Possible to use Airport Extreme to extend Verizon Gateway wifi?

I am currently using Verizon Fios Gateway router for my wifi in my home. Bought Airport Extreme to provide better wifi service downstairs where my signal is faint. I am able to plug an ethernet cable into Extreme that is downstairs that hooks into LAN port on Gateway router that is upstairs. Am I able to extend my current wifi connection provided by the Gateway router and use the same wifi network for the Airport Extreme so I do not have to create a new network?

iPhone 5, iOS 8.1.2, null

Posted on Dec 20, 2014 5:21 AM

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7 replies

Dec 20, 2014 5:48 AM in response to fld3

Am I able to extend my current wifi connection provided by the Gateway router and use the same wifi network for the Airport Extreme so I do not have to create a new network?

Connect the Ethernet cable from one of the LAN <--> ports on the Fios router to the WAN "O" port on the AirPort Extreme.


Choose the option to create a network, but then assign the same wireless network name and password to the AirPort Extreme network that the Fios network is using.


Although you might see a setting to "extend a wireless network", do NOT select that option, since it is used only when the AirPort Extreme connects to another Apple router using only wireless....not an Ethernet connection.


User uploaded file


The result will be one "big" network, with the AirPort Extreme in effect, providing additional extension to the Fios network. Technically, this type of setup, with multiple routers using the same wireless network name name and password is called a "roaming network".

Dec 20, 2014 6:17 AM in response to fld3

You will have 2 networks, but because they are using the same name and password, they behave as if they are one "big" network.


A Mac laptop will usually automatically "switch" from one network to the other as it moves from one area of the house to the other.


Unfortunately, mobile devices like the iPhone and iPad will not do this reliably. If you have been using an iPhone or iPad near say the Fios router, and then move it near the Apple rourter, the iPhone or iPad will usually hold onto the signal from the Fios router. That is a nature of the beast with most mobile devices, since their operating systems are much simpler than a computer.


If you want the iPhone or iPad to pick up the signal from the Apple router, you will need to tap Settings on the home screen, then tap WiFi and turn it off. Wait a second or two and then turn the WiFi back on and it will usually pick up the signal from the closer wireless access point.


Your next question might be is there a way to have the computer or mobile device choose the router that it will connect to.....and the answer is "no"......unless you name the networks differently and log on separately to each network.

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Possible to use Airport Extreme to extend Verizon Gateway wifi?

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