Switching to Airport Extreme - Transition Questions

I currently have a wirelss network in my house including 2 old Airport Extremes (802.11 b/g) and an older Airport Express. I want to upgrade to the newer generation Airport Extreme with 802.11n and incorporate the Apple TV. Is it better to start a brand new network from scratch with the new Extreme? Or is there a way for to join my existing network without losing the benefits of the higher transfer rates and larger range?

You can simply add the new AirPort Extreme to your existing network. If it's added wirelessly (as an extender) while you will see improved range, you probaby will not see much improvement in speed.
The best thing to do is to use the new Extreme to replace your existing router (the current device that connects to your ISP device). You can do that as suggested or you can start from scratch.
I would recommend making the new Extreme the only device in your network and starting from scratch. You may not need any of the older generation hardware and simpler is better. If you do need to add any of the older generation hardware, you can add only what you need to extend your network. Again, simpler is better.

Similar Messages

How can I connect to Internet when there is a Gigabyte switch after Airport Extreme?

I have a new Airport Extreme Base station. I have a wired home network set up through out the house. After the Airport Extreme, I have two gigabyte switches. I can connect to the network after the switch, but not the internet. I have also purchased new switches just to make sure this was not the problem. I connected the cable that goes into the switch into my laptop and was able to connect, however after the switch I still cannot connect. Wireless work fine. I need the wired connection for my DirecTv, X-box, Sony Bluray, etc. If it helps I have Comcast with a Motorola SB6120 Modem. Any suggestions as to how I can get connected?

Hi - I have only dealt with one question like this - it was with a different modem but it also had the new hi-speed technology and they were trying to connect the base station like you are with a new gigabit switch - the bad news is that no matter how many resets and reboots and different brand switches and cables were used, it wouldn't work - I told them to contact both the modem and the switch manufacturers but I haven't heard the outcome - maybe one of the gurus will weigh in an fill in the blanks.
Charlie

Using 2 gigabit switches on Airport Extreme N

I'm really trying to work around the 10/100 LAN ports of the AEn and am using a Gigabit switch in order to allow my GigE Mac Pro, Intel Mac Mini, Macbook and ReadyNAS NV connections to each other (thus maxminizing network transfer speeds).
The problem is I have the ReadyNAS in another room (noise) plus needed to run more wired Ethernet to an Xbox 360. In order to save multiple cable runs, this is how I'm set up:
[ Airport Extreme ] in the office
LAN port hooked to Netgear GigE switch
|
|
[Netgear 8 port GigE switch GS108] in the office
ports hooked to:
- Mac Pro
- Intel Mac Mini
- MacBook
- cable through office wall to laundry room, connected to Dlink 5 port GigE switch
|
== wall to laundry room ====
|
[Dlink 5 port GigE DGS-1005D] in laundry room
- ReadyNAS NV
- Another server Dell PC
- Xbox 360 (via cable through another wall to gym)
Questions:
Does this configuration make each GigE capabale device send data to others at GigE speeds (eg. MacPro to ReadyNAS, MacPro to Mac Mini, etc)?
Is there any latency or collisions caused by this configuration? I just seems to me that the ReadyNAS works much slower when hooked to the other switch vs directly to the Linksys switch but I don't have a formal testing program. Note both switches report they are Jumbo frame compatable and all gigE devices are lighting up as GigE on the switches, and all are connected with cat5e cable.
Thanks...
- Steve
MacPro Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Does this configuration make each GigE
capabale device send data to others at GigE speeds
(eg. MacPro to ReadyNAS, MacPro to Mac Mini,
etc)?
Yes, they are all Gigabit, but if you have multiple transfers going on at once, you are limited to the speed of the backplane of the switch.
Is
there any latency or collisions caused by this
configuration?
Prehaps a crossover cable between the switches would help. In the old days you would have had to do that, but the ports are now figuring it out on their own. It might just be more efficent go by a crossover cable (looks just like a ethernet cable but has one of the internal pairs crossed, I think- that's the idea anyway.)
Many, Many. Mac OS X (10.4.9) Full time tech.

