VinL
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Convert Airport Extreme from WPA to 128-bit WEP

I am using AIrport Extreme for my home network and set it up with WPA security.  I have an older Airport Express unit that I would like to connect to the network to extend range, believe this is referred to as Wireless Distribution Sysstem (WDS).  Setup Guide for the Express unit says that it can only support WDS if using 128-bit WEP, not WPA.  I have tried to reset the security in the Extreme to WEP to try to make this work, but cannot seem to make this work.  Is this realistic?  Do I need to just start over and create a new network?

Airport Extreme/Express

Posted on Apr 7, 2012 5:55 PM

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VinL

Q: Convert Airport Extreme from WPA to 128-bit WEP

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  • by Tesserax,Helpful

    Tesserax Tesserax Apr 7, 2012 7:51 PM in response to VinL
    Level 9 (54,901 points)
    Wireless
    Apr 7, 2012 7:51 PM in response to VinL

    There are two major drawbacks of using a WDS: 1) The resultant extended network can only operate in 802.11g, effectively nullifying the advantages of your 802.11n AirPort Extreme, and 2) For every base station added, the overall bandwidth is cut in half. Since 802.11g only has a maximum bandwidth of 54 Mbps, even with just two base stations, that maximum would drop to 25-27 Mbps.

     

    Instead of reducing both your overall wireless network performance and security, I would recommend that you replace the 802.11g AirPort Express with the newer 802.11n model. You can then configure both base stations for an extended network instead. This type of network does not have either of the disadvantages of a WDS.

  • by Philly_Phan,

    Philly_Phan Philly_Phan Apr 7, 2012 8:07 PM in response to Tesserax
    Level 6 (13,576 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 7, 2012 8:07 PM in response to Tesserax

    Also, my data rate is not cut in half!

    Screen Shot 2012-04-07 at 11.03.57 PM.pngScreen Shot 2012-04-07 at 11.04.47 PM.pngScreen Shot 2012-04-07 at 11.05.08 PM.png

    (Pure 802.11n is also a choice)