Wifi roaming network

I have an Airport Extreme and a Time Capsul. Currently, I have the Extreme (primary base station) connected to the internet via an ethernet connection. Both of these are upstairs. I have the Time Capsul downstairs and it extends the wifi network wirelessly. I would like to improve the performance of the network and extend it a bit further to the other side of the house. Based on my reading, the best way to do this is to create a roaming network and connect the Time Capsul to the Extreme via ethernet. I've done this. However, after I do this, I lose connectivity to the internet for some reason and the whole wifi network crashes. I've tried rebooting each of the pieces of equipment and this doesn't help. If I unplug the ethernet and reboot, everything goes back to normal and it works. However, I haven't solved the problem of extending the network and improving performance. Has anyone had these issues or know of a solution? Do I need to change the settings on the Extreme or the Time Capsul since I'm going from wireless extension to an ethernet extension?

Based on my reading, the best way to do this is to create a roaming network and connect the Time Capsul to the Extreme via ethernet. I've done this. However, after I do this, I lose connectivity to the internet for some reason and the whole wifi network crashes.
The network will crash if you simply connect an Ethernet cable to the Time Capsule and leave the Time Capsule in a setting of "extend a wireless network".
Why? The Time Capsule is expecting a wireless connection and when it sees an Ethernet connection, a massive feedback loop is created on the network, which pretty much destroys everything until you disconnect the Ethernet cable again.
Do I need to change the settings on the Extreme or the Time Capsul since I'm going from wireless extension to an ethernet extension?
Yes, you do. If you are using the Lion, Mountain Lion or Mavericks operating system on a Mac, or an iPhone or iPad to setup the routers, the setup is amazingly simple. Other that entering a device name that you want to use for the router, AirPort Utility takes care of setting up everything for you........so you don't have to worry about all the "jargon" about Bridge Mode and other things like that.
Post back to let us know what operation system you are using to set things up, and you will be up and running in less than 5 minutes.

Similar Messages

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.

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?

How to setup a wifi mesh network in a 6 story full brick home

Hi,
We have to create a solid wifi mesh network in a 6 story multi mil $ home. The home will have complete home automation and requires wifi crestron touch sceens to utilise the network and also all the IT hardware. There will be the ability to run cables to all access points however I am looking to build a power over ethernet mesh secure solution with also an external access point that will never break down or drop out. Each floor has more concrete then you can imagine however the floor span is no more then 30 meters with little walls. If we can create a vlan for crestron control systems then this will be the ideal situation. Your help is very much appricated with recommending a best solution.
Regards - Jay

Mr Davis has it pretty much nailed.
There are so many potential gotchas, depending on the front-end choices, there is no way (none, zip , nada, bupkis ...)to do this without (at least) one comprehensive survey by a real pro. If you talk to anyone that says this will be easy, say "thanks" then show them the door.
As an example, if you decided to go with 802.11g (2.4G), you get three channels total that won't overlap (1, 6, 11). Overlap will kill performance as it is seen as interference.
You will need to break the floorspace into "cells" such that no two adjacent cells will have the same channel assignments, but overlap enough to permit seamless roaming for things like VoIP.
In addition to the lateral cell structure, you may (site survey will determine) also have to consider the vertical, such that two cells on the same channel do not see each other through the floor, or by reflection up the stairwell or elevator shaft.
Adjusting the cell shape and diameter is done by changing the type of antenna (omni, sector, panel ...)and the power to each antenna.
The central controller system supports an "automatic" mode that theoretically could figure out these adjustments dynamically (within the propagation physic permitted by the antennas and environment) ... but auto modes are best used to maintain the operational design when things get dynanmic (like people walking around, pasing interference, passing Bluetooth, leaky microwave ovens ...)
This is just ONE very small piece of figuring all this stuff out. You need experienced eyes and equipment on-site, probably for a couple days depending on the ultimate application suite you decide to implement.
A VLAN for the touchscreen / control system is trivial (and common) compared to the other site engineering.
Good Luck, it sounds like a really cool & fun project.
Scott

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!!)

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

Time Capsule/Airport Express/Ethernet - Setting up Roaming Network?

