solomani
Level 1 (32 points)
Mac OS X

Q: Can the Airport Extreme connect wirelessly to my wifi network?

Hi all,

 

I have an Airport Extreme which I only use for its Time Machine functionality.  Best I can tell the only way it can connect wirelessly to my network is by extending it.  Is this correct?

 

If I do use it to extend my wifi network was is the negative impact (if any)?

 

Thanks in advance.

iMac (27-inch, Late 2012), OS X El Capitan (10.11.6)

Posted on Sep 8, 2016 1:15 AM

by LaPastenague,Solvedanswer
LaPastenague LaPastenague
Level 9 (52,330 points)
Wireless
A:

You cannot extend wireless or even join wireless unless the router you are connecting to is another Apple router.

 

If that is the case then it can work well if it is in range.. otherwise you should plug the AE into the main router by ethernet and set it up as a separate wireless AP for the network.

 

Extend wireless is bad if you are linked to the main router wireless.. that will cause tremendous slow down even if you are in an all apple router situation.

Posted on Sep 8, 2016 3:07 AM

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solomani

Q: Can the Airport Extreme connect wirelessly to my wifi network?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by LaPastenague,Solvedanswer

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Sep 8, 2016 3:07 AM in response to solomani
    Level 9 (52,330 points)
    Wireless
    Sep 8, 2016 3:07 AM in response to solomani

    You cannot extend wireless or even join wireless unless the router you are connecting to is another Apple router.

     

    If that is the case then it can work well if it is in range.. otherwise you should plug the AE into the main router by ethernet and set it up as a separate wireless AP for the network.

     

    Extend wireless is bad if you are linked to the main router wireless.. that will cause tremendous slow down even if you are in an all apple router situation.

  • by solomani,

    solomani solomani Sep 8, 2016 3:13 AM in response to LaPastenague
    Level 1 (32 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 8, 2016 3:13 AM in response to LaPastenague

    Thanks for the detail!  Will leave it plugged in, in that case.  Was just trying to reduce some of the cable clutter

  • by solomani,

    solomani solomani Sep 13, 2016 7:20 PM in response to solomani
    Level 1 (32 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 13, 2016 7:20 PM in response to solomani

    A follow-on question.  I have my Airport broadcasting its own hidden network that my main iMAC connects to do backups - its the only thing I use it for now.  However, when I unplug the ethernet cable the Airport gets upset and an amber light starts blinking.  Is there a way to disable this short of duct tape?

     

    Thanks.

  • by LaPastenague,Helpful

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Sep 13, 2016 9:24 PM in response to solomani
    Level 9 (52,330 points)
    Wireless
    Sep 13, 2016 9:24 PM in response to solomani

    If you have an iMac then stop doing backups to the network.. plug in a USB drive. 2.5" self powered drive can be hidden behind the unit and not seen at all. It is faster, more reliable and much cheaper than any other backup solution.

     

    Remove the airport completely from your network if you use it only for backups.

  • by solomani,

    solomani solomani Sep 13, 2016 9:27 PM in response to LaPastenague
    Level 1 (32 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 13, 2016 9:27 PM in response to LaPastenague

    Good idea, but, I need to conisder the cost.  I have this airport sitting here or I can spend $230 on a new drive.  I also have a lack of USB ports on my iMac generally.  Are there thunderbolt options?

     

    Seems like the wifi solution doesnt work either.  The airport eventually turns it off as it enters error mode.   Bah.

  • by LaPastenague,Helpful

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Sep 14, 2016 1:07 AM in response to solomani
    Level 9 (52,330 points)
    Wireless
    Sep 14, 2016 1:07 AM in response to solomani

    Yes, thunderbolt disks are super fast and super expensive. For backup it is a pointless waste of money.

     

    A 2TB USB drive is less than $120.. You do not need to spend $230.

     

    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Toshiba-HDTB320AK3CA-2TB-Canvio-2-5-USB-3-0-External- Mobile-HDD-/252468198012?hash=item3ac846fa7c:g:gjMAAOSwtnpXjwo7

     

    Often you can pick them up on special or price match in officeworks.

     

    The solution to your lack of USB ports is also simple.. buy a USB hub.

  • by solomani,

    solomani solomani Sep 14, 2016 1:08 AM in response to LaPastenague
    Level 1 (32 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 14, 2016 1:08 AM in response to LaPastenague

    Good points.  I have a 3tb 80% full HD so need 4tb USB drive which pushes the price up.

  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Sep 14, 2016 1:54 AM in response to solomani
    Level 9 (52,330 points)
    Wireless
    Sep 14, 2016 1:54 AM in response to solomani

    Ok.. it helps to give me all the facts to start from.

     

    Let me go back to the start because I am kind of confused.

     

    The first post you stated you have an Airport Extreme. You cannot do backups to an Airport Extreme unless you already have a USB drive plugged into it... do you?? Or do you in fact have a time capsule??

     

    If you have a time capsule it has a 3TB drive max.. (unless you are a DIY hacker and replaced the drive)

     

    What model is it?? If it is the new tall AC model then it can be unreliable with certain configurations.

     

    What broadband are you on? Who is your ISP and what modem router do you own? Make and model please.

     

    Is the iMac connected by wireless or ethernet to the main router? If so the TC should be plugged into the ethernet between the Mac and main router and run in bridge mode.. the Mac must plug directly into the TC for it to work reliably.

     

    IMHO it does not work reliably with El Capitan and if it is a few years old sell it on ebay and buy the 4TB USB drive.. the sale of the TC will net enough to buy USB drive and some change.

     

    But I am happy to make other recommendations.