new airport extreme

1. when i set up the new, will my previous setting take hold, or do i have to re-set everything. including a password, etc.

The new Extreme will not automatically configure itself with the old Extreme's configuration settings. One option is to export the old settings, and then, import them into the new Extreme. This can be done using the AirPort Utility. You will find the import & export options on the utility's menu bar on the File menu.

2. the extreme that i currently have (gen 5) can that now be used as an extender?

Yes, you can use the 5G Extreme as an extender of the new 802.11ac Extreme's Wi-Fi network. Note you will NOT be able to extend the 802.11ac radio in this manner.

3. with the size/layout of my house (and my business where i will set up a new one as well) my plan is to use the new airport base station and the old one as an extender, along with a new airport express as well. my thoughts are that this should give me enough range through the house with this set up. Or is it overkill?

The number of base stations required will depend on both the exact makeup of your house and where you want to have Wi-Fi access. Keep in mind that an extended network works somewhat like a wheel, with the base station to be extended at the hub of that wheel and each of the extending base stations along one of the wheel's spokes. In this configuration, you cannot configure the base stations in a daisy-chain method in order to extend the network futher along any of the spokes.

I am having the same problem with setting up the new cube airport extreme. When I am in Airport utility and I select my extreme in the window that has the Internet connection icon (and also my Express icon --wifi extender) and then select file from the utility menue--both import and export settings are greyed out. What am I doing wrong. Thanks. Dan

Tesserax: I found it; I had to highlight my Extreme and then click on edit which opens up my networks and passwords--the export file and import file windows are now available. It said I will have to have the base station password in order to import to the new airport extreme. Is this correct? Dan

Yes--I see the problem--some of the posts I read said it is better to use the Express as an extender. I have an older n version of the express (the one with it's own plug built in); I use it downstairs and have my BluRay plugged into it for Netflix and VDDU). The only wau I could cofigure it was to plug it in next to my Extreme upstairs and then it detected it. Since my now imported settings reflect the Airport Express as well--am wondering if it will detect it. Dan

is it better to use the new airport express as an extension as opposed to the gen 5? does it make a difference?

I would start by using the 5G Extreme as the extender. If you still need another area to be covered then use the Express as well. Both models have roughly the same coverage range, but the Extreme should provide a stronger signal at the extent of its range compared to the Express.

what is the best way to set up the aebs as the extension with the new version?

You will use the 5G Extreme with the 802.11ac one in an "extended" network. Please check out the following Apple Support article for details.

The key to success is to find the optimal location for the extending base station to get maximum signal bandwidth for the extended network. Check out the following AirPort User Tip for details.

Yes, that is correct. The key is to select the base station that you want to export/import the configuration file BEFORE going to the menu option. Unless you set up a base station (Administrator) password, the default password for the AirPorts is: public

In addition to my other reply, to facilitate the setup of your extended network, I would also recommend that you bring each of the base station that will be used in the same room as the 802.11ac model. Once you have them properly configured, you can then move them to the desired location.

I only use the extended network for my Samsung BR player access to the net--LAN cable from BR to back of AP exp. in settings, I checked extended and se it up for my guest network. My BR recognized the network and all I had to do was sign in with my PW. The AP Exp is downstairs in the FAmily Room. Our other WiFi devices (iPad, IPhone, Laptop) all recognize all the networks I have set up--guest, Apple and Apple 5 hz and I can select whichever is the strongest. I can't really tell if the device is using the Extreme or the Express. Dan

Unfortunately, just exporting and importing, does not "capture" all of the settings ... Especially if the AirPort models are different. Yes, you may need to re-setup the Guest Network to get back to your original configuration.

If you're getting that range for SNR you really don't need to add any additional base stations. I would recommend staying with the two for now and see how things go. If you do find an area that is not getting the coverage that you need you can always add another.