HT204616: Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring a roaming network (802.11 a/b/g/n)

Learn about Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring a roaming network (802.11 a/b/g/n)
tschmaus
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Q: Connect linksys router to AirPort Extreme

I Am trying to connect a Linksys WRT1900acs router to my Airport Extreme via an Ethernet cable to increase the wifi range and also be able to connect my new Apple TV with an Ethernet cable. I need help with how to configure everything. Thanks.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.2)

Posted on Feb 13, 2016 6:56 PM

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tschmaus

Q: Connect linksys router to AirPort Extreme

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  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Feb 13, 2016 8:26 PM in response to tschmaus
    Level 10 (105,018 points)
    Wireless
    Feb 13, 2016 8:26 PM in response to tschmaus

    If you are trying to connect the Linksys router to the AirPort Extreme, this implies that the AirPort Extreme is already set up and working correctly. If that is the case, then there are no settings involved at all with the AirPort Extreme.

     

    Connect an Ethernet cable from one of the three LAN <--> ports on the AirPort Extreme to the Linksys device and configure it as a Wireless Access Point (WAP) using the exact same wireless network name, same wireless security and and same wireless password as the AirPort Extreme network.

     

    Check with Linksys support for details on how to configure the Linksys device.

  • by tschmaus,

    tschmaus tschmaus Feb 13, 2016 8:34 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 13, 2016 8:34 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    The AE was set up already and working. I ran an Ethernet cable from a LAN port on the AE to a LAN port on the Linksys and disabled the DHCP in the Linksys settings. I didn't know if I needed to change the Linksys to a Bridge mode of some sort. I've never connected 2 routers together before today. AppleTV is connected and working through the Ethernet now and I assume the wifi on the Linksys is putting out a signal although I don't know how to test that. I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something. It seemed a little too easy.

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Feb 13, 2016 8:51 PM in response to tschmaus
    Level 10 (105,018 points)
    Wireless
    Feb 13, 2016 8:51 PM in response to tschmaus

    The Linksys router needs to be in Bridge Mode.

     

    Locate your MacBook Pro close to the AirPort Extreme so that it is picking up a signal from the AirPort Extreme

    Hold down the option key on your Mac while you click on the WiFi icon at the top of the screen

    Look for the BSSID and jot down the last 3-4 characters

    The BSSID is the MAC Address of the router to which you are connected.

     

    Move the MacBook Pro close to the Linksys router and perform the same check

    If the Mac is picking up the signal from the Linksys, you will see a different BSSID

    If you see the same BSSID as the AirPort Extreme again, then the Linksys is not set up correctly

  • by tschmaus,

    tschmaus tschmaus Feb 13, 2016 9:17 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 13, 2016 9:17 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    They're the same so I have something messed up. I set the Linksys to Bridge Mode and tried it again but they were still the same. There is an option of Wireless Bridge and an option of Wireless Repeater. Any idea if it's one of those that I need?

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Feb 13, 2016 10:07 PM in response to tschmaus
    Level 10 (105,018 points)
    Wireless
    Feb 13, 2016 10:07 PM in response to tschmaus

    Sorry, I'm not familiar with the specific terms that Linksys uses....that's why I suggested that you get on a Linksys forum and explain exactly what it is that you want to do and ask how to do it.