Level 1

5 points

No DNS error, Airport roaming network

Persistent, frustrating problem! I have set up a roaming network using an ATT (Uverse) Arris NVG589 gateway (acting as the router) and a 5th gen AP Extreme, a 2nd gen AP Express, and a 3rd gen AP Express, all in bridge mode. I keep getting persistent "no DNS" errors from both of the Expresses (not so far from the Extreme). What USUALLY seems to fix the problem (I am not quite sure why), at least temporarily, is to click the "renew DHCP lease" button in the network utility. But I have to be there to do it, and my home security system is somewhat dependent on the function of these access points.

Does anyone have any experience with this, or suggestions? thank you

Posted on Dec 10, 2015 12:23 PM

24 replies

Dec 15, 2015 12:18 PM in response to htpetrie

No, only the AE is static. The rest of the devices on the network get IP from AE via standard DHCP discovery.

htpetrie Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 15, 2015 12:27 PM in response to LaPastenague

OK, I'm a little confused then. Currently all three AP devices are connected to an ethernet switch via their WAN ports (the switch is connected to a LAN port on the Arris). Am I correct in assuming that, in your configuration, the Expresses would be connected to LAN ports on the Extreme? thanks again.

PS, does anyone understand why Apple Forums believes "ethernet" to be a spelling error?!?

Dec 15, 2015 3:12 PM in response to htpetrie

htpetrie wrote:

OK, I'm a little confused then. Currently all three AP devices are connected to an ethernet switch via their WAN ports (the switch is connected to a LAN port on the Arris). Am I correct in assuming that, in your configuration, the Expresses would be connected to LAN ports on the Extreme? thanks again.

PS, does anyone understand why Apple Forums believes "ethernet" to be a spelling error?!?

You should have everything on the network running from the main AE. That way everything is in the same domain and is far more likely to work correctly.

The exclusion to that is things like PC or games consoles or TV and media devices. They are better on Arris direct.

You can plug the three AP devices into the switch.. but the switch must plug back to the AE not the Arris.

Ethernet is a capital so if you type ethernet perhaps it will give you an error.. actually it is ok for me.. I am not 100% sure why Ethernet should be a capital letter.. proper noun that describes an object.. or a class of objects perhaps.. does ethernet cable fail. Yes.. but I would say it is not a biggie.

htpetrie Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 15, 2015 3:23 PM in response to LaPastenague

I wasn't seriously asking for an answer about the spelling of ethernet! But in fact, Dragon/Swype does capitalize it (I changed it back...), so maybe that's it.

It will probably be the holiday weekend before I can get to this, but I will post back. Thank you

htpetrie Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 16, 2015 3:31 PM in response to LaPastenague

I know I seem dense, but I just want to make sure I understand... The ideal situation is to configure the Extreme as described above, and then to configure the Expresses by connecting their WAN ports to an available LAN port on the Extreme, and setting them up in Bridge Mode using DHCP. Correct? Thanks again.

By the way, something else interesting I have noted: only the 2nd generation AP Express has the DNS problem. The 3rd generation seems to do OK, it will occasionally drop out briefly (no DNS errot) but reestablishes itself before I can do anything about it. The 2nd gen, on the other hand, won't do this. I'm almost tempted to just buy another 3rd gen Express and leave well enough alone (not really; after all this advice, I have to give it a shot!).

Dec 16, 2015 5:02 PM in response to htpetrie

The ideal situation is to configure the Extreme as described above, and then to configure the Expresses by connecting their WAN ports to an available LAN port on the Extreme, and setting them up in Bridge Mode using DHCP. Correct?

The Express should be setup in bridge mode.. so on the Network tab it shows Off (bridge mode).. on the Internet tab it says dhcp. On the wireless tab you MUST create a wireless network.. not extend.. that is the key point.

So I think your understanding of it is fine.

The Express can plug into a switch and the switch is plugged into the AE. That is the same as the express being plugged into the AE direct. Switches are transparent devices. (managed switch is slightly different of course).

By the way, something else interesting I have noted: only the 2nd generation AP Express has the DNS problem. The 3rd generation seems to do OK, it will occasionally drop out briefly (no DNS errot) but reestablishes itself before I can do anything about it.

I do not use expresses.. to me they are lightweight AP that just do not not it.. other than the audio out .. they are not useful. A Gen4 or Gen5 AE from ebay is hugely superior router.

However I am happy to work around the issues.. I have certainly had them and repaired them.. dead power supplies are my speciality and Express are expert at dead power supply syndrome.

I am just not sure what you are calling gen1, (The G wireless model?? A108x)

The first N wireless as gen2 (A1264)

The second N wireless as gen3 (A1392)

There is some differences in how people number them.. so it can be better to stick with the actual model numbers.

Apple released an updated A1392 maybe with a different part number..

There is actually a different firmware.. 7.6.5 which is used by this most recent express.. the identical looking earlier one is 7.6.4 firmware and cannot be upgraded. Exactly what Apple have done or the difference I am not sure.. I can check in the xml upgrade file and see.

How do I upgrade an airport express to 7.6.5 firmware?

No it is not in the version file.

Can you please do something for me.. Open your airport utility and go to your latest express and check if it has a Diagnostics and Usage button available.

It may not. My Gen4 TC and Gen5 AE do not.

There is a line at the bottom of configuration.

This tells me the actual ID of the apple router.

119 is Gen5 TC.

See if your latest Express has an ID.

htpetrie Author

Level 1

5 points

Jan 5, 2016 10:14 AM in response to LaPastenague

LaPastenague: I just wanted to update you since it's been a while. Since my last post the network has been so completely stable. I strongly adhere to the principle that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!" So I am waiting to have a problem again before starting from scratch. I have no illusions that this will stay this way, and I will be back in touch as soon as I make the next move. Thanks again for your help.

PS I used to live in Melbourne, in Wilson St., N. Carlton. Best years of my life!

Jan 5, 2016 1:38 PM in response to htpetrie

Since my last post the network has been so completely stable.

Typical.. it is the threat of change.

"if it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

PS I used to live in Melbourne, in Wilson St., N. Carlton.

I lived around Melb Uni for many years.. being a student and then research engineer.. then more student.. Lived in Drummond St N. Carlton for a while. Long while in Lygon st.. and all over.. parkville, brunswick etc. Glad you enjoyed your time here.

Jan 10, 2017 5:38 PM in response to patnkatng

🙂

I did say the IP was router internal .. not normally used.. but it should be more clearly marked reserved for internal router controls.

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No DNS error, Airport roaming network