Hi,
I am trying to setup a network in my house to extend the wifi. Currently the wifi signal is not strong enough to work in the a portion of the upstairs (bonus room). I want to extend the network and have it be as fast as possible.
Here's what I have going on:
There are 2 rooms hard wired with cat 5. The office and the upstairs bonus room. I have a comcast modem in the basement where the cat 5 wires all run to. The comcast modem has three available ethernet out ports. I have one of them running to my office where my time capsule is located which is where I currently have my wifi signal coming from. I have another ethernet plugged into another port on the comcast modem and running to the bonus room. I purchased a Airport express and was hoping to just plug it into the ethernet in the bonus room to extend my extisting network using the ethernet (via a roaming network?) but I can't get it to work.
A couple of questions:
Is this the best way to extend my network so it will be as fast as possible? How do I get it to work? I don't want to have to move the time capsule downstairs to make this work.
I am new to this type of networking so please forgive my ignorance.
Thanks in advance for the help.

Get the IP of the TC and the Express plugged into the Comcast router.. we are assuming router.
You simply click on the airport utility and see what IP it is picking up.
eg
This is bridged and has picked up the address from the main router.. so shows both LAN and IP address as the same.
Actually post a screenshot makes this ever so much easier.
If you are not getting this.. then click edit and go to the tabs..
1. Internet. Should be DHCP
2. Network. Should be Off (bridge mode)
3. Wireless. Should be Create a wireless network.
Post me up the details and "we" can work it out.
The basic Apple doco for roaming is here.
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4260
As with so much documentation it is out of date against the newest version of the airport utility.. so they are a little behind.

Configuring Airport Express as Roaming Network from a Time Capsule via Powerline Adapters

I am having an issue configuring an Airport Express to extend my WiFi network as a roaming network via powerline adapters. I have configured as other threads have advised
Open AirPort Utility - Select the AirPort Express - Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab below the icons
Wireless Mode = Create a wireless network
Wireless Network Name = Same name as the TC network
No check mark is needed next to "Allow this network to be extended"
Radio Mode = 802.11n (802.11 b/g compatible)
Channel = Automatic
Wireless Security = Same exact setting as the TC
Wireless Password = Same password as the TC network
Confirm Password
Click the Internet icon, then click the Internet Connection tab
Connect Using = Ethernet
Connection Sharing = Off (Bridge Mode)
Update to save setings and allow 40-45 seconds for the Express to restart
The only difference is I cannot see an option under Connect Using for Ethernet here there is only the usual DHCP etc
After configuring my Apple TV can see the network and says it establishes an internet connection but Home Sharing does not show my iTunes library but will connect to internet radio.
I cannot get any other WiFi device to connect to the Airport Express but they can see it. The TC and Airport Express have been updated to latest firmware.
Any advice appreciated.

Please download and install AirPort Utility 5.6 for Mac OS X Lion
You can have both 6.0 and 5.6 on your Mac and choose the version that you want to use.
6.0 is interesting to look at, but 5.6 has much more functionality.

Extending WiFi airport network through ethernet

Dear mac users,
in a three stories house I used to have a wifi network, containing the internet provider modem-router as DHCP, an airport extreme via ethernet to it (bridge mode), and a time capsule and an airport express extending wirelessly the network in the 2 other floors respectively. As I had delays in wireless backup and some hickups in music streaming from the airport express and video streeaming from apple tv, I decided to change the topology and connect the time capsule and airport express via ethernet to my airport extreme. I took the opportunity and used a netgear switch to hardwire 3 other ethernet sockets in my house. In one of those I plugged the apple tv. I followed your guidelines and use the create a network and bridge mode guideline for setting up the devices. I also use the same name and password for my network, (name: abc, and a WPA2 password). Internet access is OK in all stories. Nevertheless I have two irrtating issues:
a) the airport utility cannot see all three airport devices simultaneously (airport extreme, airport express, time capsule), as before. It only sees the ones in range, depending on the position of my mac in the house.
b) it seems that depending on my position in the house the network my computers are joining has different name, ie. abc 2, or abc 3 or abc. In addition the remote app on my iphone and ipad, cannot see the aiport express to stream music when they are not in range to the airport express.
Could you please help me. What's wrong with my setup?
Thank you in advance for you kind support
George

