Level 1

10 points

Comcast "traffic management" blocks Extend mode of AirPort Express 'n' ???

In another thread, I posted that I was unable to access the Internet using my AirPort Express 'n' to Extend my AirPort Extreme 'n'. With the AirPort Express 'n' in the Extend mode, computers connected to it, either wirelessly or via the Ethernet port, were unable to access the Internet, even though the Network preferences of the computer showed that it had a valid IP address, and the Network preferences Diagnostics indicated that the connection appeared to be working correctly and showed all green status lights. This problem occurred only in the Extend mode of an AirPort Express 'n', and regardless of whether the AirPort Extreme 'n' being extended was in the 5.0 GHz 'n' only mode, the 2.4 GHz 'n' only mode, or the 'n' (b/g compatible) mode. Both AirPorts were running the latest firmware version 7.3.1, all IP and DNS information was verified to be correct, and OpenDNS addresses were tried with no effect on the problem.

In this previous thread, three other people reported the same problem with the same symptoms, and two people reported that they were NOT having the problem and that they WERE able to access the Internet with their AirPort Express 'n' in the Extend mode. Of the people reporting the same problem, ALL reported that their ISP was Comcast. Of the people reporting that their Extend mode WAS working, ALL reported that their ISP was NOT Comcast.

This seemed like too much of a coincidence to ignore, so I have started this thread to see whether or not other people are experiencing the same problem with their AirPort Express 'n' in the Extend mode and to see what ISP they are using.

Here are the results from the previous thread, and I will keep a running total of any new results reported.

People with Comcast ISP whose Extend mode is NOT working --- 4
GARYsParries
devasolomon
Boston Dog
dannym098

People with Comcast ISP whose Extend mode IS working --- 0

People without Comcast ISP whose Extend mode is NOT working --- 0

People without Comcast ISP whose Extend mode IS working --- 2
cardsdoc
MusicMan0725

For those of you that have not been keeping up with the news reports about the Comcast "traffic management" issue, Comcast has been accused by BitTorrent and the FCC of conducting unfair practices to manage their Internet traffic for the purpose of keeping traffic flowing smoothly. As a result, Comcast has agreed to discontinue these practices by the end of 2008.

MacBook Pro 17" Core Duo, Mac OS X (10.5.2)

Posted on Apr 5, 2008 6:43 AM

237 replies

Jun 21, 2008 4:00 PM in response to GARYsParries

Just for the record, I'm seeing the same behavior. Airport Extreme creating an extended network, multiple 802.11n Airport Expresses as clients doesn't work. Ethernet clients connected to the Expresses can see anything on the local LAN, but cannot access the Internet through the NAT connection. If I create a WDS network with the same hardware it all works fine. Thing is, I bought this to replace an 802.11g network, so I want the 802.11n speeds on 5Ghz provided by the extended network. Quite annoyed, personally.

Jun 21, 2008 8:16 PM in response to Paul Devine3

Paul, Garys, et al.

Thanks for the post. Again, virtually the same problem for me. My consternation is that it all works as you would expect IF YOU TURN OFF WPA. I hope that when Apple fixes the bug they alert me so I can turn WPA back on. If they fix, but don't advertise it to us that are using N at 5Ghz unprotected, then that is a real disservice.

GARYsParries Author

Level 1

10 points

Jun 21, 2008 9:39 PM in response to GARYsParries

Paul, welcome to the club. Lary's solution of disabling password protection did not work for me, but maybe it will work for you. I'm sure you already know the other workarounds: (1) use your Extreme to extend a second Extreme, or (2) use your Expresses to extend a Time Capsule. These workarounds have worked in all cases without fail.

Good luck with your setup.

kirreip

Level 1

60 points

Jun 22, 2008 2:17 AM in response to Laryenth Lancaster

Laryenth Lancaster wrote:
Paul, Garys, et al.

Thanks for the post. Again, virtually the same problem for me. My consternation is that it all works as you would expect IF YOU TURN OFF WPA. I hope that when Apple fixes the bug they alert me so I can turn WPA back on. If they fix, but don't advertise it to us that are using N at 5Ghz unprotected, then that is a real disservice.

Don't worry about an alert. I guess apple will fix this with a firmware update and then AirPort Utility will ask you to update your devices. This way you will be informed. A good idea is to change the "looking for firmware updates" option from "weekly" to "daily" in AirPort Utility. This way you are sure that you'll be informed the day it comes out.

Jun 22, 2008 12:17 PM in response to GARYsParries

Hi all

I use Orange here in France as ISP (owned by France Telecom and probably the main ISP here). Router is their standard 'Livebox' hardwired to the Extreme. Also bought a couple of Express units at same time to extend from the Extreme. The Extreme and Airport all bought in last week or so.

