badboyfun

Q: how do I extend my Airport Extreme version 5.7 for better wireless at a distance?

From my researching of this problem, it seems like I may need to "extend" my Airport Extreme version 5.7 to strengthen my signal at a distance.  It is used, but I was able to reset and set it up to my network.  The previous user was getting much better performance.  When at my desk, right next to the router and Airport Express, I get up to 19Mbps.  At a distance of 30-50 ft. (which I often use) wirelessly, I can only get up to 4Mbps.  Will "extending" the Airport help those speeds and strengthen the connection so as not to burden it even farther with 3 users connected to the network or is there something else that I can do?  Am I just being picky?  I am an Apple novice and have read everything I can to figure out my problems, but this one is still lingering.  Problem or not?

 

Info:  if needed

 

Airport Extreme v 5.7  - only one as a base station

 

Wireless network with ZyXel Q1000 router - Airport Extreme is connected to that via ethernet cable.

 

I use a Toshiba Satellite laptop, less than a year old running Windows 7.

 

Often work about 30-50 feet away wirelessly and speeds are up to par without Airport Extreme, got it to strengthen signal as another user will be added to my network shortly.  Speeds at a distance 4Mbps or less.  Next to router and Airport 19 Mbps.

 

I have Century Link 20Mbps high speed internet service.

 

Airport "dome" has three lights on top.  Middle is steady green and the two on each side periodically blink white.

 

Successfully set up using airport utility for PC.  It shows up on that list and on my wireless connection list.

 

Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions or positive comments.

 

david

badboyfun - apple novice.

Airport Exteme 5.7

Posted on Mar 1, 2012 1:32 PM

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Q: how do I extend my Airport Extreme version 5.7 for better wireless at a distance?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Tesserax,Helpful

    Tesserax Tesserax Mar 1, 2012 4:18 PM in response to badboyfun
    Level 9 (54,786 points)
    Wireless
    Mar 1, 2012 4:18 PM in response to badboyfun

    Since you have an older 802.11g AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBS), the only way to extend its wireless network is with another AirPort and both configured for a Wireless Distribution System (WDS).

     

    This should provide better signal strength but comes with a hefty bandwidth penalty. That is because for every base station added to the WDS, the overall bandwidth is cut in half. Since 802.11g has a maximum potential bandwidth of 54 Mbps, and using two base stations, that overall bandwidth will be more like 25-27 Mbps ... still acceptable for general networking but limited for things like HD video streaming.

  • by badboyfun,

    badboyfun badboyfun Mar 1, 2012 4:51 PM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 1, 2012 4:51 PM in response to Tesserax

    Thanks, that is what I feared.  So, is the airport extreme useless in my situation.  I know very little about them.  I have been reading the manual, but without another expediture and with the mentioned bandwith penalty it seems that it doesn't do anything that my current wireless does.  What are your feelings regarding this?  I really appreciate your help.

    david

  • by Tesserax,Helpful

    Tesserax Tesserax Mar 1, 2012 5:40 PM in response to badboyfun
    Level 9 (54,786 points)
    Wireless
    Mar 1, 2012 5:40 PM in response to badboyfun

    I'm having a bit of trouble confirming that the ZyXEL is a combination modem & wireless-N router. If it is, then you really won't get any advantages of using the 802.11g AirPort.

     

    If the range of your ZyXEL is limited, you may find that doing either or both of the following will help: 1) Move the ZyXEL so that it is higher vs. lower in the room, that is away from any closed areas or placed in a metal cabinet, and 2) Changing radio channels. The latter is especially important in you live in an area where there are a number of competing Wi-Fi.

     

    A good utility to find out, is iStumbler. You would use this to find these other Wi-Fi and find which have the strongest signal value. Those that do, you would also want to note which channel they are operating on, and then, change yours to one that is at least 3-5 channels away. So, for example, if you find strong ones on channels 1 & 6, change yours to 11.

  • by badboyfun,

    badboyfun badboyfun Mar 1, 2012 5:55 PM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 1, 2012 5:55 PM in response to Tesserax

    Thanks again. Nindo believe that my router is a combination.  When I enter my ip address, I get qwest modem configuration with several tabs including wireless set up.  Is there a way I can confirm if it,is a combo.  I am aware of the channel situation and I am set to auto which does put me away from other nearby networks.   My airport express says 802.11b/g compatible.  Does this info help? 

    David

  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax Mar 2, 2012 9:46 AM in response to badboyfun
    Level 9 (54,786 points)
    Wireless
    Mar 2, 2012 9:46 AM in response to badboyfun

    When I enter my ip address, I get qwest modem configuration with several tabs including wireless set up.  Is there a way I can confirm if it,is a combo.

    The fact that you get the additional tabs, especially the one for wireless setup, would indicate that it is a combination modem & router.