HT204616: Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring a roaming network (802.11 a/b/g/n)

Learn about Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring a roaming network (802.11 a/b/g/n)
pgiorgio61
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: How to configure a roaming network using the current version of AirPort Utility?

How to configure a roaming network using the current version of AirPort Utility?

I would like to set one Time Capsule as base station and other 4 through Ethernet using a Network  switch.

I have problem assigning a proper IP.

THANKS for your help!

iMac

Posted on Aug 16, 2015 2:47 PM

by LaPastenague,Solvedanswer
LaPastenague LaPastenague
Level 9 (52,347 points)
Wireless
A:
The first airport is connected to the modem: how do I have to configure the "Router Mode", as DHCP only or as Bridge?

Actually neither of those.

 

A pure modem is plugged into the WAN port of the AE.. you then set it up in DHCP and NAT mode.

 

My screenshot shows a strange DHCP range.. but that is simply a setting in the network options screen.

 

network tab.png

 

So this first AE.. takes over as DHCP and NAT router to the network..

 

You plug the switch into the AE.. and then all other AE into the switch.. and they will all be bridged as per screenshots above for setting up roaming network.

Posted on Aug 17, 2015 4:51 PM

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pgiorgio61

Q: How to configure a roaming network using the current version of AirPort Utility?

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  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Aug 16, 2015 3:04 PM in response to pgiorgio61
    Level 9 (52,347 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 16, 2015 3:04 PM in response to pgiorgio61

    This is supposed to work automagically .. ie extend wireless by ethernet.. but my experience so far has been negative.. it never works.

     

    If you have all the latest gear.. latest AE, latest version Airport Utility on the latest OS. It might work.. then again it might do your latest head in.

     

    Do it manually.. then Apple take over control of your life will stop.

     

    If one airport is working as router.. set that one up first.

     

    That is the easy one.

     

    All the rest do manually.. Plug the Airport into the computer by ethernet with no network link at all to the rest of your gear.

     

    Factory reset. Most important.. start fresh.

     

    Open the airport utility and go to top menu area..

     

    Screen Shot 2015-08-17 at 7.56.35 AM.png

     

    Type in the IP address .. always 10.0.1.1 after a reset. No password is needed. It is public if you ever need it.

     

    Screen Shot 2015-08-17 at 6.25.29 AM.png

    This will bring up the real setup pages.. here you are in charge.. you are the MASTER.. you control the network.

    Screen Shot 2015-08-17 at 6.25.43 AM.png

     

    Go to each tab..

    Each unit requires a different base station name.. all short, no spaces and pure alphanumeric. eg AE1 AE2 AE3 etc.

     

    Simpler the better.

     

    Internet tab should be dhcp which is right by default.

     

    Wireless tab.. create a wireless network.. same name as the first AE1 wireless.. better if it is also short, no spaces and pure alphanumerics.

    Same password.. same rules but longer.. 8-20 characters mixed case and numbers.

    Same security setting, WPA2 personal is the only one.. !!

     

    Network tab .. bridged.

     

    bridgevAU6.png

     

    Click update..

     

    Do the next one..

     

    Keep track of them .. As you finish it plug it in by ethernet and make sure it works..

     

    If it fails at 3 tell me.. something weird is happening.

  • by pgiorgio61,

    pgiorgio61 pgiorgio61 Aug 17, 2015 4:11 PM in response to LaPastenague
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 17, 2015 4:11 PM in response to LaPastenague

    Thanks a lot LaPastenague!

    Just another little help. You said "If one airport is working as router.. set that one up first."

    Actually I would like to configure my network as the attached picture (the one with network switch). The first airport is connected to the modem: how do I have to configure the "Router Mode", as DHCP only or as Bridge?

     

    image.jpg

  • by LaPastenague,Solvedanswer

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Aug 17, 2015 4:51 PM in response to pgiorgio61
    Level 9 (52,347 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 17, 2015 4:51 PM in response to pgiorgio61
    The first airport is connected to the modem: how do I have to configure the "Router Mode", as DHCP only or as Bridge?

    Actually neither of those.

     

    A pure modem is plugged into the WAN port of the AE.. you then set it up in DHCP and NAT mode.

     

    My screenshot shows a strange DHCP range.. but that is simply a setting in the network options screen.

     

    network tab.png

     

    So this first AE.. takes over as DHCP and NAT router to the network..

     

    You plug the switch into the AE.. and then all other AE into the switch.. and they will all be bridged as per screenshots above for setting up roaming network.

  • by pgiorgio61,

    pgiorgio61 pgiorgio61 Aug 22, 2015 8:25 PM in response to LaPastenague
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 22, 2015 8:25 PM in response to LaPastenague

    Thanks a lot!

    I finally had time to setup the network following your recommendations. Once set as per your indication every single TC and AE worked stable.

    During the setup I notice only two things:

    1 - The "old" AEs refuse to be configured directly through "Configure Other..." showing the message

    Screen Shot 2015-08-23 at 8.50.22 AM.png

    so I had to configure through "Other Wi-Fi Devices" button. But everything worked smooth anyway.

    2 - At the end (and still now) there is a warning about NAT

    Screen Shot 2015-08-23 at 11.06.54 AM.png

    I try to find something in the Apple Support and I found this:

    Screen Shot 2015-08-23 at 11.07.48 AM.png

     

    The network and Internet is working regularly but I don't know if this Double NAT can generate any trouble.

     

    THANKS again for your great help!

  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Aug 23, 2015 1:00 AM in response to pgiorgio61
    Level 9 (52,347 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 23, 2015 1:00 AM in response to pgiorgio61

    The network and Internet is working regularly but I don't know if this Double NAT can generate any trouble.

    It is not a great way to configure a network.. for a lot of things it is fine but anything interactive on the Web or where port opening is required it will fail.

     

    The problem is the TC which is the main unit is setup as router.. and it should be in bridge or static IP mode.

     

    Same as all the rest of the units the main unit is bridged and create a wireless network.. so your main modem router  is the only router in the network.

     

    The alternative method is static IP.. a bit more complicated but may work better when you have multiple units.

     

    https://discussions.apple.com/message/25135547?ac_cid=tw123456#