Ryannon520

Q: Extending a network with an unknown interference...

IMG_0540.PNGHello all,

 

I am trying to extent my network in a apartment that is on the longer side.  I have the router in a decent center of the apartment connected to an AirPort supported by two (2) Express repeaters.  Also on the same network I have a Powerline adapter running from the same router to a further room down the apartment to a Time Capsule. (I also have another Express but opted for the TC.)  The TC is a "Created" new network of the same name and password not an "extended" network as I read this is the better way to configure off the Powerline and trial and error suggest the same but with very marginal positive results. The Powerline indicates that I have a good outlet to run the network but when the network is running, link rate is less than 50Mbps.  I have little to believe that the extended network I have set-up is other than properly configured and it has lead me to believe that there is something else that is hindering my extended network performance.  There are a number of walls to get to the far reaches hence the Powerline adapter but there is no reason for this such of poor performance.  I should also mention that there is a marble presence in the aparment as well that may be posing challenges to WiFi but I am not exactly sure that is a thing.

 

Equipped:

Airport

Airport Express (2)

Time Capsule

Fios MI242 rev. 1 Router

Netgear Powerline 1200

 

Kindly advise world,

 

Rob

Time Capsule , Plue Extreme

Posted on May 3, 2016 2:00 PM

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Q: Extending a network with an unknown interference...

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  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax May 3, 2016 4:17 PM in response to Ryannon520
    Level 9 (54,452 points)
    Wireless
    May 3, 2016 4:17 PM in response to Ryannon520

    By "Fios MI242," I am assuming that this is an Actiontec MI242WR wireless gateway ... correct? From what I understand is your current network configuration, both the AirPort Extreme (AEBS) and Time Capsule (TC) are connected back to the Actiontec by "wired" connections and that both AirPort Express (AX) base stations are extending the AEBS' Wi-Fi network using wireless connections.

     

    If these are all true, then let's start by verifying you current setup for each device by asking you a few more questions:

    • Is the Actiontec providing a Wi-Fi network?
    • Is the Actiontec providing both NAT & DHCP services for the whole network?
    • Are the Actiontec, AEBS, & TC configured for a roaming network?
    • Are all of the Apple base stations configured as bridges?


    It's still a bit hard to visualize where your networking hardware is located in relationship to each other, so I'm going to take a stab at where I think they are.

    Please excuse my extremely rough drawing. The light-colored rectangular box represents your apartment. What is the total sq. footage of your apartment's floor plan? Are you also trying to cover multiple floors?

    Network1.png

     

  • by Ryannon520,

    Ryannon520 Ryannon520 May 4, 2016 9:56 AM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Wireless
    May 4, 2016 9:56 AM in response to Tesserax

    Thank you so much for your response,

     

    That is correct, the Actiontec MI242WR is what I am running.  The AirPort Extreme is Ethernet wired directly to the Actionec and is broadcasting to the AirPort Express repeaters from the Extreme as the base-station, that is correct but the TC is connected via a Powerline adapter to kind of achieve a better signal. Not really working to the fullest potential and it may be due to the wiring from the early 80s but just a hunch.

     

    To answer the question:

     

    The Actinec is providing the network,

    Unsure to be honest

    Good question; I configured them to be an extended network and that may need to be looked into. I really had an "extend" the network approach.

    Yes to bridge mode

     

    Not a bad guess, I too made a rudimentary drawing of the network layout.  The apartment is 3700 Sq Ft on a single floor. Please see my crude rendering.Rough network layout.jpg

  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax May 4, 2016 1:12 PM in response to Ryannon520
    Level 9 (54,452 points)
    Wireless
    May 4, 2016 1:12 PM in response to Ryannon520

    Ok, thanks for the updates.

     

    I suggest that we start by temporarily removing both Express base stations from the network. Next I am recommending that you configure the Actiontec, AEBS, and TC into a roaming network. Both base stations would be configured to "Create a wireless network" ... not "Extend a wireless network." Since all wireless routers will broadcast a Wi-Fi network with the same network name (aka, SSID), and use the same wireless security type and password, all wireless network clients will just "see" one network.

