Verizon FIOS, Time Capsule, and Airport Express - How to Extend Network

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Verizon FIOS, Time Capsule, and Airport Express - How to Extend Network

OK, I just got Verizon FIOS (TV, Internet, and phone). Don't care for the wireless router that is required to be used with it (want 802.11n and Time Capsule). I turned of the wireless on the Verizon FIOS router and installed a Time Capsule in Bridge Mode, which is how the Verizon rep told me to install it. As I understand it, the Verizon FIOS router is still handling DHCP, NAT, etc. I would like to extend the wireless network to reach some dead spots in my house. I have read that the Airport Express can be used to extend a wireless network from an Airport Extreme or Time Capsule, but it appears that I need to set up a WDS with the Time Capsule as the base station, which is apparently not possible on the Time Capsule in Bridge Mode. I am desperately seeking any advice on how to use Verizon FIOS, my Time Capsule, and extend the wireless network to reach the farther corners of the house. I am using a Macbook and a Thinkpad as well as an iPhone on the wireless network with a Dell desktop connected to the Time Capsule via Ethernet. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Before I switched, I had Cox Cable with a Buffalo wireless router and it had great range. Now I seem to be in a worse situation from a wireless perspective with higher TV and Internet quality. Thanks in advance.

Macbook, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Jan 26, 2010 5:01 PM

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Answer 1

Jan 26, 2010 6:51 PM in response to FGW

Welcome to the discussions!

+I would like to extend the wireless network to reach some dead spots in my house. I have read that the Airport Express can be used to extend a wireless network from an Airport Extreme or Time Capsule, but it appears that I need to set up a WDS with the Time Capsule as the base station, which is apparently not possible on the Time Capsule in Bridge Mode+

If you have an AirPort Express(n), you can configure it to "extend a wireless network". This is a more efficient way to add additional wireless coverage (and much easier to configure than a WDS arrangement).

However, if you have an older "b/g" AirPort Express, you must use the WDS configuration method with this device and the Time Capsule if you want to increase your wireless coverage.

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Answer 2

FGW Author

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Jan 26, 2010 8:12 PM in response to Bob Timmons

So with a new Airport Express (n), I can extend the wireless network from a Airport Extreme (actually a new Time Capsule) as the base station even if it is in bridge mode with the upstream Verizon FIOS router doing the DHCP, NAT, etc.? Is that why even in bridge mode I have the option to "allow this network to be extended"? Thanks.

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Answer 3

Jan 28, 2010 2:12 PM in response to FGW

+So with a new Airport Express (n), I can extend the wireless network from a Airport Extreme (actually a new Time Capsule) as the base station even if it is in bridge mode with the upstream Verizon FIOS router doing the DHCP, NAT, etc.? Is that why even in bridge mode I have the option to "allow this network to be extended"?+

Sure, no problem.

However, it's not possible to enable the "Guest" network if you have a dual band router in bridge mode. And, the Guest network cannot be extended even if it is enabled.

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Answer 4

Apr 2, 2010 8:23 AM in response to Bob Timmons

I'm struggling with the same issues that others seem to be having. I'm trying to enable the Guest Network for my Time Capsule while using Verizon Fios with ActionTec Router.

Here are the settings for my Time Capsule:
http://screencast.com/t/NGNlZGViNmY

I'm also willing to buy another device if necessary.

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Answer 5

Apr 2, 2010 8:37 AM in response to Kevin Dewalt

It appears that your have the Connection Sharing setting set to "Distribute a range of IP addresses". Normally, this setting would only be used if your service provider has furnished you with a series of "static" IP addresses.

The fact that your have another router, the ActionTec, ahead of the Time Capsule dictates that the Connection Sharing setting for the Time Capsule should be set to "Off (Bridge Mode)".

You will be able to "Create a wireless network" with the Time Capsule when it is set in Bridge Mode, but the Guest networking feature cannot be enabled under this type of setup. In order for the Guest networking feature to be enabled, the Time Capsule would have to be the first router in the network configuration, not the second.

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