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Extending Time Capsule wireless network with an Airport Extreme

Hello - can anyone please advise about extending a wireless Time Capsule network by adding an Airport Extreme?


I've looked at the Apple support advice - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4259?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US -

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

but I couldn't seem to make it work. I don't know if it is different as I'm using Mountain Lion, but I cannot seem to locate a '

iMac

Posted on Sep 7, 2012 3:14 AM

Reply
65 replies

Sep 7, 2012 9:57 AM in response to simonfromswansea

We understand that you have a "square" shaped AirPort Extreme....just like the Time Capsule, correct?


What version of AirPort Utility are you using to configure the AirPort Extreme?


If you are not sure, click the AirPort Extreme menu at the upper left corner of the screen and then click About AirPort Utility. It should be either 5.x or 6.x


Post back with that info.

Sep 9, 2012 5:31 AM in response to simonfromswansea

Temporarily, move the AirPort Extreme to the same room or general area of the Time Capsule, power it up, and wait a full minute.


Then, hold in the reset button on the back of the AirPort Extreme for 9-10 seconds, then release. Allow a full minute for the AirPort Extreme to restart to a slow, blinking amber light.


Close AirPort Utility if it is open.


Click the fan shaped AirPort icon at the top of your Mac's screen. Wait a few seconds for the listing of New AirPort Base Station to appear.


User uploaded file


Click on AirPort Extreme just below that and AirPort Utility will open automatically open and analyze your network settings. In the example above, this is shown as an AirPort Express. In another minute, you will see that it will configure the AirPort Extreme to "Extend" the network.


Enter a device name that you want to use and click Next


Wait another minute for AirPort Utility to configure the AirPort Extreme. When you see the message of Setup Complete, click Done.


Move the AirPort Extreme to a location that is approximtely half the distance from the Time Capsule to the area that needs more wireless coverage and power it up.


You are all set.

Jan 6, 2013 2:07 PM in response to cptsopiens

The signal will only show up as one network from your Mac.


If you want to know which device you are connected to at any given time......


Locate the Mac near the Time Capsule

Hold down the option key while you click on the AirPort icon at the top of the screen

Look for the BSSID and jot down the last few digits


Now move the Mac close to the AirPort Extreme and perform the same check.

If the AirPort Extreme is extending correctly, you will see a different BSSID.

Feb 11, 2013 9:40 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Bob, now I noticed my iMac is connecting to the airport exteme (extender) and the TM disk (on time capsule) drops off at times and my iMac can't find it? Is this due to the extended network? is there a way to tell my iMac to only connect to the Time Capsule in the basement, rather than the extender in a nearby laundry room (to improve my bedroom signal)?

Extending Time Capsule wireless network with an Airport Extreme

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