Problem connecting switch to Airport Extreme via ethernet

I might not be in the right forum with this question, as it relates to connecting the Airport Extreme in a wired / ethernet configuration. I am okay with the wireless functions. This is the only forum I could find dedicated to Airport issues.
I want to provide Internet via ethernet cable to multiple devices that are 20 feet away from my Airport Extreme. When I connect one of the LAN ports on the Extreme to a NetGear switch, I get no Internet connectivity from any of the other available ports on the switch. I have tested the cables and they are fine, and I do get Internet connectivity if I plug the ethernet cable coming out of one of the LAN ports on the Extreme directly into a device (Bluray player) rather than go through the switch.
My setup is as follows: Modem --> old Netgear FWAG114 wired / wireless router --> AirPort Extreme (wired connection, into the WAN port). My iMac is connected via ethernet to the Extreme, and an HP6500 printer is connected via both ethernet and USB (is that redundant?). I want to connect another available LAN port to the switch on the other side of the room.
A friend suggested that it may be that I need to configure the Extreme to permit multiple IP addresses to be made available through the switch, but I am not tech-savvy enough to understand if that's the issue and, if so, how to accomplish it.
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

I am copying some of the instructions from the NetGear FWAG114 router, which lead me to believe that it is a managed switch:
"LAN IP Address Management
By default, the [NETGEAR] router will function as a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server, providing TCP/IP configuration for all computers connected to the router's LAN.
If another device on your network will be the DHCP server, or if you will manually configure all devices, select the Disable DHCP Server option.
If the DHCP server is located on the Internet side of the router, select the Use External DHCP Server option, and specify the external DHCP IP address.
To use the router as DHCP server (the default option), select Use Router as DHCP Serveroption.
Starting IP Address: This box specifies the first of the contiguous addresses in the IP address pool. 192.168.0.2 is the default start address.
Ending IP Address: This box specifies the last of the contiguous addresses in the IP address pool. 192.168.0.51 is the default ending address."
Should I elect to have the Netgear use an external DHCP Server and let the AEBSn be the DHCP server?

Using a second AirPort Extreme: Many questions

I currently have the older A1143 AirPort Extreme (the first model with "draft N" capability). Have had it since 2007.
I want to get the newer APE model A1408 for better range, speed, and other improvements. This has the "final N" specs.
My questions are:
Can I use the older APE to extend the range of the new APE so that I have better coverage through the house?
Will using the older APE with its "draft N" spec downgrade the quality of the signal with the new APE?
Would I be better off to fork over the money for a new AirPort Express to work as a second router to extend the range of the new APE A1408? Or would the older A1143 Extreme be a better choice as a second router?
Is there a difference between "extending" with a second APE and setting up a Wireless Distribution System? In other words, is "extending" the same thing as setting up a WDS?
If this is a good idea, any general advice on setup?
Sorry for all the questions. Thanks in advance for any help.

Can I use the older APE to extend the range of the new APE so that I have better coverage through the house?
Yes, with the note that your single band AirPort Extreme (AEBS) will only be able to extend one band...probably the 2.4 GHz band...of your dual band AEBS router.
Will using the older APE with its "draft N" spec downgrade the quality of the signal with the new APE?
No, the final "N" specifications adopted were essentially identical to "draft N"
Would I be better off to fork over the money for a new AirPort Express to work as a second router to extend the range of the new APE A1408? Or would the older A1143 Extreme be a better choice as a second router?
There would be no advantage other than possibly some size and space savings using the AirPort Express. In case you want to attach a remote hard drive to the device...you can do this with the AEBS, but not the AirPort Express (AX).
Is there a difference between "extending" with a second APE and setting up a Wireless Distribution System? In other words, is "extending" the same thing as setting up a WDS?
You would definitely want to avoid using the older static WDS system because it only operates in "g" wireless mode...and on top of that, there would be a tremendous bandwidth penalty using this type of setup as well.
If this is a good idea, any general advice on setup?
Remember that the extending device can only "extend" the quality of signal that it receives if you are planning to try to configure things using wireless only. So, location is critical....ideally, you want line-of-sight or as close to that as possible between the "main" AEBS and the "extending" AEBS.
The "best" way to extend a wireless network is to connect the "main" and "extending" AEBS devices using a wired Ethernet cable connection, but that involves some drilling and other probable challenges.

How do I add a hub or switch to Airport Extreme?

Hi gang-
I have the 802.11g Airport Extreme. It has only the one Ethernet-out LAN port, and I'd like to add more ports to expand my wired network. What is the best way to do this? Do I plug in a router or hub or just a simple switch? Any tips on how to configure this?
Thanks!
Dave

I suggest going with an 4-8 port Ethernet switch ... something like the Linksys EZXS55W or any similar model from another vendor. Just connect an Ethernet cable from the AEBS's LAN port to either the Uplink port (if the switch uses one) or any available port on the switch.

Airport extreme on questionable G4...how can I tell if it's been harmed?

