Setup and connections for 3 airport extremes and 2 switches?

I'm finally getting ethernet wiring in my house rather having to rely on just wireless, but due to the lath and plaster walls I'll still end up having a separate Airport Extreme 802.11ac unit on each floor, otherwise the signal drops off dramatically with dead spots. I'm assuming that I should no longer do an extended network between the airport extremes, but I'm not sure of the proper wiring between the ethernet switches I'll have, the airport extremes, etc. either. Here's the gear...
2nd floor
cable modem
8 port ethernet switch
main airport extreme, should provide DHCP and NAT
cable modem plugs into the main switch
airport extreme plugs into the main switch
1st floor
airport extreme
there will be an ethernet cable from the basement ethernet switch to the 1st floor unit, which is the only feasible hardwire connection that I can make unless I pull a second long run of ethernet from the second floor, go to the basement and then back over to the first floor connection spot.
Basement
airport extreme
second 8 port ethernet switch
there will be an ethernet cable running from the 2nd floor ethernet switch to the basement switch
There are also additional airport express boxes attached to audio equipment and an AppleTV attached to an AV receiver for TV. Various printers, game consoles, etc. will plug into the ethernet switches.
As described above, all connections are going to the switches, not coming out of the main airport extreme and going to another airport extreme.
First of all, is the wiring described make sense or should it be handled differently?
Secondly, rather than an extended network, since I'll have hardwire ethernet connections between switches to all of the airports, what is the proper network topology to use in the airport utility? Does each of the three airports end up being their own wireless network, but just sharing the same name for 802.11 b/g, n, and ac? Any links to help me figure this out or do I need to make an Apple genius appointment?

2nd floor
cable modem
8 port ethernet switch
main airport extreme, should provide DHCP and NAT
cable modem plugs into the main switch
airport extreme plugs into the main switch
What is the make and model number of the modem?
If it is a simple modem....(not a modem/router or gateway device)....you cannot have an Ethernet switch between the simple modem and the AirPort Extreme.
Instead, the modem must connect to the AirPort Extreme, and the Ethernet switch then connects to the AirPort Extreme.
However, if your "modem" is a modem/router or gateway device.....you could connect the Ethernet switch to the modem/router......but you would not configure the AirPort Extreme to provide DHCP and NAT.....since the modem/router or gateway would already be providing those services.
Let's get this clarified before we go any further, since the entire network will depend on this.

Similar Messages

I have my Time Machine on an external drive (not connected to Airport Extreme) and I have an external HD attached to airport extreme. Is it possible to have Time Machine backUp computer HD AND external HD connected to Airport Extreme. How?

I have my Time Machine on an external drive (not connected to Airport Extreme) and I have an external HD attached to airport extreme. Is it possible to have Time Machine backUp computer HD AND external HD connected to Airport Extreme. How?

Is it possible to have Time Machine backUp computer HD AND external HD connected to Airport Extreme.
Sorry, but no.
Time Machine will backup your Mac, but not the hard drive attached to the AirPort Extreme.
Time Machine will back up a hard drive only if it is attached directly to your Mac via USB or FireWire.

