A radio channel change on Extreme doesn't "stick"

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Level 1

16 points

A radio channel change on Extreme doesn't "stick"

I am familiar with how to change the channel on my Airport Extreme, by using the Airport Utility. And I am familiar with Wireless Diagnostics to check on this as well. My problem today is that I cannot get a channel change to "stick."

When I go into Airport Utility and change the Radio Channel on the Airport Extreme, it accepts the change and then updates the Airport Extreme. However, after it comes back online, when I check the channel the Extreme is running, it is still on another channel. I check with the the Option Key - WiFi icon and read what it tells me in the pull down menu. For example, I changed it from Auto to "1" and it shows it's on "6". But when I go back into Airport Utility and check the setting there, it's still set to "1".

Why will it not "stick?"

Airport Extreme-OTHER, Mac OS X (10.5.6), null

Posted on Apr 15, 2016 5:49 PM

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Answer 1

Bob Timmons

Level 10

188,956 points

Apr 15, 2016 6:01 PM in response to slobizman

Did you remember to restart your Mac? It would be better to shut down, wait a few minutes, then power back up if you can.

Are you still using OS X (10.5.x) as you indicate in your profile?

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Answer 2

slobizman Author

Level 1

16 points

Apr 15, 2016 6:19 PM in response to Bob Timmons

No I didn't restart my Mac, didn't know I need to. I'll give it a try.

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Answer 3

slobizman Author

Level 1

16 points

Apr 15, 2016 6:24 PM in response to Bob Timmons

I just rebooted my Mac, and no, it still did not stick. Airport Utility says it's channel one, but the Option-Wifi logo pull down says 6.

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Answer 4

Bob Timmons

Level 10

188,956 points

Apr 15, 2016 6:31 PM in response to slobizman

Are you trying to use an older version of AirPort Utility 5.x.......your profile tell us that you are using OS X (10.5.6) which would not be supported with a current version of the AirPort Extreme.

Another possibility is that just about all routers default to Channel 1, so it is almost always the most crowded channel when there are other networks in the area. The AirPort will skip Channel 1 and go to 6 if it thinks that Channel 1 is too busy. It will also skip Channel 6 and go to 11 if it thinks 6 is too busy.

Don't forget that a number of users choose to use the option to "hide" their network, so for example, it might look to you like Channel 1 is not too busy, when it is very busy.

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Answer 5

slobizman Author

Level 1

16 points

Apr 15, 2016 11:27 PM in response to Bob Timmons

I am using Airport Express 6.3.6. OS X 10.11.4.

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Answer 6

slobizman Author

Level 1

16 points

Apr 15, 2016 11:33 PM in response to Bob Timmons

I just set it to "11" which I have not done before. After a reboot, Airport Utility show it's still set to 11, but it's actually still stuck at that same old "6".

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Answer 7

Bob Timmons

Level 10

188,956 points

Apr 16, 2016 1:18 AM in response to slobizman

Perform a Factory Default Reset on the AirPort Express and then try to set it up again.

If things are still "stuck", then try AirPort Utility on a different Mac, or an iPhone or iPad.

If things are still "stuck", then the AirPort is defective, and will need to be replaced.

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Answer 8

slobizman Author

Level 1

16 points

Apr 16, 2016 10:47 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Thanks Bob, I will try that today. The unit is pretty old, maybe 6-8 years old? So very likely is having issues.

But if I could ask a question before I do it....

Although pretty techie, networking is not a strength of mine, so I'm always worried to do something drastic. So I read up on doing a reset, and Apple talks about the three types:

Soft reset: Resets the device password and disables security for five minutes so that you can join the network to make changes.
Hard reset: Resets the base station back to an unconfigured state, but retains the last saved configuration and any profiles so you can restore your base station from previous settings.
Factory default reset: The same as a hard reset but also removes any saved configurations or profiles.

I'd like to try the Hard Reset first, but on Airport Utility I don't see that option. When I pull down the "Base Station" from Airport Utility, I see "Restart..." and I see "Restore Default Settings." I do not see anything where I can do the "Hard Reset."

I have exported by configuration as a backup. If I cannot find a way to do a "Hard Reset" or otherwise have to do a Factory Default Reset, will I be able to still connect right after the reset and import my saved config file?

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Answer 9

Bob Timmons

Level 10

188,956 points

Apr 16, 2016 11:08 AM in response to slobizman

I do not see anything where I can do the "Hard Reset."

This is something that you have to do manually. Power up the AirPort for a few minutes, then hold in the reset button on the back of the device for 7 to 8 seconds and release. Allow a full minute for the AirPort restart back to a slow, blinking amber light status.

When you are ready, then open AirPort Utility again, click on the File menu to import the settings back into the AirPort.

Five years, on average is about it as far as the useful life of a wireless router designed for home use, so that just might be coming into play here. If the AirPort won't hold a new setting when you make a change, that is a sure sign that the device is heading downhill.

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Answer 10

slobizman Author

Level 1

16 points

Apr 16, 2016 3:42 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Thank you so much for all the help, Bob. I've completed the reset and I see that the channel is now changed. Was quick and easy.

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