Roaming network - multiple generations Airport Extreme

Locate the new AirPort Extreme in the area where you will be using "ac" computers, or plan to use "ac" computers in the future.

The new Extreme might have just a bit better antenna reach, so that might dictate where it might best be located.

There is no advantage in making the new AirPort Extreme the primary router on the network, or using it as an access point at another location if you plan to equally split the time with your "ac" devices location wise.

If you want good throughput with "ac" devices from both locations, you will need more "ac" routers.

Now I just need to figure out how to make the devices roam better , meaning, switch to the nearest base station, versus remaining on the one where it initially connects to, even if it is the furthest away

Macs will usually switch to the closest access point in a roaming network, but iOS devices like the iPhone and iPad usually will not......because they have much simpler operating systems. Nature of the beast, I am afraid.

In most cases, you will need to switch off the WiFi on an iOS device when you move it to another area, and then switch the WiFi back on to allow the iOS device to pick up the signal from the closer and stronger access point.

So, I would not spend much time testing to see if iOS devices will behave like a Mac on a roaming network. They won't.

Bob,

I have a roaming network with an airport extreme dual band n and a time capsule dual band n. They are in bridge mode from my uverse residential gateway modem. I am thinking of replacing the time capsule with a new time capsule AC for my kids with their macbook pros' as they don't get very good reception. I have a separate ethernet cable from my verse modem running upstairs to my wife's laptop and would like to move the time capsule dual band n to that location. If the time capsule is connected to the same modem but not to the other airport extreme will they still be on the same roaming network or do I have to connect the time capsule to the airport directly (which means running new ethernet upstairs). Looking of the path of least resistance and a solid roaming network for the whole house.

Thanks in advance

Midge

If the time capsule is connected to the same modem but not to the other airport extreme will they still be on the same roaming network

Yes, as long as the Time Capsule is using the same wireless network name and password as the AirPort Extreme, and both the Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme are in Bridge Mode.