Extending Time Capsule wireless network with an Airport Extreme

Bob - or others -

I have the same question but some differences:

My Time Capsule is already extended by two Expresses, one .11n and one .11g (don't know if they have different model names, but they are different models).

I have some 'porch-difficulties' and would like to extend further, and I have an Airport Extreme b/g. No amber, but bright blinks from the right light after the restart.

I run snow leopard (10.6.8), and get no 'new airport base station' message when holding down on the fan shaped AirPort icon - but the un-configured network by the base station is seen ('Apple Network A52f4e').

From another post, and from looking at the Extreme in Airport utility, I see that I "will need to use WDS mode".

Can this be done without messing up my running setup?

I'd much appreciate step-by-step instructions if possible....

bmw

Quite simply.....your older AirPort Express is not compatible with your .11n Time Capsule for the purpose that you need.

You need the .11n version of the Express to be able to set it up to "extend".

Keep in mind that when you do this, both Express devices will connect directly to the Time Capsule, not to each other. In other words, you cannot have an Express extend the signal from another Express.

WDS would totally destroy the performance (and configuration) of your existing network. It is extremely difficult for most users to configure. I would not recommend that you even consider WDS.

Thanks for the crystal clear answer and clarifications.

bmw

Hello Bob,

it looks, that you undestand this well. Do you know if it is possible to use an older version express or extreme to extend guest network. I am just think, if I could safe a little and buy older version.

Thank you,

Daniela

It is not possible to extend the guest network unless you have firmware 7.6.3 installed on both of your AirPorts.

Check the model number on the side of the AirPort Express to see if your model qualifies. You want to see A1264 there.

If you see A1084 or A1088, you will not be able to "extend" at all with these versions of the Express devices.

Thank you. About firmware I know, but I was not sure about models. Thanks.

Hi Bob

Got a similar question here. I have new apple exteme (square one) and old one (UFO shape), and first generation airport express.

New airport extreme connected to modem. I am planning to extend both UFO shape extreme and airport express in the network

Express, i am able to "extend the network"

UFO shaped extreme, no option to extend network. Only "participate in WDS".

My question is, the UFO shaped extreme, is it compatible with the newer version of airport extreme (square shaped)

and also, can i use the UFO as an extender to the network?

Thanks much

My question is, the UFO shaped extreme, is it compatible with the newer version of airport extreme (square shaped)

No, it is not compatible with the "extend a wireless network" feature of the newer AirPort models.

and also, can i use the UFO as an extender to the network?

No, not if you want to use the "extend a wireless network" feature.

in other words, all AirPorts need to be "n" capable devices if you want to use the "extend" feature.

Hi Bob

thanks for fast reply.

One more question,

If i want to connect my UFO shaped with cable to my square AEBS to extend my square AEBS coverage; and at the same time i am connecting AEBS using "extend network" to my airport express 1st G, is this do-able?

Thanks again, i really appreciate it

This will work if you configure the UFO model to "create a wireless network" using the same name, same wireless security setting, and same password as the AEBS network.

Make sure that the UFO model is configured to operate in Bridge Mode as the last step before you update it it o save the settings.

Awesome! It works like a charm. Thanks much bob!

Hello Bob,

thanks again for advise. On the end I bought a new model of AE. Extention was done automaticaly and everything works. It is just strange that AE extended automatically both networks = mine and guest network. There is no need to extend mine network, but it looks that then is not possible to extend the guest network. Is that right? Or I am just not able to set it up right?

Thank you.

Hi Bob

Great response - it helped me get setup straight away so thanks!

I have an additional question which from your other answers seems you are best placed to answer.

I have the TC gen4 which supports simultaneous 2.4 and 5 GHz

I have extended with my older AExtreme gen2 which although supports both frequencies not simultaneously.

My question is, will using the AE G2 bring down the overall performance of my wireless network or not? ie would I see significant improvemnets if I traded it in for a G5 which does have the simultaneous capability?

Many thanks once again

ie would I see significant improvemnets if I traded it in for a G5 which does have the simultaneous capability?

Yes, since the newer AirPort will extend both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

The Gen 2 that you have now will extend either the 2.4 GHz or the 5 GHz bands....but not both simultaneously.

This won't have any effect on the wireless performance in the area near the Time Capsule, but it will limit performance in the area where the Gen 2 AirPort is located.

Thanks Bob

You're the man!