How can I connect airport extremes using a wired-switch connection and have roaming capability?

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How can I connect airport extremes using a wired-switch connection and have roaming capability?

My goal is to have 2 airport extremes and 1 timecapule connected via an ethernet switch so that I can enable roaming. I have no problems connecting them wirelessly where I create the wireless network on a primary airport wireless then add the others "extending" the network. However, if I attempt to do the same thing with a wired connection everything stops working (no connections from any airport). Here's the topology I'm trying to achieve. I believe my problem relates to the switch and the fact that I am serving up DHCP from a separate server. Is there a way I can achieve this (or similar) type of configuration? Thanks in advance.

BTW, I have read the various documents on the roaming network topology but none seem to be a match to this.

Airport Extreme-OTHER

Posted on Feb 26, 2015 12:38 PM

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Answer 1

Feb 26, 2015 2:50 PM in response to timbrazil

If I understand correctly, you have one AirPort Extreme set up and operating OK at this time, is that correct?

If yes, we need to know what operating system you are using on your Mac or PC to configure the other two AirPort Extremes.

For setup purposes only, do you have a short, spare Ethernet cable handy? Any length will do.

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Answer 2

timbrazil Author

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Feb 26, 2015 4:00 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Thanks for the response. Bob.

To answer your question, yes, if I _only_ have the main "create wireless network" airport connected/wired to the switch, everything works correctly.

Also, if I have each of the 3 airports/timecapsule "create wireless network" using the same ssid name and passwd/protocol, everything works correctly (but of course, no roaming under this scenario).

Also, if I have the main "create wireless network" configured and have the 2 other airports "extend the network" and _not_ have them connected via the ethernet cable, everything works correctly (wireless airport interconnection)

However, if I plug the 2 other "extend the network" airports into the switch via ethernet, all connectivity shuts down.

Does this help explain?

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Answer 3

timbrazil Author

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Feb 26, 2015 4:01 PM in response to timbrazil

Forgot, to mention. I am at work right now. But I can try any suggestions when I get home.

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Answer 4

timbrazil Author

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Feb 26, 2015 4:05 PM in response to timbrazil

Also forgot to mention. my laptop that I use to configure is 10.0.2 Yosemite. I don't have the exact OS level of my airports but it's the latest greatest for Gen 5. I can send the specifics later.

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Answer 5

Feb 26, 2015 4:26 PM in response to timbrazil

To answer your question, yes, if I _only_ have the main "create wireless network" airport connected/wired to the switch, everything works correctly.

OK, got that.

Also, if I have each of the 3 airports/timecapsule "create wireless network" using the same ssid name and passwd/protocol, everything works correctly (but of course, no roaming under this scenario

Sorry, you have me confused on this one. When the AirPorts are all configured to "create a wireless network", use the same SSID, security and password, and all AirPorts are in Bridge Mode........that is the exact definition of a "roaming" network.

Not sure what you mean when you say "no roaming" in this configuration.

Also, if I have the main "create wireless network" configured and have the 2 other airports "extend the network" and _not_ have them connected via the ethernet cable, everything works correctly (wireless airport interconnection)

That is correct.

However, if I plug the 2 other "extend the network" airports into the switch via ethernet, all connectivity shuts down.

This is not a correct setup. The "extend" setting on the AirPort assumes that they will connect using wireless. If you then try to connect an Ethernet cable to an AirPort that is expecting a wireless connection, that will result in a big feedback loop and effectively crash the network.

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Answer 6

timbrazil Author

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Feb 26, 2015 8:33 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Hi Bob

> Sorry, you have me confused on this one. When the AirPorts are all configured to "create a wireless network", use the same SSID, security and password, > and all AirPorts are in Bridge Mode........that is the exact definition of a "roaming" network.

> Not sure what you mean when you say "no roaming" in this configuration.

I think I'm the one that is confused. I was under the impression that if you "create a network" using the same ssid and password/protocol and bridge mode on each of the airports, they don't roam. In other words... If you start your laptop in one area of the house, you are essentially locked to the nearest airport unless you relocate to a different airport area and restart your network connection. It sounds like I'm wrong.

Thanks a lot Bob

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Answer 7

Feb 26, 2015 8:41 PM in response to timbrazil

If you have a "roaming" network configuration, then Macs will automatically switch to the wireless access point with the best signal quality as they move from one area to another.

This is "roaming".

Are you saying that your Mac does not switch from one access point to another as it moves from one area to another?

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Answer 8

timbrazil Author

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Feb 27, 2015 7:19 AM in response to Bob Timmons

No, it wasn't switching. I think my airports are too close together. I just did an experiment where I reconfigured back to the wired-roaming configuration and rebooted everything. It's now switching correctly. Thanks for your help.

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