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)
TylerSz

Q: Can transmit at 5ghz from Time Capsule to Express?

Hi,

 

I'm using the newest Airport Express to extend my wifi (which is weak downstairs).  It seems that interference is the main culprit.  I have it set up so that my Airport Time Capsule (newest version) is broadcasting a 5ghz signal and the Express also broadcasting a 5ghz signal, both that are being picked up well by my Macbook Pro, but it seems that the data speed between the Capsule and Express is inconsistent.  I believe it is because the Express is only picking up the 2.4 ghz channel, which is more susceptible to interference.

 

Is there anyway to force the Express to only pick up the 5 ghz signal from the Time Capsule?

 

Thanks,

Tyler

Airport Time Capsule 802.11ac, OS X Yosemite (10.10.5), null

Posted on Dec 19, 2015 10:16 AM

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Q: Can transmit at 5ghz from Time Capsule to Express?

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  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Dec 19, 2015 10:28 AM in response to TylerSz
    Level 10 (105,062 points)
    Wireless
    Dec 19, 2015 10:28 AM in response to TylerSz
    Is there anyway to force the Express to only pick up the 5 ghz signal from the Time Capsule?

    No, since the 5 GHz signal at the Time Capsule is "ac" wireless and the Express does not have "ac" capability.

     

    If you had a new AirPort Extreme, then it would be possible to tell the Exteme to connect to the 5 GHz signal from the Time Capsule. But....and this is a bit BUT.....5 GHz signals are much weaker than 2.4 GHz signals, so you would almost need to have line-of-sight between the two AirPort routers for 5 GHz to work well.

     

    Your Express would perform much better if you could consider establishing a permanent, wired Ethernet cable connection back to the Time Capsule. As you know, when you wirelessly "extend" a network, about half of the potential speed capability of the network is lost in the process. There is no speed loss of the signal when devices connect using Ethernet.