Airport Extreme wired AND extend network - Need Input

I don't think you can force your devices to connect to one access point or another, but you can at least see which one you're connected to using the airport app on your device.

I have set up my network with the express downstairs as a roaming network and with an extreme as the base upstairs. I have a wireless printer set up downstairs near the express. Can I set this up so that I can print while upstairs and connected to the extreme?

If you have your network set up correctly, then the printer can be accessed from devices that connect to either AirPort.....since everything is on the same network.

It been a while since this thread has been active so time for a resuscitation.

With the latest Airport Utility v 6.3.6 I've been pulling my hair out in frustration over the lack of clear instructions (absolutely none that I can find from Apple on the new Airport Utility) on how to create a mixed Wired and Wireless (Roaming) network. Having cobbled together various bits and bobs from multiple sources - primarily this thread - I thought I would summarise my setup and hopefully clarify the solution I have reached to create a roaming network using Ethernet for the remote wireless stations.

I have a large, 2 storey house. The broadband modem is, of course thanks to the location of the incoming phone line, tucked away in one corner of the house. Over the years wireless has been OK but fair from perfect. So the solution would be use Ethernet to connect wireless access ports strategically placed. After much trial and error here is how I've got it to work:

1. Broadband modem to WAN on Airport Extreme (New Tower Version) (AET)
   1. Broadband modem set to bridge
   2. AET creating Network and PPPoE settings
2. Ethernet connection from LAN port on AET via D-Link Gigabit Network Switch to Time Capsule (TC) WAN port
3. Ethernet connection from LAN port on AET via D-Link Gigabit Network Switch to Airport Extreme Dual Band Flat Version (AEF) WAN port
4. Open Airport Utility and for both TC and AEF

   Wireless Tab - Create a Wireless Network selected

   1. Use the same Network "Wireless Network Name", the same "Wireless Security Setting" and the same "Wireless Password" as you used on the AET when creating your original Wifi Network
   2. Do Not select Extend a Wireless Network - this creates Network confusion / conflict and renders it unstable

I have another 2 wireless access points set to Extend the Wireless Network from the AET

So far so good. Network stable. Seamless roaming within the network with my iPhone.

Interestingly the iPhone Airport Utility confirms the Ethernet connection & connection speed between the AET and remote connected devices but this info is not readily available on the Mac Version.

Hope this summary is of use.

Thanks for the answer, big help.

Simply assign the same wireless network name, same wireless network password, and same wireless network security setting to both networks, and then everything will act like one "big" network.

And what about the ethernet ports in the AE? Any idea on why they don´t work when I plugged in to my macbook pro?

Awesome, thanks for the enlightening info. I will share my comments with apple for future developments.

Regards!