+Do I need to turn of NAT for the roaming network to work?+
If your AirPort Extreme is connected to a modem (only one ethernet port on the device), then you need to configure the AirPort Extreme to handle both DHCP and NAT. This will be done for you automatically when you do the following:
Open AirPort Utility - Manual Setup
Click the Internet icon
Connection Sharing = Share a public IP address
If your AirPort Extreme is connected to a gateway (a combination modem and router that will have 3-4 ethernet ports), then you need to setup the AirPort Extreme as a "bridge"
Open AirPort Utility - Click Manual Setup
Click the Internet icon
Connection Sharing = Off (Bridge Mode)
All of your other devices...Time Capsule, AirPort Express must be configured as follows:
Open AirPort Utility - Click Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab below the row of icons
Wireless Mode = Create a wireless network
Wireless Network Name = Exact same name as your AirPort Extreme network
Radio Mode = Your choice, but should be similar to the AirPort Extreme
Channel = Automatic*
Wireless Security = Exact same setting as your AirPort Extreme
Wireless Password = Same password as AirPort Extreme
Click the Internet icon
Connect Using = Ethernet
Connection Sharing = Off (Bridge Mode)
Update to save settings
* With a lot of devices, you may want to set the Channel manually. Set up separate channels for each device and keep the channels as far apart as possible.

My iMac will not connect to time capsule used as base station in my roaming network

I have a network that is made of up a Time capsule as a base station and 3 airport express's used to extend my wifi coverage. It is setup as a roaming network with each express hardwired to the base time capsule. I have a iMac that will not connect to the base station, it will only connect to one of the remote express's. The iMac is next to the base satation. Other mac notebooks, iPhone or iPads all connect to the base station when they are near it. Only my iMac will not connect to it. Any suggestions as to why this is happening or steps I can take to fix this.

Hello FoxFamilyVA
Check out the first article below to go through some troubleshooting options to get your iMac to connect to your Time Capsule. I would go through and remove it from the list of known networks that you join and then add it back in. I would also recommend that you try and create a new Network Location to see if there is an issue with your current configuration.
Wi-Fi: How to troubleshoot Wi-Fi connectivity
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4628
Using network locations (Mac OS X v10.6 and later)
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5289
Regards,
-Norm G.

TS3694 good evening i have an problem with my iphone 4 the wif and network cant on now if i tray is showing iTunes i tray to reload the ios is showing an error -1 can you help me

good evening i have an problem with my iphone 4 the wif and network cant on now if i tray is showing iTunes i tray to reload the ios is showing an error -1 can you help me

No problem, glad to help!
Update: my PC USB hub was connected to a USB 3 port, I connected the 30 pin cable directly to my PC, And the restore worked just fine. Restored phone from iCloud backup and seems to be working fine.

Not able to connect to wifi wpa2 networks in lenovo vibe x2

Not able to connect to wifi wpa2 networks in lenovo vibe x2. It displayed saved.but not connecting. It connects to open and WEP wifi networks. Please help

Are you trying to connect to a 2.4GHz or a 5GHz network?
What encryption is your router set to use : AES,TKIP/AES,..?
Have you tried to unplug the router from the power source for 2-3 minutes->Plug it back in-> Wait until it establishes an Internet connection-> Try to recreate the phone connection.
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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".

Airport Roaming Network and Internet Sharing

Dear Esteemed Experts (Tesserax et. al):
Thanks to you, I have successfully set up TC and 2 Airport Express N in a roaming network (plugged to Ethernet but using the same name and protocol) using 802.11n (b/g compatible) radio mode. It's working well, except a few blind spots to cover.
If I want to add an old b/g-only Airport Express or Netgear Access Point (WG602) to this roaming network (plugging them into Ethernet outlet), will this slow down the N network?
Also, can I turn on Internet Sharing on my iMac (with N capability) and make it to join the Roaming Netowrk? If so, can I manage it through Airport Utility?
Thanks
Aghoo

If I want to add an old b/g-only Airport Express or Netgear Access Point (WG602) to this roaming network (plugging them into Ethernet outlet), will this slow down the N network?
If it is connected via Ethernet it will have no direct affect on the performance of the 802.11n network.
lso, can I turn on Internet Sharing on my iMac (with N capability) and make it to join the Roaming Netowrk?
Internet sharing has nothing to do with joining a wireless network. If you want your iMac to join the wireless network, just go to the AirPort menu and select the network that you want to join.
If so, can I manage it through Airport Utility?
AirPort Utility is only for managing Apple's base stations.

Wifi roaming network

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