The network you selected cannot be extended.

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Level 2

290 points

The network you selected cannot be extended.

I got one of the new Time Capsule to replace an older one which works perfectly. Unfortunately, using the new Airport Utility software I get the above message when trying to extend my network through the new Time Capsule, although it is already extended with two Airport Expresses and the old Time Capsule ...extending it.

Everything's updated and current.

Any ideas here?

Posted on Dec 2, 2009 7:14 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 2, 2009 7:55 AM in response to Zebra1

Is the new Time Capsule your "main" router? If so, you will set it to "create a wireless network". The other devices will be set to "extend a wireless network".

Make sure there is a check mark next to "Allow this network to be extended" on the same wireless setup page for the "main" router.

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Answer 2

Zebra1 Author

Level 2

290 points

Dec 2, 2009 11:32 AM in response to Bob Timmons

You didn't seem to read my post carefully or you didn't understand it.

The issue is now resolved. I had to reset it and then use the Assist Me feature to add it and extend the network which already HAD a main router, obviously. It seems that the manual way of doing it did not seem to work for the first time the capsule was being set up. Subsequent changes can be made with no problems.

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Answer 3

Zebra1 Author

Level 2

290 points

Dec 2, 2009 2:09 PM in response to Zebra1

Problem circumvented but there may be a bug there too.

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Answer 4

Dec 2, 2009 2:11 PM in response to Zebra1

Please keep us advised on this. Thanks.

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Answer 5

Dec 13, 2009 11:21 PM in response to Zebra1

I had the exact same problem with two 802.11n Airport Extreme Base Stations, and used the same solution. Setting this up manually did not work, no matter what I tried (including resetting both the main and remote bas stations and then setting both up properly), but when I reset the remote base station and then used ASSIST ME, it went fine.

Definitely a bug., and definitely annoying.

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Answer 6

Conal Ho

Level 3

503 points

Dec 22, 2009 7:36 AM in response to Zebra1

The problem here is that "Allow extended" option is used for only routers that have N capability. If your network includes router that are Pre-N, then that option will not work. What you need to do instead is use the "Participate in WDS mode".

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Answer 7

Zebra1 Author

Level 2

290 points

Dec 22, 2009 9:15 AM in response to Conal Ho

Please....

We are not stupid. This is all latest hardware which is already "extended". Read first, then engage keyboard.

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Answer 8

fdebruin

Level 1

0 points

Jan 4, 2010 12:33 AM in response to Zebra1

I was glad to find this thread because I have experienced the same problem. Your solution using 'assist me' solved it (for now), where configuring manually got me nowhwere.

Frank

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Answer 9

Feb 3, 2010 4:11 PM in response to fdebruin

The problem is the discrepancy between the Assist Me option and the Manual Settings. They often contradict each other for this setting. It's frustrating! Hard to tell if it's correctly configured. I hope Apple releases an update for the Airport Utility or a firmware update.

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Answer 10

jwlhall

Level 1

0 points

Mar 27, 2010 2:41 PM in response to S. Kingston

Hi, I m stuck on the same thing but where do I find the ASSIST ME option? I am trying to use my new Time Capsule to extend the network of my existing D Link g/n router.

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Answer 11

Mar 27, 2010 3:23 PM in response to jwlhall

The Time Capsule (and other Apple routers) cannot "extend" the wireless network of another non-Apple device. The "main" and "extending" devices must both be Apple "n" capable products.

If you connect your Time Capsule to the D Link using an ethernet cable, you have some options. Is this possible?

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