My problem is that I can access the internet fine for downloading but it will not permit uploading when the contact point for my Mac is one of the Express units. If I make the Extreme the contact point for my Mac then all fine. The problem just seems to be with the Express units talking to the Extreme.

Luckily I have a couple of phone points so have juggled everything round so reaching the Extreme for my machine. Spent ages on it full of self-doubt. It ll seemed so simple! Tried different Macs in the house; accused our developers of it being their dodgy IceFaces coding on our sites and then got our network chap on it.

No success.

I may change the Express units for another Extreme.

Another frustrating escapade.

At least it was a joy finding this thread. Nice to be part of a group.

Bon chance!

GARYsParries Author

Level 1

10 points

Jun 22, 2008 5:09 PM in response to GARYsParries

Doc, your symptoms of 'upload' failure only are a first for this thread. Thus far, the workaround of replacing an Express with a second Extreme has worked in every case. It will be interesting to see if the streak remains unbroken. Please keep us posted.

Bonne chance avec votre installation.

Jun 23, 2008 12:06 PM in response to GARYsParries

I too have the upload issue.

I'm going from BelkinN --> TC --> extending to a an N Extreme.

If a laptop is situated near the TC all is good. If I move to the other side of the house so it's in range of the Extreme then I can only download and receive mails. Some browsing is ok but it's a one way street.

I also have two older Expresses in the house. All machines are intel macs.

I've not started playing around with the set-up as yet as I've only just come across the thread. I was about to post the problem in a new one but I think this thread covers it.

What gives?

Jun 23, 2008 12:47 PM in response to skewstudio

Who is your ISP?

Jun 23, 2008 11:44 PM in response to toddlydavis

Zen Internet. A UK based ISP.

http://www.zen.co.uk/

I've turned of the Express's now and the problem persists. The odd thing is that the effect has reversed. Now I can't upload when near the TC but it's fine by the extended EXTREME.

Really odd.

kirreip

Level 1

60 points

Jun 24, 2008 12:40 AM in response to skewstudio

skewstudio, try to turn of your Extreme and then turn back on your Express to extend your TC. TC can only be extended by

-Another TC
-AirPort Express

But not by an Extreme like you are trying

Jun 24, 2008 12:50 AM in response to kirreip

Thanks for the tip.

I've been totally unable to extend the TC with either Express after a whole weekend of trying. I got a spare extreme from work to extend the TC and that seemed to work fine until I discovered this issue.

Can I do this:

BelkinN ---> ExtremeN ---> Extended to TC?

Has anyone had any joy with this config?

Thanks again for the help.

Skew

GARYsParries Author

Level 1

10 points

Jun 25, 2008 7:24 PM in response to GARYsParries

Skew, I would go with your original idea and post your comment to another thread. This thread is mostly geared to the problems of Comcast users, which generally are quite different from those of non Comcast users. There has been some overlap, but from your last post, it does not seem like the solutions offered here will work for you.

Sorry we could not be of more help. We feel your frustration. Please come back and let us know how you made out.

Jun 25, 2008 11:15 PM in response to GARYsParries

I was directed here from another thread, and I am having the exact same issues, though my ISP is Speakeasy. I'm reduced to using WDS at the moment, but I noticed this thread was marked as answered. Judging from what I've read in this thread, the TC and AEBS are incompatible together and the solution is to buy an express to extend and have the other router connect the other through ethernet?

Jun 26, 2008 12:33 AM in response to TailOfTheSun

wow this is incredible. I also have Comcast, and I am weary about buying a new AEBS...(bought current one on ebay:] ) So I guess the best we can do is pray that Comcast will fix this issue as soon as possible! (saying the problem lies with Comcast)

GARYsParries Author

Level 1

10 points

Jun 26, 2008 7:00 AM in response to GARYsParries

Sun, that is exactly correct. You also have the option of buying another Extreme (AEBS) to extend your current Extreme and connecting your TC via Ethernet to Create a second wireless network. This would be an advantage if you are going run your extended wireless network in 5 GHz n-only mode but run your second wireless network in 2.4 GHz n-b/g compatible mode, since the Extreme/Extreme combination would provide a bit better 5 GHz signal coverage than the TC/Express combination. If you are going to run all three bases in 5 GHz n-only mode, then it probably does make much difference which setup you choose with regard to signal coverage. This is all assuming that the Speakeasy ISP behaves the same as Comcast. Please let us know whether that assumption turns out to be true. 🙂

Ann, as a Comcast user, have no fears about buying a second Extreme (AEBS). Two Extremes work together in the extend mode without problems. It's only the combination of a TC and an Extreme or an Extreme and an Express that causes problems.

Good luck to both of you with your setups.

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Comcast "traffic management" blocks Extend mode of AirPort Express 'n' ???