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I am using a 6th generation AirPort Extreme as my primary router and I just bought another one (same model) to use to extend the network. They are connected with an Ethernet cable. I was expecting to get the same speed from both routers but the primary is around 3 times as fast as the extension. Any ideas?
My suggestion would be to first check the speed over an Ethernet connection on the second AirPort Extreme in two different ways.
If they are not, then there is a problem with the Ethernet cable itself or the Ethernet port on the second AirPort may not be functioning correctly.
If the speed checks out OK when you run the 1. check above, then........
2. Connect the Ethernet cable back to the second AirPort Extreme and then connect an Ethernet cable to one of the three LAN <---> Ethernet ports on the AirPort Extreme and check speeds that way. The speeds should be the same.
We ask you to check the Ethernet speeds and connections because you cannot troubleshoot a Wi-Fi connection without first checking to make sure that the Ethernet connections are working correctly.
Another thought would be that Apple discontinued the AirPort Extreme over 4 years ago, so you likely bought either a "refurbished" AirPort or a "used" AirPort. I suppose it is possible that the AirPort could be "new", but it would have been sitting in a warehouse for 4 years in this case.
My suggestion would be to first check the speed over an Ethernet connection on the second AirPort Extreme in two different ways.
If they are not, then there is a problem with the Ethernet cable itself or the Ethernet port on the second AirPort may not be functioning correctly.
If the speed checks out OK when you run the 1. check above, then........
2. Connect the Ethernet cable back to the second AirPort Extreme and then connect an Ethernet cable to one of the three LAN <---> Ethernet ports on the AirPort Extreme and check speeds that way. The speeds should be the same.
We ask you to check the Ethernet speeds and connections because you cannot troubleshoot a Wi-Fi connection without first checking to make sure that the Ethernet connections are working correctly.
Another thought would be that Apple discontinued the AirPort Extreme over 4 years ago, so you likely bought either a "refurbished" AirPort or a "used" AirPort. I suppose it is possible that the AirPort could be "new", but it would have been sitting in a warehouse for 4 years in this case.
A few thoughts from the screenshots:
I have attached 3 screen shots.
Before I run SpeedTest I open Airport Utility and check to see which router my iphone and iPad are connected to. I have a Mac Mini and a MacBook Pro in the same room as the primary router and they are always connected to that. Other than that I have smart plugs, switches, and an Ecobee thermostat and they all connect to which ever router is closest.
[Image Edited by Moderator to Remove Personal Information]
How do you have the second AirPort Extreme configured to extend the first one? Specifically, what do you have the Network Mode setting set to? It should be "Create a wireless network" for roaming mode. Screen shots, of the settings in the AirPort Utility, would be helpful.
I was expecting to get the same speed from both routers but the primary is around 3 times as fast as the extension.
Although it might be surprising, the extending AirPort Extreme should not be set up to "Extend a wireless network". That setting would only be correct if the extending AirPort were connecting to the main Extreme using a wireless connection......not Ethernet.
So, as forum expert Tesserax mentions, the second AirPort Extreme should be set up to "Create a wireless network" that uses the exact same name, security and password as the "main" AirPort Extreme. Additionally, the second AirPort needs to be set up in Bridge Mode, which Apple calls "Off (Bridge Mode)".
Even if the second AirPort is set up correctly, there are no guarantees that a Mac, iPhone / iPad etc, will automatically "switch" to pick up the signal from the closest AirPort when the device changes locations. Check to make sure that the device is connected to the closest AirPort when you want to perform any speed checks, etc.
Checking the cable gave me the answer (and results) I was looking for. My Ethernet wiring was done before WiFi and all the cables went to the location of wired router I was using at the time. When I switched to WiFi the router needed to be in a different spot and since the cable wasn’t long enough I used a coupler to extend it. When I took the coupler out of the equation it all worked like it should. I happened to have a second coupler and with it in place everything works fine. The bad coupler is in the trash and I am considering trying to change things up so I don’t need one at all.
Thanks for all the help!
> since the cable wasn’t long enough I used a coupler to extend it
Thanks for the update. Now I know to be wary of ethernet splitters and also couplers.
"Ethernet Splitter. Let’s start with the thing you were probably most tempted to just run out and buy when looking to transform one Ethernet connection into several. (Hint: don’t do it!)"
https://www.maketecheasier.com/ethernet-switch-vs-hub-vs-splitter/
AirPort Extreme
