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)
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Paul Malpas

Q: Does this work with a non-apple router, such as the TP-Link TL-WR1043ND?

The instructions shw this working with a range of Apple routers, such as the Airport Extreme.  I own a TP-Link   TL-WR1043ND and I wondered if the same function can be accessed, using the Time Capsule to extend the TP-Link's network.  I have tried setting this, and the Time Capsule seems happy to oblige, but then I loose the access to the internet, which sits on another router behind the TP-Link.  The Router is the one that gives out the IP addresses on the home network, not the TP-Link or the Time Capsule.  Perhaps this is the problem and another arrangement wouldbe better? 

Time Capsule, Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Oct 24, 2012 6:43 AM

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Q: Does this work with a non-apple router, such as the TP-Link TL-WR1043ND?

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  • by Bob Timmons,Helpful

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Oct 24, 2012 6:55 AM in response to Paul Malpas
    Level 10 (105,273 points)
    Wireless
    Oct 24, 2012 6:55 AM in response to Paul Malpas
    I own a TP-Link   TL-WR1043ND and I wondered if the same function can be accessed, using the Time Capsule to extend the TP-Link's network.

     

    The Time Capsule can "extend" a network from another router if you connect it back to the main router using an Ethernet cable.

     

    Configure the Time Capsule to "create" a wireless network using the same wireless network name, same security, and same password as the main router. Make sure that the Time Capsule is in Bridge Mode and it will in effect, "extend" the network that way.

     

    "Extending" using wireless only was designed as a proprietary feature of Apple to Apple products. It is extremely unlikely that it would work with a non-Apple product.

  • by Paul Malpas,

    Paul Malpas Paul Malpas Oct 24, 2012 6:56 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 24, 2012 6:56 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    That makes sense, thanks.  So if the TP-Link is set up up-stream of the TC and connected by ethernet cable, do I simply configure the TC to "Extend a Wireless Network", or do I Create One, but of the same name as the one on the TP-Link?

  • by Paul Malpas,

    Paul Malpas Paul Malpas Oct 24, 2012 7:05 AM in response to Paul Malpas
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 24, 2012 7:05 AM in response to Paul Malpas

    Alternatively, if I picked up an Airport Express and used that as the principle router instead of the TP-link, would that solve it wirelessly?  The instructions only mention the 1st Generation APE - does it also work with a 2nd gen?

  • by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Oct 24, 2012 7:27 AM in response to Paul Malpas
    Level 10 (105,273 points)
    Wireless
    Oct 24, 2012 7:27 AM in response to Paul Malpas
    do I simply configure the TC to "Extend a Wireless Network", or do I Create One, but of the same name as the one on the TP-Link?

     

    With an Ethernet connection, you would choose the "create a wireless network" setting using AirPort Utility. Things can get tricky because the network must be configured to use the exact same name, same wireless security and same password as the TP-Link network.  Bridge Mode is required.

     

    if I picked up an Airport Express and used that as the principle router instead of the TP-link, would that solve it wirelessly?

    Yes. 2nd Generation AirPort Express will certainly work.