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)
cgsin

Q: One of my access point (airport express) boxes is just out of range of the base (airport extreme), is there any way beyond ethernet cable, to extend my airport extreme coverage to get to an airport express that is beyond its coverage.

One of my access point (airport express) boxes is just out of range of the base (airport extreme), is there any way beyond ethernet cable, to extend my airport extreme coverage to get to an airport express that is beyond its coverage?

AirPort Express 802.11n (1st Gen)

Posted on Jun 17, 2012 2:26 PM

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Q: One of my access point (airport express) boxes is just out of range of the base (airport extreme), is there any way beyond etherne ... more

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  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jun 17, 2012 2:36 PM in response to cgsin
    Level 10 (105,348 points)
    Wireless
    Jun 17, 2012 2:36 PM in response to cgsin
    is there any way beyond ethernet cable, to extend my airport extreme coverage to get to an airport express that is beyond its coverage?

     

    Assuming that the broadcast power of the AirPort Extreme is at the default 100%, there is unfortunately not much that you can do other than minimize obstructions in the signal path, or change the location of either the AirPort Extreme, AirPort Express, or both.

     

    Here, I am assuming that you want the AirPort Express to "extend" the wireless signal.

     

    If it is not possible to relocate the devices, and you cannot run the Ethernet cable (by far the best solution), you might want to try a pair of Ethernet powerline adapters to send an "Ethernet" signal over the existing AC powerlines in your home.

     

    Since powerline is always a bit "iffy", it would be a good idea to understand the store's return policy in case things do not work out as hoped.

  • by HACKINT0SH,

    HACKINT0SH HACKINT0SH Jun 17, 2012 2:35 PM in response to cgsin
    Level 5 (5,774 points)
    iLife
    Jun 17, 2012 2:35 PM in response to cgsin

    * 'edit.. never mind, Bob beat me to the post.

  • by cgsin,

    cgsin cgsin Jun 18, 2012 6:32 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 18, 2012 6:32 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    not that excited about ethernet over ac, but may try it. What about wifi "repeaters". Dlink makes one, will it not work between the airport extreme and airport express?

     

     

    The access point is right at the edge of the bas coverage. It typically reports -82 to -84 db signal strength and 21 mbs speeds. as soon as you start using it though it starts dropping off intermittently. My other access point reports -71db signal strength and 300 mbs speeds. it is reliable and consitent.

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jun 18, 2012 7:15 AM in response to cgsin
    Level 10 (105,348 points)
    Wireless
    Jun 18, 2012 7:15 AM in response to cgsin

    What about wifi "repeaters". Dlink makes one, will it not work between the airport extreme and airport express?

    Sorry, but extremely unlikely that this would work. If you decide to try, it would be a good idea to understand the store's return policy before you buy.

     

    not that excited about ethernet over ac

    I am not either, but it is an option which often works better than wireless. Unfortunately with these devices, you cannot know in advance whether they will work in any given situation.

     

    Nothing beats a wired Ethernet connection in terms of reliability and speed. That's the way to go if you can.