Airport Extreme wired AND extend network - Need Input

Thanks, Bob. Yes, I sit here with an iMac and a MacBook Air, they are right next to each other, yet on different networks. One Airport (Extreme) is in the same room, the other (Time Capsule) is on another floor. Since they share identical names, how do you force a device to join the closest/strongest signal?

how do you force a device to join the closest/strongest signal?

You can't.

Try powering off one or both devices, etc. to see if you can get them connected to the closest access point.

You may need to completely power off the entire network and then power it back up again in sequence, modem first.

Wireless can do some crazy things at times.....nature of the beast, I am afraid.

Hi Bob,

I realize your post to extend an Apple Extreme network using the Airport Express is almost a year old but your instructions worked perfect. I have 3 Amped Wireless repeaters, 2 of the REA20 and 1 of the SR10000 serving 2 large buildings at home that works very well but I was having fits trying to get the Express set up as an extender for my wife in the front room via ethernet to a new Apple Dual Band Extreme.

Thanks for the clear instructions..

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.