AirPort Expresses continue to fail... How to avoid Power-Cycle?
I am the person who has installed the wired LAN and wireless LAN at my church.
The wired LAN has been reliable, and continues to work, day in - day out.
The wireless LAN on the other hand, has been troublesome.
I donated 6 or 7 older AirPort Expresses (APEs) for to be the Access Points (i.e.: NOT routers). One or two have since died.
[The church has also purchased an AirPort Extreme (APX).]
However, all or almost all of the remaining APEs stop working after an unpredictable (or at least unmeasured) period of time that can be
as short as one week or
as long as six weeks.
Typically one is able to connect your phone, laptop, etc. to the Express, but the Express in turn does not get any connection to the internet.
Occasionally some smart phones (but not all, and not all the time) have had an error message that is something like: "Authentication Error".
The only way to resurrect the APE is to do a power cycle.
THEN that APE continues to work for another one to six weeks.
We HAD THOUGHT that the DHCP server built into the SMC 8014 was the issue.
As a result, we purchased the AirPort Extreme to serve as our new Router (esp. the DHCP Server).
Unfortunately, after a 6-week trial period the only AP still working is the Extreme.
How do I fix this so that we don't have to keep doing power cycles?
Below are a LOT of notes that I have collected regarding the part numbers, serial numbers and settings.
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Initial Notes:
Our ISP is currently Comcast; the rented Cablemodem from Comcast is an "SMC" model 8014.
{We are not going to bother trying to get a new modem from Comcast, and are looking forward to CenturyLink's soon-to-arrive Fiber Optic network.}
Note that the 8014 IS functioning as a router, as well as the Apple AirPort Extreme (APX).
The ONLY device connected to the above mentioned Cablemodem is the Apple AirPort EXTREME.
This connection is via a home-brew Cat-5e cable that will be replace with a factory made Cat-6 cable.
The Extreme does serve as the router (DHCP server) for the wired and wireless LANs.
The outgoing three ports out of the Extreme are now connected via home-brew Cat-5e cables.
These connections will eventually be replaced or supplemented by factory-made Cat-6 or -6A cables.
The three Ethernet connections go to:
- a desk for a direct connection to a laptop.
- the FIRST T-1000 rated Ethernet Switch (located in Education Wing).
- an Ethernet Coupler that connects to the original Cat-5e cable, that in turn feeds the SECOND T-1000 rated switch (located in the Chapel).
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The (downstream) AirPort Expresses include:
one "1st Generation" AirPort Express, set to firmware version 7.6.4:
x Chapel_a/n_SJOTP
This single "a/n" Access Point is set to "automatic" channel selection.
(Only this one, set to channel 149 at last check).
four original (or 0th) AirPort Express, all set to firmware version 6.3:
x Chapel_b/g_SJOTP
x Organ-PA_b/g_SJOTP
x Chapel_Bsmt_Kitchen_b/g_SJOTP
x Choir_Director_b/g_SJOTP
The "AirPort Utility" software, version 5.6.1 (_NOT_ 6.x) is used to check/change settings.
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model A1264:
{Note that this model does includes a 2.4 GHz radio, but is configured for 5.0 GHz ONLY.}
Chapel_a/n_SJOTP
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AirPort:
Summary:
S/N: 6F9427ZQ2xx
Airport: 00:23:DF:F8:D4:xx
Ethernet: 00:23:DF:F8:D4:xx
Wireless:
Wireless Mode: "Create a wireless network"
Wireless Network Name: saintjames_a/n
Radio Mode: 802.11b/g compatible
Channel: automatic {currently on Ch. 149}
Wireless Security: WPA/WPA2 Personal
Wireless Password: saintjames
Access Control:
MAC Address Access Control: Not Enabled.
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Internet:
Internet Connection:
Connect Using: Ethernet
Ethernet WAN Port: Automatic (Default)
Connection Sharing: Off (Bridge Mode)
TCP/IP:
Configure IPv4: Using DHCP
IP Address: xxxxxxxx (set by Router's DHCP)
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.255
Router Address: (blank)
DNS Server(s): 75.75.75.75 & 75.75.76.76
Domain Name: __________
DHCP Client ID: __________
DHCP:
This section is not available as an option when Connection Sharing (see above) is set to "Off (Bridge mode)".
NAT:
This section is not available as an option when Connection Sharing (see above) is set to "Off (Bridge mode)".
---
Music:
iTunes Speaker Name: Chapel_a/n_SJOTP (Located in Chapel's 1st floor Main Room.)
iTunes Speaker Password: (none set)
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Printers:
(no settings intentionally set.)
-----
Advanced:
(no settings intentionally set.)
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model A1084: {Note that this model is 2.4 GHz ONLY.}
Chapel_b/g_SJOTP
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AirPort:
Summary:
S/N: 6F7239UFUxx
Airport: 00:1B:63:23:7F:xx
Ethernet: 00:1B:63:23:7F:xx
Wireless:
Wireless Mode: "Create a wireless network"
Wireless Network Name: saintjames_b/g
Radio Mode: 802.11b/g compatible
Channel: 6
Wireless Security: WPA/WPA2 Personal
Wireless Password: saintjames
Access Control:
MAC Address Access Control: Not Enabled.
