willywill2

Q: Express n and g - can I extend?

I have an Airport Express (n) w/ 7.6 firmware and an Airport Express (g) w/ 6.3 firmware.  I would like to extend the range of my network from the n to the g.  From reading I think this may not be possible.  Anyone know if this can be done and if so, how?

I have various versions of Airport Setup Util on Macs and Win 7 is 5.5.3

Thanks!

Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Feb 6, 2012 9:53 PM

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Q: Express n and g - can I extend?

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  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Feb 6, 2012 10:17 PM in response to willywill2
    Level 10 (105,268 points)
    Wireless
    Feb 6, 2012 10:17 PM in response to willywill2

    It is  possible to do this using what is known as a WDS setup, but the huge drop in performance on your network will likely far outweigh the gain of a bit more wireless coverage.

     

    Consider what will happen if you try the WDS setup:

     

    1) Your AirPort Express "n" will automatically drop down to "g" wireless levels

     

    2) The bandwidth of the entire network will drop by 50%, so in effect you will have a "g" wireless network running at half speed. As a reference, your "n" Express will normally run at about 5 times the speed or more of the WDS setup.

     

    3) The configuration to do this is frankly difficult and frustrating for most users. It's easy to make a mistake and impossible to recover without starting all over again.

     

    I would not recommend this, but if you want to try it anyway, Apple's instructions for this are here:

     

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

  • by willywill2,

    willywill2 willywill2 Feb 7, 2012 6:17 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Feb 7, 2012 6:17 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    Thanks Bob.  Bummer but glad to finally have an answer.  Guess I'll sell the g.