eridium2

Q: New Airport N network has less range than old WDS network

Hi friends,

 

I recently reconfigured my network from a WDS network using an airport express as a WDS relay to extend my network.  My range was excellent, but since I bought new generation Airport express and extremes, I thought I'd let Airport self-configure an N network.  Now I no longer get the range I once had, despite having the same number of Aiport  base stations.

 

airport-network.jpg

 

The problem is, the "Bedroom Extreme" doesn't extend the range whatsoever.  At times it might even be connecting to the Serendip Base rather than the relay (Mezzanine Espresso). 

 

1.  Is there a way to configure my network to extend the range with the final airport extreme (Bedroom Extreme)

2.  Or ... how can I reconfigure everything using my old setup ... create a WDS network, where the Airport extreme "Serendip Base" would be the WDS main, the Airport Express (Mezzanine) would be WDS relay, and I suppose the Bedroom Extreme a client?

 

I imagine these options are just hidden with the new Airport Utility.  Perhaps by pressing option/command/etc I could reveal the old setup ways?

At this point, I will do anything to get my old range back.  The new N network is maybe 15% faster, but I need the distance more.

 

Thank you for your time and expertise.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8), 12GB of RAM

Posted on Dec 30, 2013 11:06 PM

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Q: New Airport N network has less range than old WDS network

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  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax Dec 31, 2013 9:58 AM in response to eridium2
    Level 9 (54,786 points)
    Wireless
    Dec 31, 2013 9:58 AM in response to eridium2

    The issue with an 802.11n/802.ac extended network is that it does not support a relay base station like the older 802.11g WDS. Instead it work more like a wheel with the base station to be extended at the hub and each of the extending base station along the spokes.

     

    The AirPort Utility's network diagram you provide still shows a WDS type network. A properly configured extended network would have both the Mezzanine Expresso and Bedroom Extreme dotted lined (wireless connection) to the Serendip Base.