HT204617: Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring an extended wireless network (802.11n)

Learn about Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring an extended wireless network (802.11n)
kroekerg

Q: Airport Extreme (Gen 2) as extender

I purchased the newest AE (5) to help with my range, but thought it would help even more to use my old AE (2) to boost the signel a bit more. Is this possible?

AirPort Extreme 802.11n (5th Gen), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Oct 13, 2012 8:32 AM

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Q: Airport Extreme (Gen 2) as extender

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  • by CRMDVM,

    CRMDVM CRMDVM Oct 13, 2012 10:20 AM in response to kroekerg
    Level 4 (1,365 points)
    Oct 13, 2012 10:20 AM in response to kroekerg

    Hi - you can extend the range but you can't "boost" a signal - the remote signal strength would be equal to or less than the original signal depending on factors like connection type (wired vs wirless), distance, interference, etc. - if you need info on setting it up let me know.

    Charlie

  • by kroekerg,

    kroekerg kroekerg Oct 14, 2012 9:22 AM in response to CRMDVM
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iOS Apps
    Oct 14, 2012 9:22 AM in response to CRMDVM

    Thanks for the answer Charlie. I did manage to get it set up as an "extender" I believe, however I'm confused as to the difference between extend and boost. If no further "energy" to push the signal is being added from the secondary Airport Extreme, then what's the point?  Does the secondary device somehow know the incoming signal strength, and limit the amount of signal it produces to rebroadcast so that it doesn't produce any more signal than what's coming in?  It does seem to help the coverage in my condominum, so it's working better, but was just confused with he reasoning. Don't feel obligated to respond, as I don't mean to waste anyone's time. Pardon my igrorance. Thanks for your help. Regards. Grant

  • by CRMDVM,Solvedanswer

    CRMDVM CRMDVM Oct 14, 2012 9:50 AM in response to kroekerg
    Level 4 (1,365 points)
    Oct 14, 2012 9:50 AM in response to kroekerg

    I have no problem responding - we are all volunteers - none of the Apple products can "boost" a signal - at best the signal may be the same but due to connection type, distance, interference, etc.it is usually less - I hope this helps.

  • by kroekerg,

    kroekerg kroekerg Oct 14, 2012 10:39 AM in response to CRMDVM
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iOS Apps
    Oct 14, 2012 10:39 AM in response to CRMDVM

    Thanks again Charlie. Appreciated.

     

    Grant

  • by Dunc_F,Helpful

    Dunc_F Dunc_F Oct 14, 2012 8:45 PM in response to kroekerg
    Level 1 (9 points)
    Apple Watch
    Oct 14, 2012 8:45 PM in response to kroekerg

    If you need to boost the power check Quickertec.  They have kits that will accomplish this as well as USB Wi-Fi units that will increase your laptops recieving and xmitting range.