Neal.P
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Q: Help configuring AirPort Extreme and Express

I have a Comcast Xfinity modem/router on the first floor which is connected to a switch that is then hardwired throughout the house. I'm looking to configure an Extreme and Express on a single roaming network so that I have wireless coverage throughout the house that won't drop when I move from one floor to the next. What is the best way to configure this? Thanks!

AirPort Extreme / Express

Posted on Jan 15, 2014 12:46 PM

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Neal.P

Q: Help configuring AirPort Extreme and Express

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  • by Neal.P,

    Neal.P Neal.P Jan 16, 2014 12:21 PM in response to Neal.P
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 16, 2014 12:21 PM in response to Neal.P

    I connected the Extreme directly to the Comcast router (wireless was disabled on this device), configured it to setup a new wireless network then connected the Express on another floor via Ethernet and setup to extend using Ethernet so there's only one wireless network. However, it doesn't appear to roam between the two. Meaning, if I go from one floor to the next with a laptop the speed drops significantly and I have to turn off wireless on the laptop then turn it back on for it to connect to the closest AirPort. Any thoughts? Thanks

  • by Neal.P,

    Neal.P Neal.P Jan 16, 2014 2:53 PM in response to Neal.P
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 16, 2014 2:53 PM in response to Neal.P

    Also, can you wirelessly extend a network with an AirPort without connecting it via ethernet? It appears the only option is to join the wireless network, which I assume does not broadcast the network.

  • by LaPastenague,Helpful

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Jan 16, 2014 3:14 PM in response to Neal.P
    Level 9 (52,991 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 16, 2014 3:14 PM in response to Neal.P

    When you setup a roaming network with the ethernet backbone as you have done.. you do not extend the wireless.

     

    So you create a wireless network on the express with the exact same name and security functions as the extreme.

     

    See http://www.apple.com/au/support/airport/basestations/

     

    In particular the roaming one.

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4260

     

    The setup may be a little out of date with some of this but it should still be easy enough to follow.

     

    IMHO the automated channel setup does not always pick the best channels.. so the one thing I would recommend if you have issues is to fix channels yourself.. at 2.4ghz there are only three that do not overlap.. 1, 6, 11 and you should use as widely spaced as you can.

     

    For 5ghz it is much less of a problem. Partly because the range is so poor the interference is not so great and because there are many more channels.

     

    From what I hear.. AC ones are fixed on 5ghz. But I need to confirm that.. so adjusting 5ghz on AC extreme is pointless but fine for the express.

     

    Meaning, if I go from one floor to the next with a laptop the speed drops significantly and I have to turn off wireless on the laptop then turn it back on for it to connect to the closest AirPort. Any thoughts?

     

    Roaming is still not 100%.. some clients work great.. others less so.. get your system setup properly and see how it goes.

  • by Neal.P,

    Neal.P Neal.P Jan 17, 2014 10:25 AM in response to LaPastenague
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 17, 2014 10:25 AM in response to LaPastenague

    Thanks for the info!