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Internet:
Internet Connection:
Connect Using: Ethernet
Ethernet WAN Port: Automatic (Default)
Connection Sharing: Off (Bridge Mode)
TCP/IP:
Configure IPv4: Using DHCP
IP Address: 10.1.10.96 (set by Router's DHCP)
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.255
Router Address: (blank)
DNS Server(s): 75.75.75.75 & 75.75.76.76
Domain Name: __________
DHCP Client ID: __________
DHCP:
This section is not available as an option when Connection Sharing (see above) is set to "Off (Bridge mode)".
NAT:
This section is not available as an option when Connection Sharing (see above) is set to "Off (Bridge mode)".
---
Music:
iTunes Speaker Name: Chapel_b/g_SJOTP (Also located in Chapel's 1st floor Main Room.)
iTunes Speaker Password: (none set)
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Printers:
(no settings intentionally set.)
-----
Advanced:
(no settings intentionally set.)
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model A1084: {Note that this model is 2.4 GHz ONLY.}
Chapel_Bsmt_Kitchen_SJOTP
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AirPort:
Summary:
S/N: 6F5501U8Txx
Airport: 00:14:51:6E:13:xx
Ethernet: 00:14:51:6E:13:xx
Wireless:
Wireless Mode: "Create a wireless network"
Wireless Network Name: saintjames_b/g
Radio Mode: 802.11b/g compatible
Channel: 1
Wireless Security: WPA/WPA2 Personal
Wireless Password: saintjames
Access Control:
MAC Address Access Control: Not Enabled.
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Internet:
Internet Connection:
Connect Using: Ethernet
Ethernet WAN Port: Automatic (Default)
Connection Sharing: Off (Bridge Mode)
TCP/IP:
Configure IPv4: Using DHCP
IP Address: 10.1.10.139 (set by Router's DHCP)
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.255
Router Address: (blank)
DNS Server(s): 75.75.75.75 & 75.75.76.76
Domain Name: __________
DHCP Client ID: __________
DHCP:
This section is not available as an option when Connection Sharing (see above) is set to "Off (Bridge mode)".
NAT:
This section is not available as an option when Connection Sharing (see above) is set to "Off (Bridge mode)".
---
Music:
iTunes Speaker Name: Chapel_Bsmt_Kitchen_SJOTP
iTunes Speaker Password: (none set)
-----
Printers:
(no settings intentionally set.)
-----
Advanced:
(no settings intentionally set.)
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model A1084: {Note that this model is 2.4 GHz ONLY.}
Organ_PA_b/g_SJOTP
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AirPort:
Summary:
S/N: 6F724223Uxx
Airport: 00:1B:63:23:AB:xx
Ethernet: 00:1B:63:23:AB:xx
Wireless:
Wireless Mode: "Create a wireless network"
Wireless Network Name: saintjames_b/g
Radio Mode: 802.11b/g compatible
Channel: 11
Wireless Security: WPA/WPA2 Personal
Wireless Password: saintjames
Access Control:
MAC Address Access Control: Not Enabled.
-----
Internet:
Internet Connection:
Connect Using: Ethernet
Ethernet WAN Port: Automatic (Default)
Connection Sharing: Off (Bridge Mode)
TCP/IP:
Configure IPv4: Using DHCP
IP Address: (blank)
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.255
Router Address: (blank)
DNS Server(s): 75.75.75.75 & 75.75.76.76
Domain Name: __________
DHCP Client ID: __________
DHCP:
This section is not available as an option when Connection Sharing (see above) is set to "Off (Bridge mode)".
NAT:
This section is not available as an option when Connection Sharing (see above) is set to "Off (Bridge mode)".
---
Music:
iTunes Speaker Name: Organ_PA_b/g_SJOTP
iTunes Speaker Password: saintjames
Note that this is the ONLY A.P. that does have an AirPlay password.
-----
Printers:
(no settings intentionally set.)
-----
Advanced:
(no settings intentionally set.)
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model A1084: {Note that this model is 2.4 GHz ONLY.}
Choir_Director_b/g_SJOTP
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AirPort:
Summary:
S/N: HS442595Qxx
Airport: 00:11:24:0B:82:xx
Ethernet: 00:11:24:0B:82:xx
Wireless:
Wireless Mode: "Create a wireless network"
Wireless Network Name: saintjames_b/g
Radio Mode: 802.11b/g compatible
Channel: 6
Wireless Security: WPA/WPA2 Personal
Wireless Password: saintjames
Access Control:
MAC Address Access Control: Not Enabled.
-----
Internet:
Internet Connection:
Connect Using: Ethernet
Ethernet WAN Port: Automatic (Default)
Connection Sharing: Off (Bridge Mode)
TCP/IP:
Configure IPv4: Using DHCP
IP Address: 10.1.10.160 (set by Router's DHCP)
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.255
Router Address: (blank)
DNS Server(s): 75.75.75.75 & 75.75.76.76
Domain Name: __________
DHCP Client ID: __________
DHCP:
This section is not available as an option when Connection Sharing (see above) is set to "Off (Bridge mode)".
NAT:
This section is not available as an option when Connection Sharing (see above) is set to "Off (Bridge mode)".
---
Music:
iTunes Speaker Name: Choir_Director_b/g_SJOTP
iTunes Speaker Password: (none set)
-----
Printers:
(no settings intentionally set.)
-----
Advanced:
(no settings intentionally set.)
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p.s.: I'm sorry if that was too much and too irrelevant information.
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