How to extend LAN using AirPort Extreme? (bridge mode?)

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Level 1

4 points

How to extend LAN using AirPort Extreme? (bridge mode?)

Maybe I misunderstand what "bridge" mode is in the context of AirPorts, but in my mind I picture the bridging of 2 LANs.

Try as I might I can't see how to configure AirPorts to do this.

Both AirPort are model A1301, "802.11n".

The main AirPort (connected to the DSL phone line) is configured traditionally and has supported several wireless Macs for over 2 years.

Using the AirPort Utililty I put the remote AirPort into Bridge mode. Apparently this turns off the wireless function. Hmm... that shoots my idea in the foot.

So how do I (and can I?) extend a LAN using only WiFi between the 2 AirPorts?

To clarify: I want ethernet & wireless Macs on both ends of this link, connected by Wi-Fi using 2 802.11n AirPort stations.

This post implies it's possible but doesn't say explicitly how to do it:

http://store.apple.com/us/question/answers/product/MD031LL/A?pqid=QK74YFTYCTFXTT TPTKDJJPFY4Y7HUX24T

Extra credit: when I choose "Extend a wireless network" (just experimenting), when I choose the wireless network created by the main AirPort, an error message pops up in the AirPort utility: "The wireless network you selected cannot be extended". Why?

Thanks,

iX

AirPort Extreme-OTHER

Posted on Oct 7, 2012 12:06 PM

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Answer 1

Oct 7, 2012 12:15 PM in response to iXod

Using the AirPort Utililty I put the remote AirPort into Bridge mode. Apparently this turns off the wireless function. Hmm... that shoots my idea in the foot.

Not sure what you are doing, but configuring an AirPort in Bridge Mode will normally not turn off the wireless function unless other settngs are adjusted as well.

when I choose "Extend a wireless network" (just experimenting), when I choose the wireless network created by the main AirPort, an error message pops up in the AirPort utility: "The wireless network you selected cannot be extended". Why?

If you forgot to enable the option to "Allow this network to be extended" on your "main" AirPort, you would certainly see this type of message.

If you need more help, we need to know what version of AirPort Utility you are using to configure the devices. Open AirPort Utility, click the AirPort Utility menu in the upper left corner of the screen, and click on About AirPort Utility.

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Answer 2

CRMDVM

Level 4

1,369 points

Oct 7, 2012 12:16 PM in response to iXod

An extended roaming network is what the Extremes are designed for - have faith - once configured properly they work great - I assuming that your DSL modem is only a modem amd not a wireless router so try this link - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4259 - if this is not the case post for a different solution

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Answer 3

Oct 7, 2012 12:21 PM in response to CRMDVM

To clarify: I want ethernet & wireless Macs on both ends of this link, connected by Wi-Fi using 2 802.11n AirPort stations.

I understand this to mean that user iXod wants to connect the two AirPorts using wireless only, so hopefully he will clarify.

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Answer 4

iXod Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 7, 2012 12:24 PM in response to Bob Timmons

"I understand this to mean that user iXod wants to connect the two AirPorts using wireless only, so hopefully he will clarify."

Yes, this is what I want to do. I want to connect a few Macs via ethernet to a second, remote AirPort Extreme, and link this 2nd AirPort to the primary AirPort Extreme via wireless.

Is this possible?

Thanks,

iX

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Answer 5

iXod Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 7, 2012 12:27 PM in response to Bob Timmons

"If you forgot to enable the option to "Allow this network to be extended" on your "main" AirPort, you would certainly see this type of message."

Ah, this could be at the center of my issue.

But I still need to know that what I want to accomplish is possible. (See my reply, above.)

Thanks,

iX

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Answer 6

CRMDVM

Level 4

1,369 points

Oct 7, 2012 12:28 PM in response to iXod

I am deferring to Bob Timmons on this as he answered first.

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Answer 7

Oct 7, 2012 12:36 PM in response to iXod

What you want to accomplish is doable.....if the "remote" AirPort Extreme is located where it can receive a good wireless signal from the "main" AirPort Extreme.

When an AirPort is setup to "Extend a wireless network", it provides more wireless coverage in the area where it is located and the Ethernet ports are enabled on the AirPort, so Ethernet devices can be connected to the LAN <-> ports.

But.....you need to understand that the "Ethernet" connection is only going to be as fast as the wireless connection between the two Airports will allow. Typically, wireless might be 130-250 Mpbs or so, while Gigabit Ethernet will be 1,000 Mbps.

Obviously, there is no way that the Ethernet devices on the "remote" AirPort will connect at 1,000 Mbps if the wireless connection between the AirPorts is only allowing 130 Mbps.

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Answer 8

iXod Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 7, 2012 12:38 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Understood re. wireless speed limits the remote ethernet port speed.

Thanks for the help. I'll try configuring again later today.

Cheers,

iX

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Answer 9

iXod Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 21, 2012 1:37 AM in response to iXod

I got around to working on this again today.

FYI, I updated formware on both Airports to 7.6.1, the current version.

Following instructions, I enabled the 1st Airport: "Allow this network to be extended". Then I rebooted this Airport.

I then configured the 2nd Airport's Wireless setting thus; "Extend a wireless network". In this pane I chose the name of the wireless network created by the 1st Airport. I got this pop-up message: "This network cannot be extended." I rebooted this Airport, but no joy.

I tried this, and that, but there seems to be no way I can see to get past this error message.

Ideas?

Thanks.

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Answer 10

Oct 21, 2012 6:02 AM in response to iXod

If you have enabled a Guest Network on your main AirPort Extreme....and you are tyring to extend that netowrk.....it cannot be extended. Only the "main" wireless network can be extended.

Otherwise, your settings appear to be correct. your can verify them again using this Apple support document:

Extended network

This type of configuration does work....I'm doing it right now and many other users have done this correctly.....so if you continue to have problems, I would take the AirPort Extreme to an Apple Store or Apple servicer to have them check over the device.

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Answer 11

iXod Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 21, 2012 9:41 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Thanks for your reply Bob,

The main Airport does have a guest wifi network, but I'm trying to extend only the main wifi network in this Airport.

I had not tried resetting (pushing that tiny button on the back with a paper clip) the Airport, so I'll try that before taking down the network to have Apple experts look at them.

Thanks again.

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Answer 12

Oct 21, 2012 9:48 AM in response to iXod

I had not tried resetting

Be sure to perform a Factory Default Reset when you do this.

Resetting an AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule FAQ

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