Hello,
My nephew has a G4 desktop, 466 MHz processor that he bought an airport card for. The store selling it sold him an extreme card, saying that that was the correct one for his Mac. That was months ago and it's never worked. In fact every time he boots up the Mac with the card installed, he gets a series of flashing icons before seeing the calming gray apple start up screen.
The first flash is of a flashing blue globe icon. It flashes for about 3 times before a file folder flashes with a question mark in it. I think it's the same kind of icon for an OS 9, though my nephew's OS is 10.2.8. The file folder flashes maybe 4 times before the correct apple icon shows up and starts working normally.
I know nothing about airport cards. But I have looked in this apple forum before and have been amazed at how helpful everyone is. I came across some documentation saying that the Extreme card is good for only one kind of G4 - that with a FW 800. I am guessing that nephew's mac does not have FW800 since the processor is not very speedy. And the other posts I've read said that using such a card can harm the computer if it's in the wrong one.
I've taken the actual card out of the Mac and still get the same series of flashing icons. I don't know if my nephew's also bought the adapter that you have to manually install in the computer.
Can someone please advise me on how to stop this series of flashes, and how to determine and fix if necessary any damage done to the computer? The computer has not been used much since my nephew has been unable to connect wirelessly to the internet.
Thank you very much for your help.
Maria
Mac G4 Mac OS X (10.2.x)

lastcall26, Welcome to the discussion area!
...I am guessing that nephew's mac does not have FW800 since the processor is not very speedy...
You are correct. Your nephew's G4 466 MHz is NOT compatible with the AirPort Extreme card. That G4 requires the original AirPort card.
And the other posts I've read said that using such a card can harm the computer if it's in the wrong one.
That is also true.
I don't know if my nephew's also bought the adapter that you have to manually install in the computer.
There is no adapter.
Can someone please advise me on how to stop this series of flashes...
Open the Startup Disk preference pane and ensure that the correct OS X system is selected as the startup folder.
...and how to determine and fix if necessary any damage done to the computer?
(a) Run the tests form the Apple Hardware Test disc that came with that Mac.
(b) Install an original AirPort card and see if it works.

When i plug my network switch into airport extreme it affects my wireless operation

I have a gigabit wired network with a 16 port unmanaged switch. I have a TWC cable modem, connected to the AE Tower. When I plug my wired network into one of the LAN ports on the AE, I can no longer connect to the internet. I have my Extreme set to "Create a wireless network" and it's connected to the router via DHCP and NAT. When I disconnect my wired network, I can once again access the internet.
The switch seems to be operating correctly, I can see and access my other computer when it connected to the router. I can't seem to determine why connecting the wired network causes the loss of internet connectivity.

Temporarily, disconnect the switch.
Restart the AirPort Extreme
Temporarily, turn off the wireless on a laptop and connect the laptop directly to the Ethernet port on the AirPort Extreme. Check to see if you can get a good Internet connection that way.
Then, test the other 2 Ethernet ports on the AirPort Extreme the same way.
What happens?

My devices not automatically switching between Airport Extreme and Airport Express in extended network

I have setup an extended network in my home using an Airport Extreme and an Airport Express. The Extreme is connected directly to the FiOS modem and the Express is being used as the extender. The nework is setup fine, but my devices (MBA, iPhone, iPad) are not switching base stations when the signal becomes poor on the one it's connected to. For example, I am upstairs with my MBA and a great signal as I am connected to the Express. When I move downstairs to where the Extreme is setup, the Wi-Fi connection becomes poor even though I am litterally sitting next to the Extreme. To force it to connect to the Extreme, I need to shutoff the Wi-Fi on the MBA and turn back on. At this point, the MBA will connect to the Extreme with a excellent signal.
Any thoughts on why the MBA is not automatically switching?
Thanks for the help!
Brian

The first troubleshooting step for any kind of network "issue" is a complete power cycle of the network. This gives everything a "fresh start" with new connections.
Power off the entire network.....all devices....in any order you want
Wait a minute or two
Start the modem/router first, and let it run a full minute
Start the AirPort Extreme next and let it run a full minute
Keep starting devices one at a time about a minute apart until the entire network is back up
Check the network again with the MBA and report on your results
Do not worry about the iPhone and iPad....they are pretty much hopeless as far as automatically switching from one access point to another....but the MBA should if it is working correctly.

Adding Two Gigabit Switches to Airport Extreme

I want to add an 8-port D-Link gigabit switch to my brand new Airport Extreme to network my Mac Pro, my iMac and two printers in the office. The MacBook Pro would run wirelessly. Then, I want to add a 5-port switch 100-feet away (and down another floor) to directly wire the Apple TV, the DSS tuner, the blu-ray player and maybe use my older non-n Airport Extreme to radiate in that far away room also. Sound like a plan to you wizards? :--) Or am I nuts. Using gigbit cables.

Nope just get a small ethernet to go from one of the 4 hookups on the AE to go to the switch.

