HT204616: Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring a roaming network (802.11 a/b/g/n)

Learn about Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring a roaming network (802.11 a/b/g/n)
JedisMaster

Q: Can I create a roaming network wirelessly?

I have created a wirless network in the house using 2 Airport Extremes and a ISP provider router. The first Airport is connected via ethernet to the router and the second Airport is set up to "extend the wirless network". The extension unfortunaly does not seem to be that much and it certainly does not reach another building I want to use as an office......can i install a 3rd airport (which will be out of range of the primary ethernet connected Airport) to extend the network further??

AirPort Express 802.11N (2nd generation)

Posted on Nov 28, 2012 12:08 PM

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Q: Can I create a roaming network wirelessly?

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  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Nov 28, 2012 12:16 PM in response to JedisMaster
    Level 10 (105,079 points)
    Wireless
    Nov 28, 2012 12:16 PM in response to JedisMaster

    Sorry, "roaming" can be a confusing term.

     

    I am not clear on whether you set up the second AirPort to "extend" using a wired Ethernet connection back to the first AirPort.

     

    Or

     

    Whether you set up the second AirPort to "extend" using wireless only.

     

    Can you clarify on that?

  • by Tesserax,Solvedanswer

    Tesserax Tesserax Nov 28, 2012 12:15 PM in response to JedisMaster
    Level 9 (54,452 points)
    Wireless
    Nov 28, 2012 12:15 PM in response to JedisMaster

    No, not via a wireless connection. Only the older Wireless Distribution System (WDS) allowed for setting up a main, a relay, and remote base stations in a series fashion. The newer "extend a wireless network" feature is more like a wheel with the main base station at the hub and each extending station on one of the spokes.

     

    If it is possible (or practical) to interconnect your base stations via Ethernet you could configure them for a roaming network instead.

  • by JedisMaster,

    JedisMaster JedisMaster Nov 28, 2012 12:16 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 28, 2012 12:16 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    Bob thanks for the response - I set up the second AE to extend wirelessly back to the primary one which is connected via ethernet to a route

  • by Bob Timmons,Helpful

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Nov 28, 2012 12:21 PM in response to JedisMaster
    Level 10 (105,079 points)
    Wireless
    Nov 28, 2012 12:21 PM in response to JedisMaster

    Thanks for the clarification. 

     

    In that case, Tesserax has already answered your question for you.

     

    If you can connect the 2nd AirPort to the 1st AirPort using a wired Ethernet connection......which would be a "roaming" setup....... then you will be able to "extend" the 3rd AirPort using wireless only by having it connect to the 2nd AirPort.

  • by JedisMaster,

    JedisMaster JedisMaster Nov 28, 2012 12:20 PM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 28, 2012 12:20 PM in response to Tesserax

    Thanks Tesserax - that is exactly what I wanted to do (set up a series of wiresless links) very frustrating as it is not possible or practical to connect them via Ethernet...unfortunately might have to be a return to Apple

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Nov 28, 2012 12:31 PM in response to JedisMaster
    Level 10 (105,079 points)
    Wireless
    Nov 28, 2012 12:31 PM in response to JedisMaster

    If you cannot run the Ethernet cable, you might want to take a look at Ethernet powerline adapters to send a signal over the AC power lines.

     

    In theory, you already have the wiring in place...and just need the adapters.

     

    But,  powerline equipment is designed to work in a home, on the same master electrical circuit.  No telling how this would work....or if it would work....in a commercial installation.