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)
dmcduff

Q: Do you need to connect the extended base station to ethernet or does it act as a repeater?

Can I create the extended network without plugging the second router into ethernet?

Posted on Jan 2, 2016 12:54 PM

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Q: Do you need to connect the extended base station to ethernet or does it act as a repeater?

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  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jan 2, 2016 12:59 PM in response to dmcduff
    Level 10 (105,062 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 2, 2016 12:59 PM in response to dmcduff

    Yes, you can.....IF.....you are asking about two AirPort base stations and you understand that about half of the potential speed on the entire network will be lost when you try to extend in this manner.

     

    The "extending" AirPort will need to be located where it can receive a strong signal from the "main" AirPort for things to work correctly. In general, that would be a location that is approximately half way between the "main" AirPort and the general area where you need more wireless coverage.

     

    The more that you have line-of-sight between the AirPorts, the better the network will operate.

     

    There is no signal loss through an Ethernet cable, so it is easy to see why this method is by far the best way to expand a network. Run the Ethernet cable if you can. If you can't, you can't.