HT204617: Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring an extended wireless network (802.11n)

Learn about Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring an extended wireless network (802.11n)
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Q: Is it possible to use an 802.11n Airport Express to extend an 802.11g AP Extreme, though I followed instructions on http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4259 and ...HT4262. Help!

Is it possible to use an 802.11n Airport Express to extend an 802.11g AP Extreme, though I followed instructions on http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4259 and ...HT4262? Help!

 

I have followed the instructions both ways, and the new 802.11n AP Express still shows as a separate network, and does not access the 802.11g Extreme base station.

 

Thanks!

Airport Express, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Apr 14, 2012 10:59 PM

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Q: Is it possible to use an 802.11n Airport Express to extend an 802.11g AP Extreme, though I followed instructions on http://support ... more

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  • by John Galt,Helpful

    John Galt John Galt Apr 14, 2012 11:07 PM in response to Community User
    Level 9 (50,132 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 14, 2012 11:07 PM in response to Community User

    No. "Extending" a network is only possible using two 802.11n base stations. The instructions you followed do not apply to an 802.11g Extreme.

     

    The only option to wirelessly connect your Express to an older Extreme is to use WDS.

     

    Creating a Wireless Distribution System (WDS) is tedious even for experienced users, despite Apple's step by step instructions linked below:

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4262

     

    It's usually an exercise in frustration that results in a poor performance even when it works.

     

    Read the following to determine your other options. The best one given your present equipment is a "roaming network":

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4145

  • by Community User,

    Community User Community User Apr 14, 2012 11:27 PM in response to John Galt
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 14, 2012 11:27 PM in response to John Galt

    Wow, that was quick, thanks John!

     

    So it is clear, I did try creating a WDS and that resulted in the issue I described (express not talking to extreme, both showing up as separate networks). Perhaps this just won't work, but I did not find the instructons you mention as being particularly difficult - it just did not work in the end.

     

    My follow up question is this: does it definitely work at all? I am trying to figure out if I am missing something in the steps, or if I just need to bite the bullet and buy a new extreme as well. If I do get a new AP extreme, can I at least use the old 802.11g one on the new 802.11n network to stream iTunes to my stereo?

     

    Thanks so much for the assistance.

  • by John Galt,Solvedanswer

    John Galt John Galt Apr 15, 2012 12:10 AM in response to Community User
    Level 9 (50,132 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 15, 2012 12:10 AM in response to Community User

    It definitely works. To configure them for WDS, place them both on the same desk - the easier it will be to enter their MAC addresses and to perform the numerous Factory Default Resets that will surely result from mistyping a digit or two several times. When everything is working then disconnect them and deploy them to their permanent locations.

     

    Way down at the bottom of those instructions are the salient points of WDS:

     

    If you choose to do a manual WDS configuration (as opposed to the automatic feature used in the steps above), be sure that all base stations have the same network name, channel, and security (password). Attempting to give Wi-Fi base stations different network names on a WDS network may render the network inoperable. Returning base stations to the network name of the main should return the network to operation.

    The "automatic feature" never worked for me, and it was necessary to perform a Factory Default Reset to begin with - another salient point buried earlier in the article.

    The disadvantages of WDS are understated:

    When you use WDS, part of each Wi-Fi base station's capacity is used as overhead for maintaining the network. This means that if you were to measure the maximum throughput speed of your network, it would be less than it would be when using one base station by itself.

    In fact throughput is halved. This didn't matter much when I was using dialup but with broadband it's intolerable.

    The 802.11g Extreme will support AirTunes, but I think that when you get a new 802.11n Extreme your older one will gather dust. If you decide to keep it, its function is best suited in a roaming network as an 802.11g access point.

    The new dual band Extreme has so many advantages.

    If you want to configure a WDS, do so for the sheer fun of it, but then you'll want a new Extreme.

  • by Community User,

    Community User Community User Apr 15, 2012 12:49 PM in response to John Galt
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 15, 2012 12:49 PM in response to John Galt

    Thanks John, that's a big help. Though I am generally able to work my way through things with the help of experts (such as you), it is not really my idea of fun! From your detailed feedback I trust your judgement and am off to the Apple store for a new 802.11n base.

     

    I had spoken with one of the guys at the genius bar about this and they were not nearly as knowledgeable. Thanks so much for your assistance John.

     

    Michael

  • by Community User,

    Community User Community User Apr 15, 2012 2:42 PM in response to Community User
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 15, 2012 2:42 PM in response to Community User

    Here's an update: I went through all of my settings again and was able to get WDS to work. The thing I had missed was that the Network Name was slightly different on the remote express. Criminy! Guess I do get a peverse pleasure out of this after all.

     

    Thanks again for your assistance, John. I wouod not have had the patience to track this down if I had not been (based on your comment) confident that it would eventually work.