Q: Can I extend a WiFi Network, using a 802.11n Airport Base Station with a 802.11g Airport Express?
Having a new Apple AirPort Extreme (802.11n) I need to extend the network since even the AirPort Extreme provides after about 30 Feet maximum only 50% signal strength in 2.4 GHz and maximum 41% signal strength in the 5 GHz band.
I have an Apple Airport Express (802.11g) but I am not sure that it can extend with it the network to get a better signal strength?
I know I can only use the Apple Airport Utility 5.6 to access the AirPort Express, but I can see also the AirPort Extreme though it (5.6).
Also, it seems that my "old" Wireless Motorola Cable Modem (SBG900) for the same distance (about 30 Feet), which is a 802.11g, gives still a better signal strength (62%) than the Apple Airport Extreme...
I guess I need the proper instructions how to, if it is possible.
Any intelligent answers available? Thanks.
MacBook Pro (15-inch 2.4/2.2 GHz), Mac OS X (10.7.4), MBP mid 2010
Posted on Jun 9, 2012 9:58 PM
Participate in a WDS network is an older setting that was used with "g" wireless devices.
In theory, you could use WDS settings on the AirPort Extreme and match up the AirPort Express that way. But, this type of setting will penalize the performance of your network in a big way.
It will make the AirPort Extreme a "g" wireless router...and you will lose any advantage of having faster "n" settings on the AirPort Extreme.
In addition, the bandwidth of the entire network will be cut in half. So, you will have a "g" wireless network operating at half speed if you want to use WDS settings on both the AirPort Express and AirPort Extreme.
I do not recommend that you do this unless you are willing to sacrifice much of the peformance which your AirPort Extreme is capable of providing.
I also doubt that you will even see the WDS settings on the AirPort Extreme since Apple hides them to discourage their use. Again,. If you want to do this anyway, and will not hold us responsible for the loss of performance on your network, and other difficulties that you may encounter during the configuration, please post back and we will tell you how to find them.
Bottom line....you are trying to mix two different generations of products with different features and capabilities. While is theoretically possible to do this, you will give up much more than you gain.
My recommendation....if performance is important to you....is to use a new AirPort Express "n", so you can make use of Apple's "Extend a wireles network" settings and maintain full speed "n" performance on your network.
Posted on Jun 10, 2012 11:33 AM