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)
T6pilot

Q: Slow throughput via AEX but NOT Extreme after extending range with AEX

I have set up my wireless network to extend my Airport Extreme (3rd gen) base station. Internet speeds using SpeedTest are at the 4-6 Mbps as advertised. However, upon extending using AEX, my throughput is 10x slower when accessing via the AEX. I used the config wizard with success during setup. Wireless access is perfect, but internet speeds are SLOW! Any suggestions?

Multiple, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on May 10, 2012 3:21 PM

Close

Q: Slow throughput via AEX but NOT Extreme after extending range with AEX

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by HACKINT0SH,

    HACKINT0SH HACKINT0SH May 10, 2012 8:11 PM in response to T6pilot
    Level 5 (5,774 points)
    iLife
    May 10, 2012 8:11 PM in response to T6pilot

    Extensions do decrease throughput, but it looks like perhaps something else is happening here.  Thn agin, maybe not.

     

    Is your express an N or a G type? 

     

    With that kind of speed decrease, I'm guess it's G.

  • by T6pilot,

    T6pilot T6pilot May 11, 2012 5:02 AM in response to HACKINT0SH
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 11, 2012 5:02 AM in response to HACKINT0SH

    The AEX and the base are both (n) units. My upload speeds are 4-6 Mbps with AEX unplugged or accessing base station. When connecting through AEX, upload test shows upload at 0.00 to 0.4 Mbps. Ouch!

     

    I will admit, I really don't want to restore the base station (and didn't during setup of extended network) as I have several ip cameras and devices with port mapping, reserved ip's I would prefer not to reconfigure. Everything else works flawlessly except AEX Internet speeds.

  • by HACKINT0SH,Solvedanswer

    HACKINT0SH HACKINT0SH May 11, 2012 9:45 PM in response to T6pilot
    Level 5 (5,774 points)
    iLife
    May 11, 2012 9:45 PM in response to T6pilot

    Plug the express somewhere else and test again. It may be boosting a very horrible signal where it is.

  • by T6pilot,

    T6pilot T6pilot May 14, 2012 6:04 PM in response to HACKINT0SH
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 14, 2012 6:04 PM in response to HACKINT0SH

    Well, well. This solved the problem. Though I access at 50% the base station speed now (2+ Mbps AEX vs. 4-5 Mbps Extreme Base Station), this is still bearable.

     

    Looking at the performance data for the iPhone:

                             Signal/Noise/Data          Ping/Download/Upload

    Bad Location     -48     -79     65               69ms/0.21Mbps/0.24Mbps

    New Location     -58     -81     52               49ms/1.97Mbps/0.41Mbps

     

    The locations differed by 20 feet. I would estimate that the present location is approximately 75 linear feet from the base station, same level of house.

     

    So annoying.