Mot Amra
Level 1 (50 points)
Windows Software

Q: How to set up a network using 3 different Airport models?

Hello,

 

I have an Apple Extreme Base Station (4th gen.) as my primary access point and an Airport Express to extend the network in my home. Now I would like to extend the network further (my garage ) by adding a wired Airport Extreme (round white b/g model).I would like to keep the primary base station and Airport Express (unwired) and just add the wired old Airport Extreme (white flying saucer).  What would be the best way of setting up this network? Is this possible with the Airport models I have, and how would I set this up using the Airport Utility?

(I do have Airport Utility 5.6.1 on my machine)

 

Thanks,

Mot

Posted on Mar 12, 2014 4:53 PM

by John Galt,Solvedanswer
John Galt John Galt
Level 8 (48,715 points)
Mac OS X
A:

I know you already wrote that you are able to configure your old AEBS with the "launcher app" but I am not familiar with it. If it is a modification of OS X as I suspect, be advised that there have been a number of users reporting that doing so eventually left their system with no operable version of AirPort Utility, leaving them in an untenable situation. Should that occur, you must first satisfy yourself that you will be able to recover from it. A future OS X update or upgrade potentially changes everything. I have reason to believe Apple no longer supports the original 802.11b/g base stations because their hardware cannot meet iCloud's robust security requirements. Given that iCloud is so inextricably intertwined with many of their products and services, it is reasonable to surmise Apple would prefer all those devices be removed from service.

 

With those caveats out of the way, yes, reset the AEBS by holding its reset button depressed while connecting it to power. A few seconds later all three LEDs will illuminate. Then, release the reset button. Use AirPort Utility to configure it, and when you do you will need to select the AEBS from the left column, then the Internet pane at the top, then Internet Connection. "Connect Using" must be set to "Ethernet". "Configure IPv4" should be set to "Using DHCP".

 

Next, select the AirPort pane from the top, and from the Wireless Mode dropdown menu, select "Create a wireless network". Provide the exact same wireless network name, security, and password as your existing network.

 

I no longer have any round AEBSs to test and that is all I can recall. There may be a step or two I neglected. If you run into a problem either describe it or post a screenshot, and I'll see if I can determine what's wrong. Usually, if something is misconfigured and you cannot connect to that AEBS, it's best to start over again with another reset.

Posted on Mar 13, 2014 12:49 PM

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Mot Amra

Q: How to set up a network using 3 different Airport models?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by John Galt,

    John Galt John Galt Mar 13, 2014 6:33 AM in response to Mot Amra
    Level 8 (48,715 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 13, 2014 6:33 AM in response to Mot Amra

    What OS X version is available for you to use?

  • by Mot Amra,

    Mot Amra Mot Amra Mar 13, 2014 7:51 AM in response to John Galt
    Level 1 (50 points)
    Windows Software
    Mar 13, 2014 7:51 AM in response to John Galt

    10.9.2

  • by John Galt,Helpful

    John Galt John Galt Mar 13, 2014 9:00 AM in response to Mot Amra
    Level 8 (48,715 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 13, 2014 9:00 AM in response to Mot Amra

    You will not be able to configure your old, "round" Extreme since AirPort Utility 5.6.1 won't work with Mavericks. That Extreme may need an even older version of AirPort Utility, possibly version 5.5.3, which requires Leopard or Snow Leopard.

     

    If you can find an older Mac with an older OS X version, connect the old AEBS's WAN port to your newer AEBS using an Ethernet cable, and configure it as an additional wireless access point.

  • by Mot Amra,

    Mot Amra Mot Amra Mar 13, 2014 9:42 AM in response to John Galt
    Level 1 (50 points)
    Windows Software
    Mar 13, 2014 9:42 AM in response to John Galt

    Hello John,

     

    Thank you.

    I am able to configure my old AEBS with 5.6.1 on Mavericks using the launcher app. I also have a copy of 10.6.8.

    Would this work better if the network was set up for roaming? If so will I need to change the settings of each device?

     

    Thanks,

    Mot

  • by John Galt,Helpful

    John Galt John Galt Mar 13, 2014 11:21 AM in response to Mot Amra
    Level 8 (48,715 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 13, 2014 11:21 AM in response to Mot Amra

    Roaming is always preferable to a "wirelessly extended" network, and the AEBS will work fine in that configuration.

