Setup Wireless/LAN Networt with Airport Time Capsule and Airport Express

Question

andixy Author

Level 1

4 points

Setup Wireless/LAN Networt with Airport Time Capsule and Airport Express

Hi,

I know, this topic was discussed before but I didn't found a solution for my problem.

My Setup:

Cable Modem ---LAN---> (WAN) TC (location:basement) ---LAN---> 1Gb Switch ---LAN---> (WAN) AX (location:top floor)

TC

AX

The Problem

On the top level floor I have an iMac and a MacBook Pro. iMac connected via LAN and MBP connected via AX WLAN.

Following Speedtests:

MBP (WLAN)

iMac (LAN)

I went with my MBP to the basement to check if the WLAN direct from TC is faster:

But download speed was still 3 Mps.

Now I switched off TC and AX and after a while I get the following speed for my MBP on the top floor.

Seems to be better now. But why? What I did wrong and how can I figure out the problem with my network?

Thanks

MacBook Pro (Retina, Mid 2012), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2), null

Posted on Jul 29, 2015 9:12 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Tesserax

Level 10

148,661 points

Jul 29, 2015 10:46 AM in response to andixy

MBP (WLAN)

When you ran this test were you sure that your MBP was connected to the Express ... or still connected to the TC downstairs?

Now I switched off TC and AX and after a while I get the following speed for my MBP on the top floor.

If you "switched off" both the TC and AX, how was it that your MBP was connected to wireless and got those results?

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Answer 2

andixy Author

Level 1

4 points

Jul 29, 2015 11:36 AM in response to Tesserax

Yes, MBP was connected to AX.

Excuse my english. Of course I rebooted TC and AX by disconnecting and reconnecting power.

Now I rebooted MPB and did a test direct at the TC:

Funny. Maybe it has something to do with the current version of Yosemite (10.10.4)?!

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Answer 3

Tesserax

Level 10

148,661 points

Jul 29, 2015 2:24 PM in response to andixy

OS X Yosemite has had a share of issues with Wi-Fi ... and you may be right that this may be why you are having the issues with your connection.

BTW, in your last reply what application that is shown in the image that you access from the OS X menu bar?

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Answer 4

andixy Author

Level 1

4 points

Jul 29, 2015 10:44 PM in response to Tesserax

So do you think my configuration is correct, that TC and AX are creating a WIFI with the same name? First I tried to extend the TC WIFI by the AX. But that doesn't work.

The App in the menu bar is Wifi Signal (https://itunes.apple.com/de/app/wifi-signal/id525912054?mt=12)

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Answer 5

Tesserax

Level 10

148,661 points

Jul 30, 2015 7:47 AM in response to andixy

So do you think my configuration is correct, that TC and AX are creating a WIFI with the same name?

Yes, your settings look correct for a roaming type of network. Both base stations have unique base station names and both use the same network name, security type, and password. Both base stations appear to be on the same subnet so that, to me, would mean the Gigabit Ethernet switch is not configured incorrectly either.

One thing to keep in mind. In a roaming network, network clients will attempt to connect to the base station with the strongest signal, not necessarily the one closest to it. Also, iOS devices tend to "stick" with the first base station they connect to and you would have to "force" them to switch by going into Airplane mode.

I am also assuming that your modem is exactly that, a simple modem and not a combination modem & router or gateway device. Is this correct?

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