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)
UberDad
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Q: Is there any way to extend my Apple Extreme Base Station using an Apple Express by via ethernet or does it only work via wifi and being in range?

From what I read, the only way to extend my Apple Wifi Network is via another Apple Airport Extreme or Express using overlapping wifi zones. If I try to connect my Apple Express to my Apple Extreme via Ethernet, then this is guaranteed to fail regardless of how I configure the Express. Is that correct?

Airport Extreme and Express, Extending a network

Posted on Nov 23, 2013 5:13 AM

by UberDad,Solvedanswer
UberDad UberDad
Level 1 (0 points)
A:

I think I have solved my problem piecing together from a number of posts. Here is what is working for me:

Modem --> Ethernet --> Extreme Base Station --> Ethernet --> Express

 

Extreme was set up with "Allow this network to be extended" checked

Express was set up as follows:
Wireless Settings - all set to match the same as the Extreme

Internet -

Connect using: Ethernet

Connection sharing: Off (Bridge Mode)

- Note that when I changed this setting I had an warning message to which I said Ok

TCP/IP: Configure IPv4: Using DHCP - the Express ends up receiving an IP address from the Extreme as well as having the Extreme's IP Address set for the Router and DNS Server(s)

 

After that I Updated, the settings, let the Express reboot and it all seems to be working fine now. I tried a ping test roving between the Extreme and the Express and it seemed to work fine.

 

I had tried doing this with the Express set to Extend a Wireless Network but as soon as I connected up the Ethernet cable, I was unable to access the Internet when connected to the Express.

Posted on Nov 23, 2013 7:06 AM

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Q: Is there any way to extend my Apple Extreme Base Station using an Apple Express by via ethernet or does it only work via wifi and ... more

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Nov 23, 2013 6:58 AM in response to UberDad
    Level 10 (105,198 points)
    Wireless
    Nov 23, 2013 6:58 AM in response to UberDad

    It is certainly possible and better....in terms of performance.....to connect the AiPort Express to your AirPort Extreme using Ethernet to extend the network that way.

     

    If you are having problems with this, then your setup is not correct....or....if your setup is correct, you may have a defective AirPort.

     

    We can walk you through the steps to get things set up correctly if we can get some basic information to provide the correct settings.

     

    What is the model number of the AirPort Extreme?

     

    What is the model number of the AirPort Express?

     

    if you are not sure, look on the bottom of the Extreme and side or bottom of the Expess. The model number starts with an "A" followed by four numbers.

     

    We also need to know what operating system you are using on your computer. If you have a Mac, click the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen, then click About This Mac and post back with the OS X Version number that you see there.

     

    We will likely have more questions about your current setup to understand things a bit better, so please be patient.

  • by UberDad,Solvedanswer

    UberDad UberDad Nov 23, 2013 7:06 AM in response to UberDad
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 23, 2013 7:06 AM in response to UberDad

    I think I have solved my problem piecing together from a number of posts. Here is what is working for me:

    Modem --> Ethernet --> Extreme Base Station --> Ethernet --> Express

     

    Extreme was set up with "Allow this network to be extended" checked

    Express was set up as follows:
    Wireless Settings - all set to match the same as the Extreme

    Internet -

    Connect using: Ethernet

    Connection sharing: Off (Bridge Mode)

    - Note that when I changed this setting I had an warning message to which I said Ok

    TCP/IP: Configure IPv4: Using DHCP - the Express ends up receiving an IP address from the Extreme as well as having the Extreme's IP Address set for the Router and DNS Server(s)

     

    After that I Updated, the settings, let the Express reboot and it all seems to be working fine now. I tried a ping test roving between the Extreme and the Express and it seemed to work fine.

     

    I had tried doing this with the Express set to Extend a Wireless Network but as soon as I connected up the Ethernet cable, I was unable to access the Internet when connected to the Express.

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Nov 23, 2013 7:16 AM in response to UberDad
    Level 10 (105,198 points)
    Wireless
    Nov 23, 2013 7:16 AM in response to UberDad

    Looks like you have things set up correctly now.

     

    The setting to "Extend a wireless network" on the AirPort Express would be used only if the Express was extending the network wirelessly.

     

    When the Express connects using Ethernet, it must configured to "Create a wireless network" using the same network name, security and password as the main AirPort, and also the Express must be configured to operate in Bridge Mode.

     

    Extreme was set up with "Allow this network to be extended" checked

    You don't need to check this box, since it is used wihen the Express connects wirelessly. But, it won't hurt to leave it checked if you want to keep things as is.

  • by UberDad,

    UberDad UberDad Nov 23, 2013 12:32 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 23, 2013 12:32 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    One limitation that I see here is that the guest network cannot be extended. It's a minor issue but seems like an oversight from my point of view.

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Nov 23, 2013 12:55 PM in response to UberDad
    Level 10 (105,198 points)
    Wireless
    Nov 23, 2013 12:55 PM in response to UberDad

    The guest network can be extended if you have....

     

    1) A simultaneous dual band AirPort Extreme

     

    2) A simultaneous dual band AirPort Express

     

    3) You are using firmware 7.6.3 or higher on both AirPorts

     

    4) You use AirPort Utility 6.2 or higher to configure the AirPorts