Q: What is the correct way to extend an 80211ac wireless network with two apple extreme base stations via ethernet?
I have my house wired with ethernet and have connected as many devices via cat5e as possible. My issue is when I attempt to connect two apple airport extreme base stations together and use the second to extend my network I lose internet connectivity. I am able to extend without issue via wireless but since I wired the house wanted to leverage the faster wired method.
Below is my network setup in a nut shell.
In the basement I have my Verizon Fios Router( Gateway 80211n) Currently configured to provide all Ip address space via dhcp (disabled wireless)
Small 8 port Gigabit ethernet switch wired via gigabit cross over cable between the Fios Gateway and port 1 of the switch.
two iMacs wired directly the fios gateway ports 2 and 3
Primary apple extreme base station (we will call this downstairs for now) Wired to Fios gateway
Secondary apple extreme basestation wired to the Primary apple extreme basestation
TV wired to switch
Nintendo Wii U wired to the switch
Apple TV wired to the Switch
Blu ray player wired to the switch
My Primarily Airport extreme is configured as follows
connect via DHCP
Router address is set to the Fios Router
FOR DNS I used free dos servers like Google and Level 3
Wireless is set to create a wireless network
Security is set to WPA2 Personal
5GHZ is enabled and both 2.4 and 5ghz are set to automatic
Router mode is set to off Bridge mode
Second or upstairs Airport extreme config
Connect using dhcp
Router address is also the Fios Router
DNS servers is blank
Wireless settings
Network mode is set to extend a wireless network
wireless network name reflects my network
wireless security match wpa2 personal
Network
Router mode is grayed out and reflects off or bridge mode
Posted on May 5, 2016 6:13 PM
Unfortunately, Apple has not updated the support document that Tesserax has linked, so it is very easy to become confused if you look through the document and take it literally.
For example, the support document states that the "main" AirPort router should be configured in a Router Mode to "Share a public IP address". This is the same setting as DHCP and NAT.
But......if you follow Apple's instructions literally, then you will have a Double NAT error on your network. Why? Apple assumes that you will be using a simple modem to connect to the "main" AirPort router......but, you are using a modem/router, or gateway device. So, the correct setting for the "main" AirPort is Off (Bridge Mode) as you now have it currently set up on your network.
It would really help if Apple presented two examples in their support document........one, using a simple modem.....and the other.....using a modem/router or gateway device.
Important Note......when you change the second AirPort from "Extend a wireless network" (which is not the correct setting) to "Create a wireless network (which is the correct setting, as Tesserax notes)........please be aware that the Off (Bridge Mode) setting may possibly revert back to DHCP and NAT.......so you will need to check the Router Mode setting again before you click to Update the new settings.
Posted on May 5, 2016 8:42 PM