     

    Where is the AEBS located in relation to the Actiontec? Same or different room? If they are too close to each other, their radio broadcasts may interfere with each other. If they must be in the same room, you may want to consider just disabling the Actiontec's radio(s).

     

    Once you can verify that the roaming network is working properly, we can add the Express base stations back in if necessary.

  • by Ryannon520,

    Ryannon520 Ryannon520 May 9, 2016 11:32 AM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Wireless
    May 9, 2016 11:32 AM in response to Tesserax

    The AEBS is in the same room and same shelf sadly, very close to one another so I'll have to consider your approach when I get back at it tomorrow.  The interference from the clashing radio signals makes a lot of sense but I'll have to run this exercise to be sure.  As of now, the room with the Actiontec and AEBS gets 65/70 up and down but as soon as you leave it exponentially decreases in performance.

     

    I will follow through and return.

     

    Thanks again for your direction in this troubleshoot...

  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax May 9, 2016 1:16 PM in response to Ryannon520
    Level 9 (54,452 points)
    Wireless
    May 9, 2016 1:16 PM in response to Ryannon520

    The AEBS is in the same room and same shelf sadly, very close to one another so I'll have to consider your approach when I get back at it tomorrow.  The interference from the clashing radio signals makes a lot of sense but I'll have to run this exercise to be sure.

    What you do now will depend on if you still want to use the Express base stations to extend the wireless network. They will not be able to extend the Actiontec's Wi-Fi via a wireless connection between them. Basically, they can only extend other AirPort base stations.


    So you have some choices:

    • Leave the AEBS where it is with it Wi-Fi radios enabled; disable the radios on the Actiontec. The Extreme & the TC will be the foundation for the roaming network. The Express base stations (if still needed) can then be configured to extend this roaming network. (best option available)
    • Leave the Actiontec as is, and remove the AEBS from the network completely. The Actiontec & the TC will be the foundation of the roaming network. Again, the Express base stations should be able to extend this network. However, I believe the Express can only extend the wireless coming from the TC ... so you may not be able to use both of them as you have them in your diagram.

    Finally, be aware the extending a network via wireless connections will take a significant performance hit on the overall wireless network ... potentially, up to half of the original bandwidth will not be available. Especially noticeable when streaming HD video content over the local network. Ideally, you would want all of your wireless access points connected by Ethernet to avoid this.



  • by Ryannon520,

    Ryannon520 Ryannon520 May 16, 2016 12:13 PM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Wireless
    May 16, 2016 12:13 PM in response to Tesserax

    Still troubleshooting:

     

    I am inclined to think that there is a layer of soundproofing between the walls (at least where the apartments were combined) to be a part of the performance reduction problem.  Another factor that is working against me is that the Powerline adapter must go through 2 power boxes before reaching its desired outlet diminishing it's effectiveness in about half each room away from the base station.

     

    All current option have yielded minimal results

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons May 16, 2016 12:35 PM in response to Ryannon520
    Level 10 (105,079 points)
    Wireless
    May 16, 2016 12:35 PM in response to Ryannon520

    Another factor that is working against me is that the Powerline adapter must go through 2 power boxes before reaching its desired outlet diminishing it's effectiveness in about half each room away from the base station.

    As powerline goes, that is not bad at all. Might be a decent compromise, if there are no other options.

     

    I think you already know that the only way that you are going to preserve speed on the network is use wired Ethernet cable connections between AirPort base stations. Yes, I know that the apartment management folks probably do not want you drilling holes through the walls, but smart managers know that Ethernet cabling installed in an apartment is a real plus.  They might be willing to let you drill some neat holes if you agree to leave the wiring in place if you move.

     

    A good electrician/installer can almost make wires disappear as well, so that might be an investment to consider if the apartment folks will listen.  Good luck!

  • by Ryannon520,

    Ryannon520 Ryannon520 May 16, 2016 1:07 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Wireless
    May 16, 2016 1:07 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    Thanks for all your contributions.  I have increased in network capabilities albeit nominal but I am VERY grateful.

     

    Thanks,