Here are the step-by-step instructions for configuring two AirPort base station into a WDS:
Static WDS Setup with "Mixed" (802.11g & 802.11n) AirPort Base Stations
Note: To facilitate the WDS set up:
- Perform a "factory default" reset on all of the base stations that you plan on using in the WDS. This will get them back to their respective "out-of-the-box" configurations.
- To avoid having to "switch" wireless networks within the AirPort Utility, temporarily connect the AXn to the AEBSn by Ethernet during the set up phase, and then, relocate it to the desired location when complete.
- Be sure to jot down the AirPort IDs (MAC addresses) for each of the base stations to be used in the WDS. The AirPort ID is printed on the label on the bottom/side of the base station.
Main Base Station Setup - AEBSn
- Click the OS X AirPort status menu in the menu bar and choose the wireless network created by the AEBSn.
- Open AirPort Utility, select the AEBSn, and then, choose Manual Setup from the Base Station menu.
- Enter the base station password if necessary. If the base station is using the default password of public, you will not be prompted for a password.
- Click Wireless in the toolbar, and then, choose “Participate in a WDS network” from the Wireless Mode pop-up menu. Note: You will need to hold down the Option key in order to get this option on the AEBSn.
- Click WDS and then, choose “WDS main” from the WDS Mode pop-up menu.
- Select the “Allow wireless clients” checkbox if you want client computer to connect to this base station.
- Click the Add "+" button and enter the AirPort ID of the base station you want to connect to this base station.
- Click Update to send the new settings to the base stations in the WDS.
Remote Base Station Setup - AXn
- Open AirPort Utility; select the AXn, and then, choose Manual Setup from the Base Station menu.
- Enter the base station password, if necessary.
- Enter the same network password as the AEBSn, if necessary.
- Click AirPort in the toolbar, and then, click Wireless. Choose “Participate in a WDS network” from the Wireless Mode pop-up menu, and then, choose the same channel as the AEBSn from the Channel pop-up menu.
- Click WDS and choose “WDS remote” from the pop-up menu.
- Enter the AirPort ID of the AEBSn in the WDS Main field.
- Click Update to transfer the settings to the base station.