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)
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richardfrombethesda

Q: Help with unstable extended network.

I have a wireless network with Time Capsule in bridge mode (I'm using the Verizon Fios modem) as the base of my network. The network is extended by an airport extreme to an airport express in the basement. The link in the basement is strongest in this configuration. However, too often the network reconfigures itself and the basement airport express attaches itself to the Time Capsule, degrading an "excellent" link to an "average" one. How can I "glue" the airport express to the Airport  Extreme that extends the network in such a way that the "link" will be permanent?

Time Capsule 802.11n (4th Gen), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.3)

Posted on May 16, 2013 9:16 AM

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Q: Help with unstable extended network.

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  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons May 16, 2013 10:37 AM in response to richardfrombethesda
    Level 10 (105,268 points)
    Wireless
    May 16, 2013 10:37 AM in response to richardfrombethesda
    How can I "glue" the airport express to the Airport  Extreme that extends the network in such a way that the "link" will be permanent?

     

     

    The AirPort Express will look for what it thinks is the best quality signal and connect to that device.

     

    Unfortunately, it is not possible to "force" or "direct" the AirPort Express to connect to a given device using software.

     

    All you can do is experiment with location of the devices by moving the Express closer to the AirPort Extreme....and/or further away from the Time Capsule. Or, moving the AirPort Extreme or Time Capsule.

  • by richardfrombethesda,

    richardfrombethesda richardfrombethesda May 16, 2013 11:24 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 16, 2013 11:24 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    Thanks Bob, but that just hasn't been my experience. I can move the Airport Extreme to within inches of the Airport Express and boot up the latter, which will STILL, on occasion, connect to another device. The Airport Express can behave in such counter-intuitive ways I'm convinced it's a Republican.

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons May 16, 2013 12:17 PM in response to richardfrombethesda
    Level 10 (105,268 points)
    Wireless
    May 16, 2013 12:17 PM in response to richardfrombethesda

    I know that folks hate wires, but your problems will end if you can connect the AirPort Express using Ethernet. You will also have much better bandwidth for the connection.

  • by richardfrombethesda,

    richardfrombethesda richardfrombethesda May 16, 2013 12:37 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 16, 2013 12:37 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    Bob,

     

    I've got a big ol' house with lots of nooks and crannies. I've had three contractors tell me it would be next to impossible to run cable from the the office where the Time Capsule is to the basement. But your message has encouraged me to call a fourth. They're coming out tomorrow to check feasibilty and, of course, price. Thanks for the nudge!

     

    Richard