ToiletBlaster
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Q: Roaming Network

I wish to create a roaming network in a large house, can you advise the Apple hardware I am likely to need to set this up

Posted on Mar 19, 2012 6:27 AM

by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer
Bob Timmons Bob Timmons
Level 10 (105,448 points)
Wireless
A:

Apple's instructions to do this are here:

 

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4260

 

As far as number of AirPort routers required, the general rule of thumb is that you would need one wireless access point for each general area in which you need wireless coverage.

 

Without knowing more about the layout and construction of your house, we can't even make a guess as to how many access points you might require.

 

If you want the "best" performance, the money spent for a consultation with an IT professional would be a very wise investment.

Posted on Mar 19, 2012 6:43 AM

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ToiletBlaster

Q: Roaming Network

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  • by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Mar 19, 2012 6:43 AM in response to ToiletBlaster
    Level 10 (105,448 points)
    Wireless
    Mar 19, 2012 6:43 AM in response to ToiletBlaster

    Apple's instructions to do this are here:

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4260

     

    As far as number of AirPort routers required, the general rule of thumb is that you would need one wireless access point for each general area in which you need wireless coverage.

     

    Without knowing more about the layout and construction of your house, we can't even make a guess as to how many access points you might require.

     

    If you want the "best" performance, the money spent for a consultation with an IT professional would be a very wise investment.

  • by ToiletBlaster,

    ToiletBlaster ToiletBlaster Mar 19, 2012 8:12 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 19, 2012 8:12 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    Sorry, I should have mentioned, I cant use any cabling to connect the different parts of the network, can this be done wirelessly?

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Mar 19, 2012 10:18 AM in response to ToiletBlaster
    Level 10 (105,448 points)
    Wireless
    Mar 19, 2012 10:18 AM in response to ToiletBlaster

    A "roaming" network is by definition a setup where all of the routers are connected together using Ethernet cabling, so the answer would be that it is not possible to realize the benefits of a "roaming" network using wireless only.

     

    Using a main router located centrally in your house, it is  possible to add up to 3 additional AirPorts to "extend" the wireless network using wireless only. This is tricky business since the "extending" device must be located where it can receive a good quality wireless signal in order to be able to extend it effectively to provide the additional coverage that you need.

     

    So, you would want to avoid obstructions in the signal path between the main router and the extending devices as much as possible for good performance. Again, consulting with a networking pro now will save you a lot of frustration later on.

     

    Apple's instructions to set up an "extended" network are here. Additional devices would be configured the same way:

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4259

  • by ToiletBlaster,

    ToiletBlaster ToiletBlaster Mar 19, 2012 10:53 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 19, 2012 10:53 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    Hi Bob, this solves my question, thanks for your quick response, regards