (circle of dots icon) on the "remote" AEBS.
Open AirPort Utility and click Manual Setup
Click the Base Station tab located below the row of icons to assign a name for this AEBS, device password and adjust Time Zone settings
Click the Wireless tab
Wireless Mode = Create a wireless network
Wireless Network Name = Exact same name as your "main" AEBS wireless network
No check mark needed next to "Allow this network to be extended"
Radio Mode = Automatic
Radio Channel = Automatic
Wireless Security = Exact same setting as your "main" AEBS. Should be WPA2 Personal
Wireless Password = Same password as your "main" AEBS
Confirm Password
Click the Internet icon
Connect Using = Ethernet
Connection Sharing = Off (Bridge Mode)
Click Update to save settings and let the AEBS restart
Then, power down the entire network...all devices...order is not important
Start the modem first and let it run a moment
Start the next device attached to the modem the same way
Keep starting devices one at a time until the network is back up
You should be good to go.
Message was edited by: Bob Timmons

In a Roaming Network, Does the Primary Base Station have to be the only hub, or can spokes come out of an Extended Base Station?

I live in the basement of an old, brick building, in one of 5 apartments, for the building's staff. I have an older Airport Extreme and Express setup that's working for me in my unit, connect to a Comcast Ubee cable modem. The rest of the basement shares a DSL connection through a wired network that includes three routers. I've been asked to build a network that the rest of the staff can share, using my cable connection and any new hardware required. Since ethernet cable is already in place for the legacy DSL network, I'd like to re-use it with new base stations and Airport Expresses, just swapping out the old gear. But the Roaming Network setup instructions show all spokes coming out of the Primary Base Station. This does not match my situation, where my cable modem is in a different apartment from the hub of the old network.
My thought was to get two new Airport Extremes and wire one to my modem, replacing my old AE, and then place the other in my neighbor's apartment, connected by a new ethernet cable. His Extended Base Station would be where all the legacy ethernet cables terminate. I would plug them into the new, Extended Base Station on his end, and put Airport Expresses on the other ends, so each apartment (and the staff room) would have its own wired router.
Will this configuration work? If not, can anyone suggest a better way? I'm an Apple products user but some of the other guys use Windows. My understanding is that this shouldn't be a problem.

What I mean is that ethernet can be wired through switches.. (or bridged routers which are switches).
So you have
Router----Switch--Client
.      .      .   |
.      .      .Switch--Client
.      .      . |
.      .      . Switch--Client
The correct way to do this is
Router----Client
.      |
.    Client
.      |
.     Client
etc.. all clients are ethernet connected back to the router.. no switches. That means loads of ethernet.. one for every client run all the way back to a central area.
What you are proposing is to run switches (bridged routers).. so you are using each ethernet link to connect more than one computer. This is wrong from a purists point of view.
Sorry for the ASCII art work.. but I hope it makes sense.
You do not need fancy gear to make this all work.. what you do need is a main controlling router.
You cannot have two routers.. so you cannot put a switch between the cable modem and use two router. You have cable modem---ROUTER.
That single router must therefore do all the work... part of that work is to provide some way to control usage.. so everyone gets a fair share.. and keep an eye on quotas.. sadly you cannot do both with any cheap routers I know of.. what I propose you do is WNDR3800 flashed to gargoyle firmware.. this is key.. this firmware will be able to track usage and allow each user a fixed amount of your bandwidth.. upload in particular.. as even with high speed on your download you still do not have upload of the same capacity.
As far as end users are concerned they do not need fancy equipment.. they just need a wireless router. So they can get connection by ethernet or wireless.
Talk to me directly if you need more help..email is here.
https://sites.google.com/site/lapastenague/a-deconstruction-of-routers-and-modem s
my email is also in the profile. But I use the gmail more.

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.

Is there a known conflict between an extreme g base station and express n in a roaming network?

I have an extreme g base station connected to a cable modem, an express g connected to a linksys switch via ethernet, and an express n connected to the same switch via Ethernet. The switch is connected to the extreme g base station by Ethernet as well. They are all set up to be a roaming network with 128 bit WEP security. I made two changes to the network recently. I went from a WDS setup with the extreme g and express g, which was generally stable but slow, to the roaming setup above, and I added the express n. Now something is causing the network to loose connectivity at least once a day, requiring a restart of the extreme g. My hunch is the express n is causing problems for the older g units.
Does anyone know if this is a known problem and if there is a solution?
Thanks.

For what its worth.....
I have mixed older "b/g" and newer "n" devices in "extended" and "roaming" networks for years, and have never experienced any issues with this type of setup.
As a Community Support "regular", I can say that I cannot recall having seen the type of issue that you have described, but other users may comment with different opinions.

