HT204617: Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring an extended wireless network (802.11n)

Learn about Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring an extended wireless network (802.11n)
LadyKnit

Q: I finally figured out how to set up my new AirPort Time Capsule as an extended network, but I am unsure which network to connect to.

Do I connect to the TC or the Netgear? They are both listed in my wifi networks.

 

I originally had created a new network and it took me awhile to realize why my wifi was still not improving and how to undo and correct it.

MacBook Air (13-inch Mid 2012), OS X Yosemite (10.10.5)

Posted on Sep 13, 2015 1:50 PM

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Q: I finally figured out how to set up my new AirPort Time Capsule as an extended network, but I am unsure which network to connect t ... more

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  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Sep 13, 2015 1:59 PM in response to LadyKnit
    Level 9 (52,476 points)
    Wireless
    Sep 13, 2015 1:59 PM in response to LadyKnit

    Apple routers cannot extend wireless from other brands.. YOU must have an apple router plugged in by ethernet to the main modem or router.. you can then use any other apple router to extend wireless by wireless.. ie wireless repeater.

     

    If you want to mix brands then you MUST use ethernet connections and setup each unit as wireless AP.

  • by LadyKnit,

    LadyKnit LadyKnit Sep 13, 2015 2:13 PM in response to LaPastenague
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 13, 2015 2:13 PM in response to LaPastenague

    I do have an ethernet connection from my Netgear to the AP. But even though I followed the instructions on "setting up and configuring an extended wireless network"(apple support), I still see 2 networks, my Netgear network and the AP network.

  • by LaPastenague,Solvedanswer

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Sep 13, 2015 2:32 PM in response to LadyKnit
    Level 9 (52,476 points)
    Wireless
    Sep 13, 2015 2:32 PM in response to LadyKnit
    But even though I followed the instructions on "setting up and configuring an extended wireless network"(apple support), I still see 2 networks, my Netgear network and the AP network.

    That is correct and not a problem.

     

    If you want to see one wireless network.. (there is no technical reason for this).. the solution is to use the same name for the wireless network in the airport as in the netgear.. same password, same security setting..

     

    This is called a roaming network.. the computer or device will connect to whichever device has the best signal without caring if it is the airport or the netgear..

  • by LadyKnit,

    LadyKnit LadyKnit Sep 13, 2015 2:43 PM in response to LaPastenague
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 13, 2015 2:43 PM in response to LaPastenague

     

     

    This is called a roaming network.. the computer or device will connect to whichever device has the best signal without caring if it is the airport or the netgear..

     

    Ok, so you're saying that I do not have to pick a network each time I turn on my computer? Awesome! Thanks for your help.

  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Sep 13, 2015 2:53 PM in response to LadyKnit
    Level 9 (52,476 points)
    Wireless
    Sep 13, 2015 2:53 PM in response to LadyKnit
    so you're saying that I do not have to pick a network each time I turn on my computer?

    Correct .. your computer will pick this at switch on.

     

    Let me add one slight complication .. for later... if you cannot backup using Time Machine to the TC.. talk to us..

     

    Unfortunately networking on the latest apple computers and routers is less than 100% functional.. so while the above is correct ... Apple might need a more correct network.. if you catch my drift.