Damager
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Q: Airport Extreme wired AND extend network - Need Input

I just bought 2 Air Port Extreme units (the latest 5th generation).  I'd like to use them in the following configuration:

 

 

1.  Unit 1 connected to my cable modem, providing wireless service and wired to a switch which distributes the connectivity to a few other places in my house via ethernet cable.

 

 

2.  Unit 2 on the opposite side of the house, extending the wireless signal from Unit 1, and hardwired to the ethernet in the house.  Then several other items plugged into Unit 2 for connectivity.

 

 

Problem is, I seem to have 1 of 2 choices:

 

 

1.  Configure Unit 2 in bridge mode.  Hardwire to network works and connectivity works, but there is no wireless turned on, hence no wireless extension.

 

 

2.  Configure Unit 2 to Extend Network.  Wireless is extended, and works fine.  Items can be plugged into Unit 2 and get connectivity, but I cannot connect Unit 2 to the wired network.

 

 

Am I right that I can't get what I want - Unit 2 wired into the internal ethernet network AND extending the wireless network from Unit 1?

AirPort Extreme 5th Gen, Mac OS X (10.7.3)

Posted on Feb 26, 2012 1:51 PM

by Joseph Kriz,Solvedanswer
Joseph Kriz Joseph Kriz
Level 5 (5,144 points)
iPhone
A:

Connect them in a "Roaming" network which is the best wireless network available.

 

Roaming Network (Ethernet-connected Wi-Fi base stations)

For 802.11n Wi-Fi base stations, creating a roaming network is by far the best choice. This will provide the best throughput between the base stations and your Wi-Fi devices.

 

This set up requires that your Wi-Fi base stations are connected via Ethernet.

 

The primary base station provides DHCP Services, while the extended base station will be configured to use bridge mode.

All Wi-Fi base stations within the roaming network should use the same passwords, security type (Open/WEP/WPA), and network name (SSID).

These would all use the same "Create a wireless network", same password, same network name, same security, etc.....

Sounds like you can do this with all the cables you have througout the house....

 

You would not use "Join", "Extend", or "Bridge"..... You would choose "Create a wireless network" on all the base stations.......

Posted on Feb 26, 2012 1:59 PM

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Q: Airport Extreme wired AND extend network - Need Input

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  • by Redgas,

    Redgas Redgas Oct 6, 2015 4:57 PM in response to paultahoe
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 6, 2015 4:57 PM in response to paultahoe

    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
      1. 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

    Forum1.tiff

      1. Network Tab - Ensure both TC and AEF "Router Mode" tab is set to Off (Bridge Mode)

    Forum2.tiff

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

    Forum 3.tiff

     

    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.

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