Q: Using airport extreme as wireless extender

Can I use a second airport extreme as a wireless extender, but with two devices connected by an ethernet cable?

Yes, this is by far the best method to extend a network.

AirPort Setup in Mountain Lion makes the set up a snap. You will be up and running in minutes.

Things should work with virtually any brand of router if these elements are implemented:

Same wireless network name on both routers

Same setting for wireless security on both routers

Same wireless network password on both routers

The AirPort Extreme would also need to be configured to operate in Bridge Mode if it is acting as the extender.

I double checked everything, same wireless password and security, bridge mode, extend network,

Things can get confusing since "extend" can mean two different things. One is "extend" using wireless. The other is "extend" using Ethernet.

"Extend network" is not the correct setting if you have an Ethernet connection between the two AirPorts.

The correct setting is "Create a wireless network".  The "Extend a wireless network" setting would only be used if the AirPorts were connecting wirelessly.  You are using Ethernet.

Suggest that you let AirPort Setup configure things for you literally automatically. Then you don't need to worry about manual settings. It is a lot easier than you might imagine. Post back if you are sure how to do this.

I have a similar question, related. 

I have a new Airport Time Capsule set up and running.  My old Airport Extreme is sitting unused.  I'd like to hook it up because I can't get a USB drive to work off of the TC (according to posts here it requires a powered hub).  Also wouldn't mind setting up different transmitters in different parts of the house (we have thick brick walls). 

Is this a good idea?  Any reason why it wouldn't work?

Assuming it is good, how do I do it?  Please tell me steps in terms a non-geek can understand.  I do know my way around the Airport Utility, including the submenus.  Since the TC is new, I could start over with the settings.

Should I connect Ethernet cable from Verizon router > TC > Extreme?  Or a separate Ethernet to each?  I can do either.

Thanks in advance,

Steve

I have the set up you're trying to accomplish and It works great!  The reason I used my AE once I got a TC is to extend my wireless network and allow the use of a Dell laser printer with NIC located in the lower part of my house.  Good luck!

Per Bob Timmons:

"Things can get confusing since "extend" can mean two different things. One is "extend" using wireless. The other is "extend" using Ethernet.

"Extend network" is not the correct setting if you have an Ethernet connection between the two AirPorts.

The correct setting is "Create a wireless network".  The "Extend a wireless network" setting would only be used if the AirPorts were connecting wirelessly.  You are using Ethernet.

Suggest that you let AirPort Setup configure things for you literally automatically. Then you don't need to worry about manual settings. It is a lot easier than you might imagine. Post back if you are sure how to do this."

Someone else told me that an AEBS cannot be configured to act as a wireless repeater or access point.   Here is my situation.

I want to take the AEBS and put it in another room in my house to EXTEND the wireless coverage.  This means the AEBS would join the existing network and be connected to the Linksys router through WIRELESS.   The LAN ports are disabled on the AEBS.  I want to them to be active so I can use them.  That is the purpose of buying the AEBS. Here is an illustration.

Garage (Cable Modem and Linksys Router)

Office (Airport Extreme Base Station.  Computer and printer would be connected to the LAN ports to provide network/internet connectivity).

I don't want to physically put the AEBS in the garage and have it directly connected to the router.  That is pointless.  I need directions on HOW to make the AEBS an access point and the LAN ports are active.

I would like Bob Timmons to comment on my situation.

Someone else told me that an AEBS cannot be configured to act as a wireless repeater or access point.

What someone told you was correct if you are asking about connecting the AEBS to a third party wireless router using a wireless connection.

I want to take the AEBS and put it in another room in my house to EXTEND the wireless coverage.  This means the AEBS would join the existing network and be connected to the Linksys router through WIRELESS.   The LAN ports are disabled on the AEBS.  I want to them to be active so I can use them.  That is the purpose of buying the AEBS.

The AEBS would not be compatible with a Linksys product....or any other third party product for that matter......for what you want to do.

I need directions on HOW to make the AEBS an access point and the LAN ports are active.

This is not possible if you need to connect the AEBS to a third party wireless network using a wireless connection.

The AEBS could do what you want if it connects to the Linksys router using a permanent wired Ethernet cable connection. If you cannot run the Ethernet cable, then a pair of Ethernet Over Powerline (EOP) adapters, also called HomePlug adapters might be able to send the signal over the AC powerlines in your home.

The theory with these devices is that you already have the wiring in place.....you just need the adapters.  Unfortunately, things don't always work quite as well as the theory might suggest, so if you decide to try a pair of adapters, it would be wise to have a clear understanding of the store's return policy before you buy.