Using a router or switch with Airport Extreme

I currently have an Airport Extreme 5th generation working great for my home network! My ISP Modem (on ground floor "Level-B" of 3 story house including basement) attaches to the Airport Extreme via an ethernet cable into the WAN port. Then each of the 3 LAN ports is in use:
#1 going to my "main Mac" - MBP-13" just a few feet from the Airport Extreme in my lower level basement office (Level-A)
#2 going upstairs to a non-WiFi eMac (Feb 2005) - that's on Level-C
#3 going to my Canon MP640 printer/scanner so that I can use it for scanning (it is attached via USB to the Airport Extreme but that does not permit scanning) This is located next to my MBP on Level-A
OK but now I want to try to get my 1997 LaserWriter 12/640 PS (works great!) (and I have 2 expensive toner cartridges left!) set-up and I have some instructions on how to do this. It will likely necessitate me having my Mac Pro G4-733 running OS 9.2.2 and the LW 12/640 both connected to my network via ethernet cables. That's 5 connections and I only have 3 ports going out.
But I do own a D-Link DIR-635 router and also an 8 port Peabird 8 por 10/100 Switch. Can I use either of these to do the setup?
OR - can I simply unplug the MP640 printer and the eMac for an hour or so that it will take to configure (if I can) the LW 12/640?
OK but then if I do configure it, I won't need the G4-733 Power PC any longer, but I will want the LW 12/640 as part of my network so will at least need a 4th ethernet port at that time. Do I then need to attach the router (or switch) and then connect the LW12/640 (and something else as the router or switch will use up one of the 3 Airport Extreme ethernet LAN ports…)
Thanks for any comments on how to proceed here.
Best regards,
Steve Schulte
Monday 14 January 2013

Still have not found time to try to connect the Apple LaserWriter 12/640 but it is on my list-- have gotten that list down to just a few items--- so making progress!
Now how to get my Apple Stock…………
Best regards,
Steve Schulte
Thursday 24 January 2013

Lost internet access & printer settings after switched off airport extreme

Hi,
when I switched off my airport extreme I lost internet & printer settings. All other settings are OK. What`s my problem or what do I wrong?

please go to windows section and you need to provide more specific information to your problem.

Anyone give up on the TC and switch to Airport Extreme?

If so, were you happy with the results? I know the TC is just the Airport Extreme with a hdd, but something seriously seems to be wrong with this set-up...

I am getting mixed results when trying to copy files between my computer and the TCs hard drive along with issues trying to copy between the hdd's attached to the TC. (times are wildly varying and any time I try to copy larger files I get messages saying that the network connection was lost - even when copying between the two hdd's attached via USB to the TC) Also, I map the hdd's but they change every time I start my computer. I'm guessing that will cause major issues when I try to start using them for my iTunes library.
I'm not using it for backups, really just for network storage. I figured the hdd in the TC would be better bc of the grade.

Just switched to Airport extreme, now in the mornings I am not connected??

Hello group..
I am hoping this is a setting somewhere. I have had my Imac for a year now, connected via Buffalo wireless router. We just upgraded and bought the airport extreme and implimented a password (didn't before cause we live in the stix and the buffalo was complicated to set up) All works fine but when I get up in the morning to check my mail the connection has dropped (wireless bars are gray) I click the bars and it shows my airport connection, I choose, it connects and off we go. Any idea why it is not reconnecting automatically? I understand it must be losing it's connection for some reason in the night (odd it never happens during the day) but shouldn't it automatically reconnect? It's the only signal that it is seeing (no neighbors) I do have interference robustness checked (not sure what it means but it sounds good)
Ideas?
Thanks all!
John
20" Intel Imac Mac OS X (10.4.6)
20" Intel Imac Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Perhaps you will find a solution in KB 304482, Mac OS X 10.4.8: AirPort does not auto-connect to existing networks after restart or wake from sleep.

How to switch from Airport Extreme to Airport Time Capsule ?

Switching from Air Port Extreme to the Airport Time Capsule.
Software for the older AP Extreme is up to date. Airport Utility 5.6.1
When I disconnect the Extreme and re-connect the Timecapsule I get the follwoing software update message:
"This version of AirPort Utility (meaning 5.6.1) doesn't support this AirPort wireless device and might improperly configure the device if you continue to use it. Check www.apple.com/support/airport for the latest version of AirPort Utility."
However, I am no longer connected to the Internet and therefore cannot download the new Airport Software.
Stumped ?
Any thoughts ?
Thank-you,
John L.

If you are switching to a new Time Capsule, a review of the System Requirements might first be in order:

Switching to Airport Extreme - Transition Questions

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