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?

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 Extreme to Express

I am trying to set up a roaming network using a powerline ethernet connection from my Extreme base station to a 2nd Gen Express.
I have no problem extending wirelessly but I want to have a wired connection.
My airport utility is version 6.3.2 and the interface is different to the interface shown here and I can't figure out how to do it. Any help appreciated thanks.

The interface is slightly differnet but the same rules apply.
On your Express unit, choose these settings
1. Under the "Wireless" tab, choose "Create a wireless network" and then put the exact name of your main base station, same security and same passwords.
2. Under the "Network" tab, choose "Off (Bridge Mode)
3. Under the "Internet" tab, choose DHCP
That should do it.
Let us know if it works for you.

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.

Airport - Roaming Network

Hi everyone,
I've set up a roaming network using a brand new Airport Extreme as my main wireless network and then a 2nd Generation Airport Express to extend this network via Ethernet.
I created the network by first creating my main network on my Airport Extreme and then factory resetting my Airport Express and switching it on and then letting Airport Utility detect and decide to 'EXTEND my network via Ethernet'.. Airport Utility configured this all automatically...
My Airport Extreme is upstairs and my Airport Express is Downstairs.
My Network Printer is also Upstairs.
Now as far as devices go they comfortably switch from upstairs to downstairs no problem, so the roaming network is working as it should.. .. But when I bring a device (iPad or iPhone) downstairs and try to print to the network printer, the printer can't be found on the network. As soon as I bring the device upstairs to print it finds the printer..
Now I'm not yet 100% sure if the device itself is problematic or if it's actually the network because in one instance, one device actually did find the printer but maybe this is because it was still connected to the upstairs network.
Anyway.. What I want to know is, how does a network printer tie in to or be 'related' a roaming network? Is it just the fact that the roaming network has the same SSID, Password and Security type and bridge mode? Is there anything else that my device (iPhone) is looking for when looking for a network printer?
As I try to troubleshoot I noticed that Airport Express which is the extension in Airport Utility in the NETWORK MODE tab, it has 'Create a Wireless Network' as the type.. Shouldn't this be 'Extend a wireless network'?
-Frankie

As I try to troubleshoot I noticed that Airport Express which is the extension in Airport Utility in the NETWORK MODE tab, it has 'Create a Wireless Network' as the type.. Shouldn't this be 'Extend a wireless network'?
No, it is correctly setup as create a wireless network.. but it might well work better in extend.. slower but better.. it might be worth a try if this is an issue for you.
Disconnect the ethernet connection and then try using the setup by extend wireless.
Why is this failing??
It is hard to answer but I think apple is falling down in keeping their networking quality up to date. The simple fact is.. they are overreaching trying to do too much hairy stuff with peer to peer video transfers.. for example.. and forgetting the basics.
Fundamental local DNS and routing is not working as well as it should.
The idevices have always had roaming issues.. whereas the OS X products have handled it well.. this suggests that the problem may not be the airport but rather the iOS ability to locate network resources.
There is very little however I can suggest to fix it.. since airprint is unique apple protocol.. to get around the problem you would need to use specific iOS apps that supply printing outside of apple method.. there is a number of these and it may be worth seeing if your particular printer has some method of printing apart from airprint.

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).

Sky Hub (SR101) configured to roaming network on Airport Extreme?

Hi,
Im trying to find out if it is possible to connect a Sky SR101 Hub to a Airport Extreme to create a roaming network with 3 Airport Extremes?
If so is the procedure of connecting it as follows:
1. Sky Hub ethernet port connected to WAN port of 1st Airport Extreme
2. Ethernet Cable from the 1st Airport LAN port to the WAN port of 2nd Airport (in another room)
3. Ethernet Cable from the 2nd Airport LAN port to the WAN port of 3rd Airport (in another room)
What is the best way for the DHCP?
Do I set the 1st Airport that is connected to the Sky Hub do the DHCP and turn the Sky Hub wireless and DHCP off?
I am a bit confused when it comes to the DHCP side.
Thanks for your help in advance.

