jon.deppe

Q: Extending a Network with AirPort Extreme

I am having a DSL connection installed in my home.  The only location for a telephone jack in my home is an inconvenient location to place my MicroCell 3G that requires a hardline connection to a router or modem.  The DSL modem includes built in wireless functionality.  So my question is, can I set up a network where the DSL modem is located in one place and communicates wirelessly with my AirPort Extreme such that I can connect the MicroCell 3G to the AirPort Extreme remotely from the DSL modem.  I was researching this and saw that you can extend a network with multiple AirPorts, but can you also extent the network using the AirPort and another (non AirPort) wireless signal?

 

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

Jon

Posted on Jan 5, 2012 5:28 PM

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Q: Extending a Network with AirPort Extreme

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  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jan 5, 2012 6:14 PM in response to jon.deppe
    Level 10 (105,067 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 5, 2012 6:14 PM in response to jon.deppe
    So my question is, can I set up a network where the DSL modem is located in one place and communicates wirelessly with my AirPort Extreme such that I can connect the MicroCell 3G to the AirPort Extreme remotely from the DSL modem.

    Sorry, but it is extremely unlikely that this will work. Apple's "extend" setting appears to be a proprietary feature that will only work with other Apple routers.

     

    As far as we know, the "extend" setting is not compatible with devices from other manufacturers.

  • by jon.deppe,

    jon.deppe jon.deppe Jan 5, 2012 8:49 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 5, 2012 8:49 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    Perhaps I misspoke.  I wouldn't need the AirPort to technically extend the network so long as the MicroCell 3G would be in communication with the modem by way of the wireless link between the AirPort and modem. I was reading about a mode where the Airport joins the network without extending it. Am I mistaken that this is a possibility?

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jan 5, 2012 9:10 PM in response to jon.deppe
    Level 10 (105,067 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 5, 2012 9:10 PM in response to jon.deppe

    When the AirPort Extreme "joins" a wireless network.....it doesn't do much.

     

    The Ethernet ports are not enabled, so you cannot use them. The USB port is active, so you could connect a printer or hard drive, but that's it.

     

    I don't see how the MicroCell could connect.

     

    Ironically, the AirPort Expess 802.11n can be configured to "join" a wireless network and the Ethernet port can be enabled.

  • by ForSaken006,

    ForSaken006 ForSaken006 Sep 15, 2015 4:09 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 15, 2015 4:09 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    Wi-Fi base stations: Extending the range of your wireless network by adding additional Wi-Fi base stations - Apple Suppo…

     

    It is possible to use two wireless routers in tandem. One router is your primary that is hooked into your Modem. The second wireless router extends the network at the cost of throughput (Measured in Megabits Per Second or MBPS). Throughput is usually cut in half for any devices connected to the 2nd wireless router.

     

    5Ghz 802.11N - This should impact you too much, if your connecting at say 450mbps - the average user wont notice. Especially when you just don't have coverage in another part of your house.

     

    Walls / doors block wireless signals or reduce its strength and effectiveness. Try to move your routers with-in line of sight of other rooms if possible.

     

    Hope this helps - I know its an old topic. Just want to link it to the apple support page for Extending networks.

  • by safetydept,

    safetydept safetydept Sep 16, 2015 6:25 AM in response to ForSaken006
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 16, 2015 6:25 AM in response to ForSaken006

    I have a question relating to this topic. My wifi setup is a combined modem/router from my ISP that has a Time Machine and Airport Express connected to it via Ethernet. Both these Apple devices are configured to extend my existing 5Ghz network. However, I want to further extend my network so there is better reception in my bedroom, and am planning on getting an Airport Extreme to do this with. Will this device be able to connect to the network without Ethernet, from another room? I have read elsewhere that it can only connect with other Apple devices, and since they are currently set to extend and not create a network (because my ISP's router provides faster wifi) I am not sure if this will work.