Apple TV often drops connection with AirPort Extreme and Express stations

Here's my setup:
- Mac Pro in basement office connected to AirPort Extreme (802.11n) station via Ethernet
- AirPort Extreme station running WPA/WPA2 security and 802.11n (b/g compatible)
- AirPort Express station across basement room connected to stereo expressly for AirTunes purposes
- Apple TV and MacBook Pro on house ground floor, both connecting to the network via WiFi
(unless specified, the software and firmware in my devices is all extremely up to date. I write about Apple news for a living so I know when the updates land and install all of them almost immediately)
Here's what's going wrong:
Since I have one of the first gen Apple TVs with a 40GB hard drive but a 100GB iTunes library, I use streaming almost 100% of the time. The Apple TV can usually connect to my iTunes library for streaming via WiFi, but if the AirPort Express (a b/g device, mind you) is active on the network, the Apple TV and even my MacBook Pro get booted off the network usually between 12-24 hours, if not 48. Sometimes WiFi seems to work itself out and I can get the MacBook Pro back online, sometimes it even needs a full restart, as Mac OS X will start giving me nothing but "there was an error trying to join this network" warnings. Just as frustrating though, the Apple TV getting booted off means I need go through the whole tedious process of connecting it to WiFi again (it doesn't remember the password for some stupid reason), and then manually surfing again through the Sources list just to get back to streaming my media.
What the heck is going on? Is it the kind of security I'm running? Should I try WEP or... none at all? I would try "downgrading" the Extreme station's network type to only b/g (excluding n entirely), but I don't see that option in the radio settings anymore; it's all just flavors 802.11n now. When I set up the AirPort Express to connect to the network just for AirTunes streaming to the stereo, I used the setup wizard that the AirPort Utility provides. Should I attach it a different way? Perhaps manually set it to "participate in a WDS network" or "extend a wireless network?"
Any thoughts or similar experiences are very, very appreciated. My wife and I love this setup, but its unreliability is really getting on my nerves. Thanks in advance.
Message was edited by: bedoughty

Firstly, the easiest bit (although I don't believe you need to do this):
I would try "downgrading" the Extreme station's network type to only b/g (excluding n entirely), but I don't see that option in the radio settings anymore
You will get additional settings if you hold down the option key while browsing the radio settings drop down menu.
Moving on: Unfortunately a dropped connections seems to be a problem with umpteen causes and not only is it difficult to troubleshoot with someone in a forum it can also be made even more difficult because many problems are associated with network settings on a router that the person who is trying to help is unfamiliar with.
However you seem to be convinced your problems arise when your express is running which may narrow things down a little if correct, if not it may actually lead us away from the answer to your issue.
Is it the kind of security I'm running? Should I try WEP or... none at all?
I use WPA and have no problems (password = 8 Characters)
Should I attach it a different way? Perhaps manually set it to "participate in a WDS network" or "extend a wireless network?
I have my expresses set to participate in a WDS network, but that's because I use them for other things other than itunes, I would have thought 'join a network' would be fine.
You could check that all your devices are using independent IP addresses and all are using the same subnet. You could also check that no two devices have the same mac address, I've been told a million times this can't happen, but I've seen it. You may be wise to check these things before and after your devices have been 'kicked off the network", you may even want to write them down to see if any are changing.

Help! No internet connection for airport extreme - any suggestions?

Help! I am currently (successfully) using an airport express for wifi - but I'm having a lot of trouble upgrading to a new airport extreme. As instructed, I've powered down my cable modem before turning on the extreme, but after I'm done with the set up - it tells me I don't have internet access. When I unplug the extreme and turn the Express unit back on I've got service with no problem. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Anytime you change networking hardware, it is always a good idea to perform a complete power recycle of your networking components.
I would recommend that you do the following as a minimum:
Power-down the modem, AirPort base station, and computer(s).
Disconnect the AirPort base station from the Internet broadband modem.
While all of the devices are powered-down, perform a "factory default" reset on the base station. This will get it back to its "out-of-the-box" configuration and make setting it up much easier, especially if you use the "Assist me" process within the AirPort Utility. (ref: Resetting an AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule)
After the base station resets, go ahead and power it back down.
Reconnect the AirPort base station to the Internet broadband modem. For the Extreme and Time Capsule, be sure to connect the cable to the base station's WAN (circle-of-dots) port.
Power-up the modem; wait at least 10-15 minutes to allow it adequate time to initialize.
Power-up the AirPort base station; wait at least 5-10 minutes. Note: The AirPort's status light may continue to flash amber after it has intialized. That is because, there may be some additional configuration items necessary, like setting up wireless security, before the overall setup is completed to get a green status.
Power-up your computer(s).
In this basic configuration, the AirPort base station will broadcast an unsecured wireless network with a Network Name (SSID) of Apple Network NNNNNN. Network clients, connected to the base station either by wire or wireless, should now be able to access the Internet through the ISP's modem. Once Internet connectivity has been verified, you can use the AirPort Utility to configure the base station for wireless security and any other desired options. Please post back your results.

