Q: AT&T 1GB Service/Extending a Network
I just recently upgraded to AT&T's 1GB service. They installed a Pace 5268AC router. I have a time capsule connected to it via ethernet so I turned off the wireless on the Pace and am creating my wireless network through time capsule. I am 2 airport extremes that extend the wireless network throughout my house. And here is where the problem comes.
I have read so many articles on the correct setup and it seems I can't find the "secret sauce". If I set up my router in bridge mode, give it a public IP address through the Pace and allow the DMX plus mode on it, I get the 1 gb download speed. However, my extended network is awful. If I take a laptop into another part of the house, it can not switch over and connect to the closest airport extreme there and the connection drops. Streaming from my Apple TV's is hit and miss.
If I scratch all that and decide to run Double NAT and let my Time Capsule give out the IP addresses to my wireless devices, my wireless network works like a charm. My devices connect cleanly to the closest extremes, my Apple TV's play wonderfully. But, my top download speed drops to about 120 mb.
I would like to have the best of both worlds.....top download speeds and a wireless network that works.
If anyone else has a solution to this, I would be very appreciative.
Posted on Aug 13, 2016 6:12 PM
Temporarily, move one of the AirPort Extremes back to the same room as the TC.
Power up the Extreme and let it run a few minutes
Hold in the reset button on the back of the Extreme for 7 to 8 seconds, then release
Allow a full minute for the Extreme to restart back to a slow, blinking amber light status
Click the WiFi icon at the top of your Mac's screen
Click on AirPort Extreme under the heading of New AirPort Base Station
Wait for the setup "wizard" to suggest a setup. It will look similar to this except that you will see your devices and name of your network.
Type in a name that you want to call the AirPort Extreme. A short and simple name is recommended. No apostrophe's or other special characters.
Click Next
The wizard will set up everything for you. When you see the message of setup complete, click Done.
Power off the AirPort Extreme and move it to a location at that is no more than half way between the TC and the general area where you need more wireless coverage.
Power up the AirPort Extreme and spend some time checking the network for reliability.
If all is well, set up the second AirPort Extreme exactly the same way, except give it a different device name.
However......if you are still having problems, then trying to run the TC in Bridge Mode and have the "main" router provide IP addresses is just not going work well. In that case, you will need to run the TC in a router mode of DHCP and NAT.
Posted on Aug 15, 2016 10:12 AM

