Setting Up Roaming Network in Ethernet-wired condo (no Modem)

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Level 1

7 points

Setting Up Roaming Network in Ethernet-wired condo (no Modem)

Hi - our condo has an Ethernet jack in each room with the signal coming directly from the building's router. The IP address is unique to all jacks in our condo.

In my office I have a Time Capsule hardwired to the Ethernet jack by my desk. I have other devices plugged into the TC so it needs to stay there. Sadly it's not very centrally located in our condo.

In our bedroom the signal often drops because it's the longest distance in our condo away from the TC. But...we have an ethernet jack in our room.

So I bought an AirPort Express, but the setup seems to really want to push "extending the network" wirelessly. Since the signal is so-so in our bedroom, there's no point in putting the AE in there. So I put it halfway in between. On the floor, not in a great space.

I'd like to set up a "Roaming Network", but I can't seem to replicate the screen shot in these instructions:

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

But, also, their illustrations make it look like the AE needs to be hard-wired into the TC.

I tried using AE's WAN port, but that didn't do it.

Is this possible? Any direction would be great. Naturally I want the effect of "1 network for our whole condo" and not switching WiFi networks for different rooms of the condo.

Thanks!

Jon

Posted on Apr 24, 2016 9:42 PM

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Answer 1

Bob Timmons

Level 10

187,808 points

Apr 25, 2016 6:12 AM in response to J-Seattle

So I bought an AirPort Express, but the setup seems to really want to push "extending the network" wirelessly.

This happens when the Ethernet connection is not working, or you have not made the Ethernet connection before you try to set up the Express. Use a short spare Ethernet cable.....any length will do.....to connect the Express to the Time Capsule to set up the Express that way. Once the Express is set up.....then.....move the Express to remote location and make the Ethernet connection there.

If it does not work there, then you know that the Ethernet port or the wiring is not working correctly.

I'd like to set up a "Roaming Network", but I can't seem to replicate the screen shot in these instructions:

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

Unfortunately, those instructions are 4+ years old, so while the general information in the document is good, the specifics of "how to" would not be used. Instead, you use Apple's setup "wizard", which literally does almost everything for you automatically on the setup.

Post back if you need a few tips.

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Answer 2

J-Seattle Author

Level 1

7 points

Apr 25, 2016 9:46 AM in response to Bob Timmons

In this case, I hate to say you're right! I moved the TC to the Ethernet port in the bedroom and booted it up to test the signal/jack. It just flashed its amber light for a while. Sad face. So it's another checkmark against the builder of our condo. I guess the airport express will be laying on the floor halfway in-between here and the bedroom. Thanks for your quick reply!

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Answer 3

Bob Timmons

Level 10

187,808 points

Apr 25, 2016 10:00 AM in response to J-Seattle

The Ethernet port in the bedroom might be tied back to the main router for the complex.....and not to the Ethernet port where you have the Time Capsule located. A tech should be able to get the "main" port and bedroom port wired together.

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Answer 4

J-Seattle Author

Level 1

7 points

Apr 25, 2016 10:02 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Thanks, Bob. I will ping my neighbors and see if anyone else has had the same issue with a reasonable solution.

I appreciate the time you take to review these discussions.

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