Configuration for Airport Extreme and Linksys SD2008 Switch

Does anyone have any experience using the Airport Extreme with a switch? Does DHCP need to be turned off or are there any other tricks to configure? I will be using this for my office PC's (Vista, and XP2).
Thanks.

Connecting a switch should have nothing to do with the decision to use DHCP or not. An Ethernet switch is smarter than a hub but it does not do IP address assignment like a router.

Macbook Air/Pro difficult to connect to Airport Extreme and external disk

For some unclear reason my MacBook Pro and Air both have difficulty connecting to the Airport Extreme external disk after waking up from sleep. I can't even see the AE in the Airport utility. If I toggle wifi on/off several times it shows up and works. What is odd is that I can always connect with my PC and on the Bootcamp partition of the Macbook Air in Windows 8.1. I'm using OS 10.10, the most recent update and have a latest model AE running updated firmware. Any ideas?

Probably Yosemite issues. I have issues seeing Airports as well. Like you toggling the wifi fixes it. Hopefully 10.10.2 will solve the problem.

Parallels with Windows XP and connecting to Airport Extreme Wifi

I would like to be able to go on the web on the Parallels side of my MacBookPro but can't seem to do it. Does anyone know the workflow in Parallels/Windows XP to connect that side of my laptop to my Wifi connection? I've tried Network Connections > Create New Connection, but it doesn't work. I also tried Control Panels > Wireless Network Setup, which allows me to select the name of my Airport Extreme to add a new computer to the network. However, when I click Next, I get Use a USB flash drive or Set up a network manually. It still doesn't let me connect the Windows side to the Internet via the Wifi connection, and I don't think the Wifi connection is working on that side. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Karen

P.S. Under Network Connections > Details, it says
Local Area Connection
LAN or High-Speed Internet
Connected
Parallels Network Adapter
IP Address:
(address shown)
Subnet Mark: (shown)
Automatic Private Address
When I go to Internet Explorer, it says I'm not connected. ???

Macbook taking awhile to see and connect to Airport Extreme

Hi yes, this might be a simple fix as I'm doing all the software updates right now. This has been going on for a little while and I'm just curious to know why when I open the Macbook from sleep, it takes a good 15-20 seconds to pop-up that it has connected to the Airport Extreme. My brother stopped by the other night with his Macbook Pro and had no problems. His connected in about 1-2 seconds after opening his up. He said his seemed to be browsing the net fine while I can feel myself age as I browse the net on my Macbook. The Macbook is the 13" 2Ghz Intel Core Duo, not the 2, model. If anyone has any fixes for this, or know or have had this problem, please forward along any info. I appreciate your time and look forward to hearing from you.
-Al

Yes and no.
The MacBook Pro's case is metal where the cases of the MacBooks are polycarbonate.
Since metal attenuates RF frequencies, MacBook Pros (and before then PowerBooks) have always had slightly worse AirPort performance than MacBooks (and before that iBooks.)
However the difference should not be so great as to prevent you from getting onto your local network unless it's a very weak signal to begin with.

External HDs connected to Airport Extreme and Imovie / Iphoto issues

I recently purchased a WD mac edition "my book" hardrive in order to store all my imovie, iphoto and itunes files externally. I connected the hard drive to my airport extreme base station but was unable to move my imovie files to the hard drive. Instead I received some derivation of the following message - "volume not compatible." After being transferred to a number of different people at apple support, I was finally told that the imovie, iphoto etc... are not compatible with hard drives that are connected wirelessly. I cannot believe that this is the case (presumably imovie files can be saved on timecapsule). I would be most grateful if someone could help me out here.

I was finally told that the imovie, iphoto etc... are not compatible with hard drives that are connected wirelessly. I cannot believe that this is the case
Nor can I. Files are files, some are bigger than others but to a hard disk, they're all the same.
I would presume that you don't get this message when connecting your My Book directly to the computer's USB port?
Apple Support simply couldn't have understood you correctly. I wouldn't expect to use iMovie or iPhoto to manipulate remotely stored files, but merely copying them for archival purposes is a completely legitimate use for the external HD.
This makes no sense. Perhaps you could post your question in an iLife forum.