     

    Only its configuration needs to be changed. There is no need to change any of the other base station's settings. The old AEBS will be just another wired client.

  • by Mot Amra,

    Mot Amra Mot Amra Mar 13, 2014 11:52 AM in response to John Galt
    Level 1 (50 points)
    Windows Software
    Mar 13, 2014 11:52 AM in response to John Galt

    John,

     

    Could you walk me through the configuration changes to make on the old AEBS?

    Should I do a hard reset first?

     

    Thanks,

    Mot

  • by John Galt,Solvedanswer

    John Galt John Galt Mar 13, 2014 12:49 PM in response to Mot Amra
    Level 8 (48,715 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 13, 2014 12:49 PM in response to Mot Amra

    I know you already wrote that you are able to configure your old AEBS with the "launcher app" but I am not familiar with it. If it is a modification of OS X as I suspect, be advised that there have been a number of users reporting that doing so eventually left their system with no operable version of AirPort Utility, leaving them in an untenable situation. Should that occur, you must first satisfy yourself that you will be able to recover from it. A future OS X update or upgrade potentially changes everything. I have reason to believe Apple no longer supports the original 802.11b/g base stations because their hardware cannot meet iCloud's robust security requirements. Given that iCloud is so inextricably intertwined with many of their products and services, it is reasonable to surmise Apple would prefer all those devices be removed from service.

     

    With those caveats out of the way, yes, reset the AEBS by holding its reset button depressed while connecting it to power. A few seconds later all three LEDs will illuminate. Then, release the reset button. Use AirPort Utility to configure it, and when you do you will need to select the AEBS from the left column, then the Internet pane at the top, then Internet Connection. "Connect Using" must be set to "Ethernet". "Configure IPv4" should be set to "Using DHCP".

     

    Next, select the AirPort pane from the top, and from the Wireless Mode dropdown menu, select "Create a wireless network". Provide the exact same wireless network name, security, and password as your existing network.

     

    I no longer have any round AEBSs to test and that is all I can recall. There may be a step or two I neglected. If you run into a problem either describe it or post a screenshot, and I'll see if I can determine what's wrong. Usually, if something is misconfigured and you cannot connect to that AEBS, it's best to start over again with another reset.

  • by Mot Amra,

    Mot Amra Mot Amra Mar 13, 2014 2:14 PM in response to John Galt
    Level 1 (50 points)
    Windows Software
    Mar 13, 2014 2:14 PM in response to John Galt

    I have a boot copy of 10.6.8 on my iMac. Can I use the Airport utility on this to make the changes?

    I will post tomorrow to let you know how I've done.

    Thanks again, you have been very helpful!

     

    Mot

  • by John Galt,

    John Galt John Galt Mar 13, 2014 2:22 PM in response to Mot Amra
    Level 8 (48,715 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 13, 2014 2:22 PM in response to Mot Amra

    Mot Amra wrote:

     

    I have a boot copy of 10.6.8 on my iMac. Can I use the Airport utility on this to make the changes?

     

    Yes. Boot that version of OS X, and you can use AirPort Utility 5.6.1.

  • by Mot Amra,

    Mot Amra Mot Amra Mar 14, 2014 8:41 PM in response to John Galt
    Level 1 (50 points)
    Windows Software
    Mar 14, 2014 8:41 PM in response to John Galt

    John,

     

    If your around I could really use your help.

    I've somehow lost my Extreme Base station 4th version and my primary.

     

    Best

    Mot

  • by turbostar,

    turbostar turbostar Mar 14, 2014 9:08 PM in response to Mot Amra
    Level 4 (2,925 points)
    Mar 14, 2014 9:08 PM in response to Mot Amra

    What were you doing when the setup went bad?

  • by Mot Amra,

    Mot Amra Mot Amra Mar 14, 2014 9:29 PM in response to turbostar
    Level 1 (50 points)
    Windows Software
    Mar 14, 2014 9:29 PM in response to turbostar

    Changing settings on my Airport Extreme.

    I did a hard reset and my Airport Utility sees it now.