SATDApple

Q: Swapping old router with Airport Extreme and keeping same SSID should not be done as perApple?

Hi, I recently swapped an old N 450 Router to Apple Extreme (5Gen). Initially the signal was very strong and even in first floor Smart TV Netflix loading was almost instantaneous. I have a 50mbps Xfinity Blast. All nice and felt that it was such a good move and justified the cost of the router too. After 2 days, started noticing connection drop outs, IP address conflicts, unable to connect, wifi was connected but no internet. Power recycled it and things seemed okay. again after 2 days, the internet was very slow, dog slow infact to load up regular websites and pages. This time through it was something with the Xfinity modem (Motorola SB6121) which never in 2 years had given me any issues, but recycled it, seems to be marginally better, but the speed ( not the wifi signal) remained very slow. I am a IT person, not specifically Networking, but quite good with systems, configurations etc. Finally eating up my pride called the Apple Support. The guy who responded seemed knowledgeable. He asked me to walk through the set up process, which I said, I have already done it.He asked me how did I set the router up. I had used an iPad with the Apple Utility and since there about 15 devices connected through out the house, I had used the same SSIDs one for 5Ghz and another for 2.4 Ghz. Apparently using the same SSID leads to deterioration in both connectivity and signal strength. I have never heard of this as I have swapped out routers in past 12 years using same SSIDs without any issues. The Support guy told me that this is only with Apple Routers and not with other brands. I have never heard any such thing and trying to google did not get me much information on this. I reached this forum as result. I need answers desperately so that I can decide to return or keep the router. Thanks

AirPort Extreme 802.11n (5th Gen), Other OS

Posted on Jan 17, 2014 5:02 PM

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Q: Swapping old router with Airport Extreme and keeping same SSID should not be done as perApple?

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  • by LaPastenague,Helpful

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Jan 17, 2014 5:43 PM in response to SATDApple
    Level 9 (52,596 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 17, 2014 5:43 PM in response to SATDApple

    It sounds unlikely.. really there is no difference between Apple routers to others.

     

    I do think swapping a unit without changing SSID is not a great idea.. the reason is the network links names and MAC addresses.. when you swap and now have a new AP same SSID but different MAC address things can go crazy.. but hey.. if you did it and it worked for 2 days ok.. it is not.. absolutely NOT going to fail on the 3rd day.. as some strange SSID issue finally catches up.

     

    I think it is much more likely the WAN port connection to the 6121 is the problem.. there is reports of issues with that particular modem.

     

    See

    TC and Motorola 6121 or 6141 issues.

     

    Use a cross over cable.

    https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5048548?start=15&tstart=0

     

    My suggestion as in the thread over there is to use a crossover cable or a small 10/100 switch which are a few dollars in a big computer superstore.

     

    If you are IT guy you will know that crossover cables stopped being needed 10years ago or more when standard switches came out with MDI/MDIX auto crossover. Apple may have bungled the firmware on this one.. and it seems auto-negotiate is having trouble. So either of the above is worth a go.. no luck return it.

  • by SATDApple,

    SATDApple SATDApple Jan 18, 2014 8:48 AM in response to LaPastenague
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 18, 2014 8:48 AM in response to LaPastenague

    LaPastenague.

     

    Thank you for the quick response. I am in the process of putting back the AE and this time configure with different SSID and try on few devices. I do not suspect the Motorola as for past 36 hours since I swapped out the AE with the old router, there is no connection drop at all. The Apple Tech on call mentioned it is the way Apple Routers work and they have "self learning / adjusting" capabilities based on connected devices. Duh! Question is if it is "intelligent" as he claims why deteriorate instead of improve ! Will report back in another 24 hours. Want to keep the router based on the initial speed and signal strength I got, but I have only 2 days window to return now...

  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Jan 18, 2014 2:06 PM in response to SATDApple
    Level 9 (52,596 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 18, 2014 2:06 PM in response to SATDApple

    I also do not think it is the modem.. I think it is the interaction of the two.. the apple router just being a bit more finicky than most..

     

    As for the Apple router learning..

     

    The Apple Tech on call mentioned it is the way Apple Routers work and they have "self learning / adjusting" capabilities based on connected devices. Duh! Question is if it is "intelligent" as he claims why deteriorate instead of improve

     

     

    It has exactly the same chipset as a whole selection of other AC routers.. standard broadcom.. And whilst Apple certainly did write a new firmware for it.. since they find Linux anathema to their sales.. I doubt the NetBSD version of the same thing contains any high degree of intelligence not available in the standard OEM broadcom.