Apple Extreme "downstream" for improved Wireless reception?

Question

Apple Extreme "downstream" for improved Wireless reception?

Since my cable modem is in the basement, and I want to use wireless primarily on the 2 floor above that--(for an iPod Touch and also sometimes my MacBook or a visitor with a PC or Mac portable); and since I have a wired house (basement and top floor, not the "ground" floor) - can I do this:??:

1. Keep current cable modem in place, wired to a D-Link 604 router, which goes to a switch, and one cable goes upstairs.

2. Upstairs there is a "switch" which I plan to replace with the Apple Extreme Wireless Router on this upper floor. I would configure such that if the D-Link downstairs shows 162.198.0.### that the Apple Extreme should show: 162.198.1.### --- (i.e. a "1" in place of the "0" in the third position) Will that work? I should get better reception on the ground and top floor with the Apple Extreme on the top floor, right? Will this be easy to configure?

Appreciate any comments here.

Regards,

Steve 10 March 2008

MacBook 2GHz-White+PBG4-12"+G4-733+eMac, Mac OS X (10.4.11), Also a Mac SE running 6.0.4

Posted on Mar 10, 2008 6:05 AM

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Answer 1

Duane

Level 10

124,293 points

Mar 10, 2008 8:34 AM in response to Stephen Schulte2

Yes that will work.

Instead of worrying over the IP addresses handed out by the AirPort Extreme base station (AEBS), simply configure the AEBS to act as a bridge. In that mode, the AEBS will not hand out IP addresses. All of the clients will get IP addresses from the D-Link.

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Answer 2

Mar 10, 2008 8:47 AM in response to Duane

First - thanks for the fast reply!

Now as to configuring the AEBS as a "Bridge" - I heard one guy mentioning that at the MacLine store here, but not 100% sure how to do that. Can I just connect my MacBook via ethernet cable to the AEBS and configure it BEFORE then putting it in-line? And if so, is there some type of guidance on this (they spoke of a type of "Wizard" that will guide you setting up the AEBS - wizard is not a word I use with Macs much, but maybe this is a French translation...

Also: With my cable modem first going thru a D-Link DI-604 (about 3-4 years old at least) - will I get "n" speed if the AEBS is "downstream" and configured as a bridge? OK not important for my 2-year old MB and current iPod Touch - but if I upgrade the MB??

Thanks very much!

Steve
10 March 2008

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Answer 3

Duane

Level 10

124,293 points

Mar 10, 2008 9:30 AM in response to Stephen Schulte2

Now as to configuring the AEBS as a "Bridge" - I heard one guy mentioning that at the MacLine store here, but not 100% sure how to do that. Can I just connect my MacBook via ethernet cable to the AEBS and configure it BEFORE then putting it in-line?

You can configure it via wireless or an Ethernet connection. There is no wizard. You would use "AirPort Utility" to configure the AEBS.

Also: With my cable modem first going thru a D-Link DI-604 (about 3-4 years old at least) - will I get "n" speed if the AEBS is "downstream" and configured as a bridge?

You would get 'n' speed between the AEBS and the wireless clients connected to the AEBS. This would allow you to make fast file transfers between your wireless clients.

The Internet speed would be dependent on the slowest link to the Internet. The slowest link is probably the connection speed your ISP is providing.

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