KaranfromAppleLand
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Airport Express Multiple extensions

I have a huge house and need wifi all over. Theres one base extreme connected to the modem and an airport express wirelessly exteding the network. In my farthest room, I dont have good signal so can I buy another express to extend the already extending express?

These are all the latest models.

Thanks

 

Will this Work?

 

Modem----ethernet--->Extreme----Wireless----->Express-----Wireless----->Express

                                                                \Extending/     \Extending/

 

Will the last express extend the already extending one?

Posted on May 5, 2013 8:52 AM

by Tesserax,Solvedanswer
Tesserax Tesserax
Level 9 (54,618 points)
Wireless
A:

Will this Work?

 

Modem----ethernet--->Extreme----Wireless----->Express-----Wireless----->Express

                                                                \Extending/     \Extending/

 

Will the last express extend the already extending one?

This configuration can work, but it would have to be configured as a Wireless Distribution System (WDS) and not as an 'extended' network. The reason is because the 802.11n version of an extended network works more like a wheel. That is, the extended base station would be at the hub of this wheel and each extending base station would be on a spoke of that wheel. What you appear to want is a linear combination of base stations and this was only available in the older 802.11g WDS network.

 

Unfortunately, a WDS network has two major disadvantages: 1) It can only operate in the 802.11g mode which would, effectively, negate the advantage of your 802.11n base stations, and 2) For each base station added in a WDS, the overall wireless bandwidth (speed) would be cut in half.

 

Another option would be if your home is pre-wired for Ethernet, you could configure a roaming network which would be superior to both.

Posted on May 5, 2013 9:20 PM

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KaranfromAppleLand

Q: Airport Express Multiple extensions

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Tesserax,Solvedanswer

    Tesserax Tesserax May 5, 2013 9:20 PM in response to KaranfromAppleLand
    Level 9 (54,618 points)
    Wireless
    May 5, 2013 9:20 PM in response to KaranfromAppleLand

    Will this Work?

     

    Modem----ethernet--->Extreme----Wireless----->Express-----Wireless----->Express

                                                                    \Extending/     \Extending/

     

    Will the last express extend the already extending one?

    This configuration can work, but it would have to be configured as a Wireless Distribution System (WDS) and not as an 'extended' network. The reason is because the 802.11n version of an extended network works more like a wheel. That is, the extended base station would be at the hub of this wheel and each extending base station would be on a spoke of that wheel. What you appear to want is a linear combination of base stations and this was only available in the older 802.11g WDS network.

     

    Unfortunately, a WDS network has two major disadvantages: 1) It can only operate in the 802.11g mode which would, effectively, negate the advantage of your 802.11n base stations, and 2) For each base station added in a WDS, the overall wireless bandwidth (speed) would be cut in half.

     

    Another option would be if your home is pre-wired for Ethernet, you could configure a roaming network which would be superior to both.