ipodmongo

Q: Extending a network with two Airport Extreme Base Stations

I am trying to extend my network with two Airport Extreme Base Stations. They are both 4th generation base stations. One I have had for a long time with and it works with no problems. The other I just bought used today and I am trying to get it set up. The configuration I want to utilize is a wireless extended network. I have a wireless thermostat now and need a strong internet connection close to it since its antenna is incredibly poor.

I have followed Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring an extended wireless network (802.11n) this guide and have been extraordinarily unsuccessful. I have been able to configure the extended network over Ethernet but that does not work for what I want and need to do.

If anyone has some Ideas I surely would appreciate the help. I think I am really close but am missing something that is key to the process. I am using Airport Utility 6.3.2.

Posted on Aug 3, 2014 6:00 PM

Close

Q: Extending a network with two Airport Extreme Base Stations

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Aug 3, 2014 6:24 PM in response to ipodmongo
    Level 10 (105,268 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 3, 2014 6:24 PM in response to ipodmongo

    I have followed Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring an extended wireless network (802.11n) this guide and have been extraordinarily unsuccessful.

    Unfortunately, this support document is at least 3 years out of date, and would have little to no relationship to AirPort Utility 6.3.2.

     

    Do you by chance have an iPhone or iPad handy that is running iOS 6 or higher? We ask since Mavericks has more bugs than it should, and the iOS version of the setup utility is a better bet.

     

    Before we proceed, it might be useful to point out (since Apple really does not) that extending using wireless will normally half the bandwidth and speed on your network, so if it is possible for you to connect the AirPorts using an Ethernet connection, that would be the way to go to preserve the bandwidth on the network.

     

    We understand that you already have one AirPort Extreme that is setup to "create" a wireless network, correct?

  • by ipodmongo,

    ipodmongo ipodmongo Aug 4, 2014 9:40 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 4, 2014 9:40 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    I don't think my response came through to your questions.

    Yes, I have an iOS 6 or higher device (my iPhone).

    Yes, I have created a wireless network.

    Yes, I understand that a Wireless Network type setup will reduce my overall bandwidth. However, I am mainly setting this up t osatisfy a wireless Thermostat on my 1st floor that has a really poor antenna (thus poor reception).

    I am hoping that there is some simple solution that I am NOT seeing or I can utilize a different Airport utility that will yield better results.

    Any comments ?

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Aug 4, 2014 9:45 AM in response to ipodmongo
    Level 10 (105,268 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 4, 2014 9:45 AM in response to ipodmongo

    Sorry, I am confused. You marked your question as solved.

     

    Are you saying that you need help setting up the second AirPort Extreme to extend the signal from the first Extreme using wireless?

  • by ipodmongo,

    ipodmongo ipodmongo Aug 4, 2014 9:50 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 4, 2014 9:50 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    Sorry Bob for the confusion. I clicked the wrong button.

    Yes, I do need help. Please refer to my last post as a continuation of our discussion. Thanks.

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Aug 4, 2014 10:26 AM in response to ipodmongo
    Level 10 (105,268 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 4, 2014 10:26 AM in response to ipodmongo

    OK, thanks for the clarification.

     

    Locate the extending AirPort Extreme approximately half to two thirds the distance from the "main" Extreme to the thermostat

    Power up the extending Extreme for a few minutes

    Hold in the reset button on the back for 8-10 seconds and release

    Allow a full minute for the Extreme to restart to a slow, blinking amber light

     

    On the iPhone home screen.....

    Tap Settings

    Tap WiFi

     

    Look for a listing or heading of SETUP A NEW AIRPORT BASE STATION

    Just below that, tap on AirPort Extreme

     

    The setup utility will open up and take a minute to analyze the network, then suggest that the Extreme be setup to extend the "main" Extreme

    Enter a device name that you want to use for the Extreme and tap Next

    The utility will set up everything for you. When you see the message of Setup Complete, click Done

     

    You may need to experiment a bit with the placement of the extending Extreme for best results. The more that you have line-of-sight between the two AirPorts, the better the signal quality will be.

  • by ipodmongo,

    ipodmongo ipodmongo Aug 4, 2014 10:32 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 4, 2014 10:32 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    I will give this a shot when I get home tonight. I never knew  that the iPhone had this type of capability.

    Thanks.

  • by Bob Timmons,Helpful

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Aug 4, 2014 10:38 AM in response to ipodmongo
    Level 10 (105,268 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 4, 2014 10:38 AM in response to ipodmongo

    Screen Shot 2014-08-04 at 12.37.46 PM.png

  • by ipodmongo,

    ipodmongo ipodmongo Aug 4, 2014 9:59 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 4, 2014 9:59 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    Bob, This worked like a champ. In 5 minutes I had my network extended and the WiFi Thermostat working great. Thanks.

  • by Bob Timmons,Helpful

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Aug 4, 2014 10:07 PM in response to ipodmongo
    Level 10 (105,268 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 4, 2014 10:07 PM in response to ipodmongo

    Nice work!