Airport Express 802.11n compatibility with 801.11g

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Airport Express 802.11n compatibility with 801.11g

I just set up a new Airport Express 802.11n. It will not communicate to extend my network with the old 802.11g.

Tried everything with tech support, including re-setting the 802.11g numerous times.

Has anyone else had this problem?

PowerBook G4, MacBook Air, Mac OS X (10.5.2)

Posted on Mar 22, 2008 8:16 PM

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Answer 1

Duane

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Mar 22, 2008 9:00 PM in response to garlicscapes

I assume that you configured the AirPort Express (AX) to operate in an 802.11g compatible mode and then configured both the AX and AirPort Extreme base station (AEBS) to wirelessly connect using WDS?

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Answer 2

garlicscapes Author

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Mar 22, 2008 10:18 PM in response to Duane

I don't have an Airport Extreme, just 2 Airport Expresses.

I plugged the cable into the 802.11n, and that works fine. The problem is trying to extend the reach with an 802.11g.

Thx.

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Answer 3

Mar 22, 2008 10:32 PM in response to garlicscapes

You cannot "Extend" the network with a b/g Express.
You can only participate in a WDS network with the now older b/g Express.

You must set up the main Express in a WDS network and then your older express to participate in the WDS...

It appears that you must have "n" base stations to be able to use the "Extend" network capabilities.
Otherwise, you must set both base stations to use WDS mode.

Joseph Kriz

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Answer 4

garlicscapes Author

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Mar 24, 2008 4:08 PM in response to Joseph Kriz

Joseph:

That did the trick. The Apple specialist advised me to extend the network.

Does this mean that my MacBook Air will be operating at a faster speed than the PowerBook G4? Or will the 802.11g drag the whole network speed down?

Thank you for your help - it is much appreciated 🙂.

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Answer 5

Mar 24, 2008 5:45 PM in response to garlicscapes

If you've got a MacBook Air and you want to run at FULL n speed, may I suggest that you setup a Dual-Band network. Simply connect your new AX-n to the ethernet port of your other AX-g and merely configure your AX-n to Bridge mode. Your AX-g will take care of all of your 802.11g devices and your AX-n will handle 802.11n devices.

There are numerous threads on setting up a Dual-Band network.

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Answer 6

garlicscapes Author

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Mar 24, 2008 5:56 PM in response to Fabian Ramirez

Interesting. I didn't know you could do that.

But the reason I bought the n, was to extend my network's range. So, I have the n connected to the incoming cable in my upstairs office, and the g in the kitchen.

Having said that, when I had only the n hooked up, the speed is about the same as now, with the g set up downstairs. Maybe g doesn't, in fact, slow down n.

What do you think?

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Answer 7

ebt4ever

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Mar 25, 2008 2:13 AM in response to garlicscapes

Hello garlicscapes,

I don't know the prev AX ... if it's able to act as "Extend a network" also called repeater which is in fact very different of WDS...
By example, when setting up the "extend my network", there isn't channel setting...only SSID+security config
If you change the channel on the main wifi access point, the repeater will automatically adjust its frequency ... very nice feature...

But I've got the new one 802.11n and I confirm that it can act as repeater...
You have to remember that if you set up the new AX as "create a network" and you choose the channel 2.4GHz ... your clients can connect in n mode...but if you set the the old AX in repeater mode your network will fall in g mode, 'cause all the clients must be connected at the same time and the AX can only handle one mode at the same time...so it downgrades its mode to the slowest compatible...

Maybe my explaination can help you

Kinds regards

Ed

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