Q: How do I configure a roaming network?

1) How does one accomplish this within the airport utility?

Configure both devices that are now configured to "extend" the network (using wireless) to "extend" (using Ethernet) as follows:

Power off one of the devices for the time being

Perform a Factory Default Reset on the other device using the information in this Apple support document:

Resetting an AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule FAQ

Then connect the Ethernet cable from the main router to the device and wait a full minute

Open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility

Click on the tab in the upper left corner of the window that reads Other AirPort Base Stations (1)

Click on the AirPort name in the next window

Wait a minute while AirPort Utility analyzes the connection and then announces that the device will be setup to "Extend" the network (using Ethernet)

Enter a name for the device and click Next

Wait another minute while AirPort Utility configured the device to connect using Ethernet and "extend" the network

When you see the message of Setup Complete, click Done

Then, perform a Factory Default Reset on the other device and configure it exactly the same as above

You now have a roaming network

2) Can an Airport Extreme work as both a wired and wireless router at the same time?

Yes

3) I have several devices to connect to each airport extreme via ethernet, while at the same time providing wireless access.

See answer to 2)

so the trick is you have to wait a minute?

     i tried using airport utility 5.6 and 7.6.1  firmware and the connect via ethernet option in join the network was greyed out, and the airport i tried didnt seem to want to respond when they were connected to each other via the ethernet.

i found what ii think was a better way

     if u run ethernet from the lan ports to the internet port on the 2nd airport and set the same ssid , same password, and set connection sharing to off (bridge mode) on the 2nd airport you are able to put the other airports on different channels. i was going to do this when i had some time. your wifi clients will be able to steer to the access point with the strongest signal. the problem with join an existing network and allow this network to be extended is that the clients don't steer to the strongest signal when you move them around. they stay connected to the access point you first connected to until you physcially reconnect.

     i haven't tested the steering yet

i assumed when i saw that join the network using ethernet was greyed out that apple disabled it

So the trick is you have to wait a minute?

User jperry1000 is using the Mountain Lion operating system, so I provided the instructions for AirPort Utility 6.1.

You seem to be asking about using AirPort Utiity 5.6, which is a completely different application, which uses different terminology and methods.

If you are using AirPort Utility 5.6, you could follow Apple's support document to configure a roaming network.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4260

Following this advice, generally:

Bob Timmons wrote:

 

1) How does one accomplish this within the airport utility?

 

Configure both devices that are now configured to "extend" the network (using wireless) to "extend" (using Ethernet) as follows:

 

Power off one of the devices for the time being

 

Perform a Factory Default Reset on the other device using the information in this Apple support document:

 

Resetting an AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule FAQ

 

Then connect the Ethernet cable from the main router to the device and wait a full minute

 

Open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility

 

Click on the tab in the upper left corner of the window that reads Other AirPort Base Stations (1)

 

Click on the AirPort name in the next window

 

Wait a minute while AirPort Utility analyzes the connection and then announces that the device will be setup to "Extend" the network (using Ethernet)

 

Enter a name for the device and click Next

 

Wait another minute while AirPort Utility configured the device to connect using Ethernet and "extend" the network

 

When you see the message of Setup Complete, click Done

 

Then, perform a Factory Default Reset on the other device and configure it exactly the same as above

 

You now have a roaming network

 

 

 

2) Can an Airport Extreme work as both a wired and wireless router at the same time?

 

Yes

 

 

3) I have several devices to connect to each airport extreme via ethernet, while at the same time providing wireless access.

 

 

See answer to 2)

I have an Extreme as the main unit with one Express connected via ethernet and another Express wirelessly connected. The roaming network now works well. But could be a bit faster (I'm getting 130 from the Expresses and as high as 450 from the Extreme). The Extreme is set to "Create a wireless network" and the Expresses are set to "Extend a wireless network". Should all be set to "Create"? Would the network run faster that way?

Thanks, Steve

The confusing part of all of this is that if you are using AirPort Utility 6.1's "wizard" setup, the utility uses the term "Extend" for both an Ethernet setup and a wireless only setup......even though if you go back and check the manual settings of each device you will see that the Ethernet connected device was actually configured to "create a wireless network" while the wireless only device was configured to "extend a wireless network"

Thanks, Bob! Very helpful discussion.

Morning Bob,

Apologies for tagging on the end of this forum but looks the best place Bob.  Have searched through you seem to be somewhat the guru on this topic and what to check something with you if you dont mind...I've just moved to the UAE (from UK) and the new house has cat5 cabling from a small server type room downstairs.  I am trying to set up the following to max the network capabilities. 

I have an imac downstairs and also have a macbook that i regulalry work from in a study upsatirs.  Also have iphones and ipads that i want to connect around the house and on top of this I have apple tv by the tv for music etc.

Now, i have always had an extreme that acted as a base for the whole house but the range now isnt enough, and i want to utilise the cat 5 around the house (available in all rooms).

I have bought a new Airport Express base station (the one that looks like a white appleTV).  I have tried as per your previous posts to connect them both to the same network but not still quite right.  I have it as follows"

Extreme Base out of a socket downstairs

Express Base out of a socket upsatirs

I would like to make sure that everything 'talks' to the printer, the apple tv and the express base (i have speakers out of the base).

having followed your other posts When i look at airport utility i only ever see 1 base station - would this be correct? You say to connect Ethernet from the extreme to the express - but i am now not doing that as connected via the pre-cabled cat5.

Apologies if this is a bit rambling. Not sure the best approach.

many thanks for any help

Adam

What are the benefits to a roaming network configuration?  I have a TP-W8980 that I'm considering connecting my Apple Airport Extreme to in order to make usable my three HSFX-formatted drives legible (tp-link hasn't done a Mac OS Extensive Journaled Case Sensitive firmware for the W8980 yet, and not holding my breath).  Help?