HT202076: Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring a Wireless Distribution System (802.11b/g)

Learn about Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring a Wireless Distribution System (802.11b/g)
Pentabulon

Q: Can I extend a wired remote base station network via wireless WDS Remote to a Wireless WDS main base station?

I have a wired nework in a remote closet (3 PC's to a 100/1000 Linksys switch).  I have an Apple Extreme network connected to the Internet  in another remote closet allowing wireless PC's and wired PC's access to the internet and printers.  I do not have the ability to connect the two networks together via wired although they are 50' apart. 

 

My objective is to configure two Airport Extreme devices so the remote wired PCs can connect via the remote/relay Airport Extremen to the main Airport base station for DHCP, internet and intranet.

 

One Aiport Extreme base station is Model # A1034 and the other is Model A1408.

Mac Mini, Mac OS X (10.6.6)

Posted on Apr 22, 2012 1:24 PM

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Q: Can I extend a wired remote base station network via wireless WDS Remote to a Wireless WDS main base station?

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  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Apr 22, 2012 2:00 PM in response to Pentabulon
    Level 10 (105,268 points)
    Wireless
    Apr 22, 2012 2:00 PM in response to Pentabulon

    Can I extend......?

    Yes, this is possible.  But sometimes, the fact that something can be done does not necessarily mean that it should be done.  In a case like this....Upsides are far outweighed by Downsides.

     

    Upsides

     

    • You will have more wireless coverage (but 50 feet is a long way if there are multiple walls or ceilings in the signal path...I am not optimistic about this)
    • The Ethernet ports will be enabled on the remote Extreme.

     

    Downsides

     

    • The required WDS configuration will drop the performance of your newer "n" Extreme down to wireless "g" levels.
    • In addition, the bandwidth on the entire network will drop by 50%. In effect, you will have a "g" wireless network running at half speed
    • WDS is difficult for most users to configure. It is very easy to make a mistake and literally impossible to recover without starting all over again with the configuration attempt

     

    It might work. But things are going to be extremely slow. Might be OK for general Internet browsing or light email. Any file transfers or copies from one device to another are going to take a very long time.

     

    You also might want to review the WDS setup required to get an idea of what is involved here:

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4262

     

    As you know, a far better way to do this would be to connect the two AirPort Extremes using an Ethernet connection. If you cannot run the Ethernet cable, you might want to consider a pair of Ethernet Powerline Adapters.

     

    These devices send an Ethernet signal over the existing AC powerlines in your home. So, you already have the wiring in place....you just need the adapters. I've used these devices for runs up to 70-80 feet or so with good results. But, you need to understand that there are number of factors that can affect performance here.

     

    So, if you want to try the powerline adapters, I would strongly recommend that you understand the store's return policy in advance. The bottom line is always this.....you won't know how they will work until you install them in your home.

     

    Apple's instructions for a setup using Ethernet are here:

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4260