Extending wi-fi network with apple and non-apple routers

Question

Level 1

8 points

Extending wi-fi network with apple and non-apple routers

I am trying (remotely) to hep my family set up their LAN network so that all of their devices are on the same modem instead of on two modems. The new modem that Comcast provided them is an Arris TG862 (combo modem/router) and they already have an Airport Extreme Time Capsule and an Airport Express. They also have an iMac and 2 ipads that need to connect wirelessly, and the network needs to be extended way to the other side of the house. There are two configurations that I think will work: can someone confirm for me that both of these would work? And am I right in thinking that the airport express cannot extend the network wirelessly if the airport extreme is not the primary base station? Thanks!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8glryd7x2utkwu2/Sho%27s%20Modem%20Setup%20Guide.pdf

Posted on Aug 9, 2013 4:53 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Tesserax

Level 10

158,490 points

Aug 9, 2013 5:12 PM in response to Res Cogitans

Your Option A should work. This would be the basis for a "roaming" network.

Reply

Answer 2

Res Cogitans Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 9, 2013 5:34 PM in response to Tesserax

OK, thanks! So, the daisy chain will work if they're wired?

And option B? Can I still use the Arris as the router for the wired PC's even if it is not the main base station?

The problem with A is that Comcast installed the Arris modem in a location where it is likely not possible to run Ethernet to the remote base station.

Reply

Answer 3

Res Cogitans Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 9, 2013 5:43 PM in response to Tesserax

One more question about option B. If the TG862 and the Airport Extreme have to be located next to each other, should I turn off the TG862's wireless network? And how do I do that?

Reply

Answer 4

Tesserax

Level 10

158,490 points

Aug 9, 2013 7:49 PM in response to Res Cogitans

So, the daisy chain will work if they're wired?

Yes. The routers just need to be interconnected by Ethernet for a roaming network.

And option B? Can I still use the Arris as the router for the wired PC's even if it is not the main base station?

If both ports on the Arris, that you show in the figure, are LAN ports, then yes. However, the Express can only extend the Extreme, not the Arris.

Reply

Answer 5

Tesserax

Level 10

158,490 points

Aug 9, 2013 7:52 PM in response to Res Cogitans

If the TG862 and the Airport Extreme have to be located next to each other, should I turn off the TG862's wireless network?

If they are going to be near each other, than yes, you will want to disable the Arris' wireless radio.

And how do I do that?

Off-hand I wouldn't know. However, you should be able to download a copy of the user's guide for this device. Most likely it will have a web-based administrator interface. Within this interface you should find options to configure its wireless radio.

Reply