RobSimmons_Official

Q: Setting up Airport Extreme at signal booster

How do i set-up my Airport Extreme to increase my wifi range in my home?  Here is my situation:   I have a Wifi Router from AT&T Uverse that provides wifi for my home.  I want to plug my Airport Extreme into an Ethernet Cable upstairs to get better connectivity.  However, when i do that, I get 2 of the same signal and they don't seem to be connected. Help!

OS X El Capitan (10.11.1)

Posted on Nov 24, 2015 5:35 PM

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Q: Setting up Airport Extreme at signal booster

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  • by Bob Timmons,Apple recommended

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Nov 25, 2015 7:55 AM in response to RobSimmons_Official
    Level 10 (105,268 points)
    Wireless
    Nov 25, 2015 7:55 AM in response to RobSimmons_Official

    Check to insure that the Ethernet connection from the AT&T router is connected to the WAN "O" port on the AirPort Extreme.

     

    Check the settings using AirPort Utility on the AirPort Extreme to make sure that it is set up this way:

     

    Under the Wireless tab.......

     

    Network Mode  =   Create a wireless network

    Wireless Network Name =  Exact same name as the AT&T network

    Wireless Security = WPA2 Personal

    Wireless Password = Exact same password as the AT&T network

    Verify Password = Same as above

     

    Under the Network tab.......

     

    Router Mode = Off (Bridge Mode)

     

    Click the Update button at the lower right of he window to save any changes that you might have made to the AirPort Extreme.

     

    You now have what is known as a "roaming network".  Both the AT&T and Apple router are providing a wireless network, but since the name of the network is the same on both routers, the network will act as if it is one "big" network.

     

    The theory with a roaming network is that wireless devices will connect to the router or wireless access point with the best signal and then switch access points as a device moves from one area to another.

     

    That's the theory. In practice, a Mac laptop will usually switch access points automatically when it moves from one area to another, but iOS devices like the iPhone and iPad, and other mobile devices and PCs will not.

     

    So, you will need to get in the habit of temporarily turning off the WiFi on these devices when you move them from area to another, then turn the WiFi back on again and the device will usually pick up the stronger signal from the closer wireless access point.

  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax Nov 25, 2015 10:04 AM in response to RobSimmons_Official
    Level 9 (54,776 points)
    Wireless
    Nov 25, 2015 10:04 AM in response to RobSimmons_Official

    When interconnected by Ethernet, you will want to configure your overall network as a roaming-type network. In this type of network each wireless router will broadcast an individual wireless network ... BUT, since each will use the same network name, wireless security type & password, these networks will "appear as one" to a wireless network client.

     

    If you need assistance with setting up a roaming network, just let us know.

  • by Lightwave,

    Lightwave Lightwave Nov 25, 2015 11:12 AM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (19 points)
    Mac OS X
    Nov 25, 2015 11:12 AM in response to Tesserax

    This may relate to my problem - I'm not sure. My house is served by a Verizon DSL modem. I have an Airport Extreme for wireless around the house.

     

    However, I need to get my internet connection to a second building about 150 feet away, a workshop. How can I do this? Can an ethernet cable be used that far away? Is there any way to get my wireless signal to go that far? Will a second Extreme help somehow?

     

    Thank you

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Nov 25, 2015 11:25 AM in response to Lightwave
    Level 10 (105,268 points)
    Wireless
    Nov 25, 2015 11:25 AM in response to Lightwave

    An Ethernet cable will exhibit almost zero signal loss up to about 330 feet or 100 meters, so this would be by far the best way to extend the network to the second building.

     

    Wireless might work if the two AirPorts literally have line-of-sight with each other, but you won't really know how well this might work.....or even it works at all..... until you try it out.  For that reason, it would be a good idea to understand the store's return policy before you buy additional equipment.

  • by Lightwave,

    Lightwave Lightwave Nov 25, 2015 11:29 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (19 points)
    Mac OS X
    Nov 25, 2015 11:29 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    Thank you. I'll try the ethernet cable. Do I have to use 'official' ethernet cable which is expensive or some cheaper type of wire will do?

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Nov 25, 2015 11:38 AM in response to Lightwave
    Level 10 (105,268 points)
    Wireless
    Nov 25, 2015 11:38 AM in response to Lightwave

    Use either CAT5e or CAT6 Ethernet cable. 

     

    Some types of cable are specified for use buried in the ground, while some cables are not.  If you are not planning to run the cable through a conduit, then you would want to make sure to use cable that is specified for burial.

     

    200ft Cat5e Outdoor Waterproof Shielded Ethernet Cable ...

  • by Lightwave,

    Lightwave Lightwave Nov 25, 2015 11:39 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (19 points)
    Mac OS X
    Nov 25, 2015 11:39 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    OK cool thanks very much!

  • by Lightwave,

    Lightwave Lightwave Nov 26, 2015 10:48 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (19 points)
    Mac OS X
    Nov 26, 2015 10:48 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    One more question Bob. I want to extend a phone line over the same path as the ethernet. Would a Cat 6 cable have a couple of spare conductors for phone also, or this has to be a separate parallel cable?

     

    Thanks very much for your help

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Nov 26, 2015 10:55 AM in response to Lightwave
    Level 10 (105,268 points)
    Wireless
    Nov 26, 2015 10:55 AM in response to Lightwave

    Run a separate phone line....or an additional Ethernet cable for phone use.....as the AirPorts require all 8 conductors on an Ethernet cable.