mamonch

Q: AE "n" is joining but not extending AE "g" network

I have an AE "g" creating a wireless network at my house. I bought a new version AE "n" to extend this network. Apparently, I can't extend the network created by an AE "g", so I configured the new AE "n" to join the network. Both devices have a green light, but my internet is not covering the new range. In other words, the range is not being expanded by the new added AE.

Any support will be appreciate it!

Posted on Jan 25, 2012 10:44 AM

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Q: AE "n" is joining but not extending AE "g" network

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  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jan 25, 2012 11:13 AM in response to mamonch
    Level 10 (105,268 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 25, 2012 11:13 AM in response to mamonch

    Whenever you have a "mix" of older 'g" and newer "n" wireless devices, you must use the WDS settings to provide more wireless coverage.

     

    Apple's instructions to do this are here:

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4262

     

    There are upsides and downsides to this type of setup

     

    The upside is that you will have a bit more wireless coverage

     

    Downsides:

     

    WDS only operates at "g" wireless, so you will lose any "n" capabilities of the newer AirPort Express

    WDS cuts the bandwidth in half, so you will have a "g" wireless network running at half speed

    WDS is difficult for most users to configure....easy to make a mistake....and impossible to recover without starting all over again.

  • by Joseph Kriz,

    Joseph Kriz Joseph Kriz Jan 25, 2012 11:36 AM in response to mamonch
    Level 5 (5,144 points)
    iPhone
    Jan 25, 2012 11:36 AM in response to mamonch

    I got rid of all my older Airport Express (AX) units and replaced them with the newer "n" versions...

     

    Much easier to setup than the older models and as mentioned above, run faster on "n" and you don't have to try and setup WDS which also slows it down again in half...

  • by mamonch,

    mamonch mamonch Jan 25, 2012 5:05 PM in response to mamonch
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 25, 2012 5:05 PM in response to mamonch

    Thanks for your help!

     

    Is the range of the AE "g" different than the range of the AE "n"?

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jan 25, 2012 5:16 PM in response to mamonch
    Level 10 (105,268 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 25, 2012 5:16 PM in response to mamonch

    If anything, the 'g" Express would probably have just a bit better range since "n" signals tend to be absorbed a little more quickly than "g" signals.

     

    As far as operating in a WDS setup, they would perform the same, since both would be operating at "g" levels.

     

    If the budget allows, you will do much better to use two "n" Express devices in an "extend" setup.  You could still configure the "g" Expess to "join" the network for AirTunes or a printer.

  • by Joseph Kriz,

    Joseph Kriz Joseph Kriz Jan 25, 2012 6:07 PM in response to mamonch
    Level 5 (5,144 points)
    iPhone
    Jan 25, 2012 6:07 PM in response to mamonch

    Apples terminoloy abbreviations.....

     

    AE = Airport Extreme

    AX = Airport Express

     

    Which one are you referring to?

     

    You could also sell your old one on eBay like I did. There are plenty of people that don't mind the older "g" devices. This way it won't cost you full price to upgrade to a newer "n" version.