The way I understand it is that when you chose "extend wireless network" it will slowdown your overall wifi speeds. I have a room that I just need to attach some ethernet devices like a NAS but I don't need any more range on my wifi network. What would be the best way to set this up to keep my speeds up? I have two Airport Extremes (not sure the models but both are the flat white ones)
The only option, that would not significantly not impact wireless bandwidth, is to connect either Extreme to the other by Ethernet and configure them both for a "roaming" network. In this configuration the second Extreme's Ethernet ports would be available for your NAS devices.
If a wired connection is not practical or possible, you then only have two other choices, both come with additional costs: 1) Use Powerline adapters to create an Ethernet connection between the base stations, or 2) Acquire an 802.11n AirPort Express which can be configured as a wireless Ethernet bridge.
Thanks Tesserax 🙂 Speed is more important than cost. A wired option won't work. Would two new airport extremes with 802.11ac work faster than adding the AirPort Express or powerline?
Potentially, but again you would be configuring an "extended" network. Some bandwidth overall will be required to maintain the connection between routers. Although it shouldn't be significant. Proper placement of your base stations is what will be critical. Please check out the following AirPort User Tip for details.
With the Express, it would be configured to "join the existing wireless network" and to "allow Ethernet clients." That combination would purpose it as a wireless Ethernet bridge which is basically a wireless client with wired devices connected to it for network access. It would certainly be a less costly solution over two 802.11ac Extremes. However, I would also recommend that you ask about the return policy where you will get them so that if one option does not work out you can opt for the second.
How do I setup AP to allow ethernet use in another room without slowing wifi network?
