HT204616: Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring a roaming network (802.11 a/b/g/n)

Learn about Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring a roaming network (802.11 a/b/g/n)
flores95

Q: Public Wireless on Roaming Network

The roaming configuration for Airport devices doesn't seem to support having a Public (guest) wireless network. We have a campus that has a wired backbone throughout it. We'd like to provide both a private (staff only) wireless network that has our file servers and printers and such as well as a public wireless network that any or our guest can use. Extending does what we want in terms of providing both networks consistently across multiple Airport devices. However, because of the distance between some buildings we "extending" doesn't work. So we have tried to setup our network using the "Roaming" model. It works fantastic for our private or primary wireless network. The "Public" network will only work on the main Airport that is serving the DHCP. I'm assuming that's the problem. In the roaming model you are "Creating" wireless networks and DHCP is available through the wired network but only DHCP for the primary wireless. The newly created "Public" wireless has no DHCP or routing information. Is there any way to fix this? It seems like a bug in the firmware. Does anyone have this kind of environment working with Airport devices?

 

Thanks!

Airport

Posted on Jun 26, 2013 8:35 PM

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Q: Public Wireless on Roaming Network

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  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Jun 26, 2013 11:04 PM in response to flores95
    Level 9 (52,596 points)
    Wireless
    Jun 26, 2013 11:04 PM in response to flores95

    The AE does not support guest network in bridge mode.. such as you are using.. this was supposed to be rectified in the latest firmware but wasn't.. !! So it doesn't work and has never worked.

     

    For large installations I would be looking at pro gear.. Apple is home gear.

    It is barely adequate in that you can provide only the most basic configurations..

     

    Any pro gear will have multiple SSID plus proper regulation and control software.. see ubiquiti for example.