Moving iTunes Lib over to external hd connected to airport extreme and listening

Hey hows it goin everyone. I know there are a ton of topics already about this topic but I didnt want to go through all of them and I really just want a solution to this so I can get underway. My music collection is very important to me and can not afford to lose it all. I have a western digital hd connected to my airport extreme that I use to back up wirelessly. I want to take my 180 gigs of music and put it on my external and then be able to play/stream it though my itunes library while I am on my home network. Im not sure what to do. I have tried moving my itunes to my external and then changing the file location to the external but it never seems to work. I would really appreciate it someone could help me out step by step wise. Would be really helpful if someone wanted to sign on skype or ichat and talk me through it. Thanks again guys and girls.

Ok so I did exactly what you said. When I go to and play a sony on itunes and I click the get info button is still shows that the file is located under my user and not the external hd. Anyone know where I go from here. Like I said and ichat or skype would be awesome so we dont have to keep going back and forth. I am stumped on this one. Can anyone please help?

Setup Problems with New AirPort Extreme and Dell Desktop XP with ethernet

I have a Dell desktop computer at home with a cisco cable modem connected to Comcast. I am trying to setup a new wireless network using new AirPort extreme so that new iPad can use wireless.
Connections seem to work but when running the AirPort Utility, it doesn't find my base station. The Dell doesn't have wireless. Does the Airport Utility only work via wireless? Or can it work across the ethernet connection?
I'd appreciate anyone's help.
Thanks.

Hello VL Crew. Welcome to the Apple Discussions!
Does the Airport Utility only work via wireless?
No, the AirPort Utility will work whether your computer is connected to the 802.11n AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBSn) by wire or wireless.

Compatible Printers and Model for Airport Extreme

Can some body know wich printers are compatible with airport extreme?

Mr:Sax, Welcome to the discussion area!
iFelix is starting a list.

Help ! - Connection between airport extreme and airport express

I have a home network with an iBook connecting wirelessly to an aiport extreme base station and an iMac connecting through an Airport Express, which has been configured as a relay to the base station (extending its range). The iMac is on the fourth/attic floor of my house; the iBook on the main floor.
The iMac has a printer attached to it; the iBook does not.
I have only intermittently been able to "see" the printer from my iBook and to print to it. Simiarly, i have only been intermittently been able to pull files from the iMac on to the iBook. I have no trouble connecting to the internet with either machine.
Why does the network keep dropping the airport-express-connected imac (and printer)? what can i do? help!

Sounds like an interferance problem to me. Do you have a cordless phone? You can try changing the channel on the AEBS or enable internet robustness.

Lost connection between airport extreme and macbook air when transferring large files

Can anyone help...?
I have an imac and macbook air wirelessly connected to a airpot extreme being used as a router with a hard drive for sharing files accross the network.
It connects ok but when we try and look at a number of large files one after the other, or copy files from the shared hard drive onto the macbook air, the macbook loses wireless connection?
A very strange issue which i cant figure out....
Can anyone help?
Thanks
Shirmy

It could be a wireless interference or strength of wireless signal issue.
What happens when you connect the MacBook Air to the router via an Ethernet connection?

Extended Network using Airport Extreme and TC

Our home is mostly concrete which is not that conducive to a great WiFi signal throughout. Currently I have an Airport Extreme connected to the modem on the main floor, and a TC extending the network on the second floor.
Is this the most ideal set up? Does it make any difference which one is connected to the modem, and which unit is extending the network?
Thanks for the inputs.

The ideal setup would have the AirPort Extreme and TC connecting together using a wired Ethernet connection.
Next best might be a setup using Ethernet powerline adapters to send the Ethernet signal over the existing AC powerlines in your home. The theory here is good, but in practice, things may not work quite as well as the theory suggests. Some users have good luck with this approach, while others....like me.....don't have much success.
Last choice is always a wireless connection. Lots of signal loss this way between the devices and other electronic devices in the home can interfere with the wireless signal. If you opt for wireless, try to estabish a line-of-sight relationship between the AirPort and TC, or as close as possible.

Setup and connections for 3 airport extremes and 2 switches?

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for