HT202076: Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring a Wireless Distribution System (802.11b/g)

Learn about Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring a Wireless Distribution System (802.11b/g)
raw911

Q: What is the advantage of having 2 AE hooked up? I have fairly large home and I got the new AE next to modem and another AE older model upstairs on other side of home in theatre room next to Apple TV

Just wanted to know if there is any advantage in this setup

dual core xeon, Mac OS X (10.5.4)

Posted on Oct 11, 2013 6:11 PM

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Q: What is the advantage of having 2 AE hooked up? I have fairly large home and I got the new AE next to modem and another AE older m ... more

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  • by Bob Timmons,Helpful

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Oct 11, 2013 6:20 PM in response to raw911
    Level 10 (105,198 points)
    Wireless
    Oct 11, 2013 6:20 PM in response to raw911

    Assuming that the AirPort Exremes are configured correctly, the "remote" Extreme will "extend" or "repeat" the wireless signal from the main Extreme with the benefit being stronger and faster wireless performance in the remote area.

     

    When you extend using wireless, the ideal location for an extending device is a point that is about half way between the main AirPort and the general area that needs more wireless coverage.  In other words, you would want to locate the "remote" Extreme about half way between the main Extreme and the Apple TV.

     

    You may need to experiment a bit with the location of the remote Exteme due to obstrucitons like walls and ceilings in the signal path, which will absorb the signal and slow it down.

     

    For that reason....Ideally....you would connect the two AirPort Extremes together using a wired Ethernet connection, since there is no signal loss in a wire.

  • by raw911,Helpful

    raw911 raw911 Oct 11, 2013 7:31 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 11, 2013 7:31 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    Ok that makes sense now would going to WDS be any better or best to keep it the way it is now after finding new location?

  • by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Oct 11, 2013 7:54 PM in response to raw911
    Level 10 (105,198 points)
    Wireless
    Oct 11, 2013 7:54 PM in response to raw911

    WDS would be a very poor choice since the speeds would be so much slower using that older wireless technology.