The Sky SR101 is a modem/router that provides both DHCP and NAT service.
So, in a "roaming network" configuration, each one of the AirPort Extremes would be configured to "create a wireless network" using the exact same wireless network name, same security setting and same wireless password as the Sky modem/router. Each AirPort must also be configured to operate in Bridge Mode.
Here, I am assuming that the Sky SR101 will be creating a wireless signal. Optionally, you could turn off the wireless on the Sky modem/router and use it only as a wired router if you prefer. In this case, the 3 AirPorts would be providing your wireless network.
1. Sky Hub ethernet port connected to WAN port of 1st Airport Extreme
2. Ethernet Cable from the 1st Airport LAN port to the WAN port of 2nd Airport (in another room)
3. Ethernet Cable from the 2nd Airport LAN port to the WAN port of 3rd Airport (in another room)
This will work, but better wiring practice.....if possible.....would be to connect each AirPort directly back to one of the Ethernet LAN <-> ports on the Sky modem/router. This is called "home run" wiring.
The reason for this is that your proposed setup makes use of what is known as a "daisy chain" configuration.
While the "daisy chain" type of setup will work....if everything is working.....let's say that you configure the network as proposed in 1), 2), and 3) above.
If the 1st AirPort Exteme has a problem, it will take out AirPort Extreme 2 and AirPort Extreme 3 as well. Or, if AirPort Exteme 2 has a problem, it will take out AirPort Extreme 3 as well.
With the suggested method of connecting each AirPort directly to the Sky modem/router in a "home run" wiring configuration, you might have a future problem develop with any given AirPort, but this will not affect the operation of the other AirPorts.
As far as DHCP and NAT service, it might be possible to configure the Sky SR101 to operate only as a modem with DHCP and NAT functions disabled.
But, even if you can do this, your service provider may not support this type of setup, so you would want to check with Sky first to see 1) If this is possible, 2) How to do it, and 3) Verify that they will support that type of configuration.
If you decide to go this route, then AirPort Extreme 1 would be configured to provide DHCP and NAT service. AirPort Exteme 2 and AirPort Extreme 3 would still both be configured in Bridge Mode. In this case, you would connect AirPort Exteme 2 and AirPort Extreme 3 directly to AirPort Extreme 1.

Can't Connect to "Roaming" Network

I have set up a new Airport "roaming"network. I have an Airport Extreme as the primary wireless router attached to the Internet. The Extreme is attached via ethernet cable to an Airport Express. I believe everything is set up according to Apple's instructions.
When I have both devices on, their status lights are green. However, if a device (iPhone, PC) is near the Express, it is asked to join the network and I have to re-enter the password. It will never connect.
If I take that same device and get near to the Extreme, it will connect, no problem.
Also, if I unplug, the Express, everything is OK (except my wireless coverage is not good enough in the house).
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Let's double-check your roaming network configuration just to be sure nothing was missed.
Roaming Network Setup
Ref: See page 42 of the Apple AirPort Networks guide.
Setup the AirPort connected to the Internet to "Share a public IP address." Internet > Internet Connection > Connection Sharing: Share a public IP address
Setup the remaining AirPorts, as bridges. Internet > Internet Connection > Connection Sharing: Off (Bridge Mode) For each AEBSn in the roaming network:
For each base station:
Connect to the same subnet of the Ethernet network.
Provide a unique Base Station Name.
The Network Name (SSID) should be identical.
If using security, use the same security type (WEP, WPA, etc.) and password. Note: It is highly recommended that you use WPA2 Personal for best bandwidth performance.
Make sure that the channel is set at least three channels apart from the next base station to prevent Wi-Fi interference.

Large Apple Network Problems

Hi,
I manage a large house hold which currently has 10 connected Airport Expresses/Extremes creating a roaming network throughout the household.
Each setup with the same network name and security settings.
One problem we come across is when performing particular activites such as streaming or even printing, something that requires a constant connection. The activity is interupted and sometimes stops (i.e. printing stops halfway through).
I'm assuming this is where devices are latching on to other routers.
This can happen when :
When moving from room to room (mobile devices - laptops)
When a device is in a fixed location (printers / mac pro's)
What can I do to prevent this situation/ What are the best practices?
Many Thanks

to clarify, streaming is interrupted just randomly? i assume you're not moving the streaming setup, right? because if you're streaming on a laptop and you start walking around the home, you will get blips as it loses one signal and catches another.
if you're streaming on an appletv to a tv (all items are fixed), then the streaming should be stable unless someone else starts a really network intensive task
computers are much better than iOS about refreshing onto the strongest signal; you'll have more issues with iOS devices that grab a signal at one part of the house and as you walk away, they will not keep refreshing for another signal until that prior signal is lost - to fix this, you should have users turn wifi on/off when they are in the new location to make sure the iOS clients is immediately connecting to the best signal
you could also be introducing too much wifi overhead depending upon how many airports are extending wirelessly, it actually makes the wifi worse, from apple
In the case of a wirelessly extended network, throughput may be reduced to less than 60 percent of that of a single device.
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4145

Roaming Network Problem

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