Ira Grolman

Q: Configuring my airports for optimal performance ?

Hi,

I have 2 airports in my house, one newer than the other. One an airport express, the other an older time capsule. I think I’m in bridge mode... but I'm not sure.

The model numbers are as follows: A1254 and A1408. The A1408 is connected directly to the cable modem. I need two for the size of the house.

At the cable modem, if I'm connected by ethernet, I can achieve speeds of 150mb. Over wireless, I'm getting 40MB.

Do I need to replace the older airport?

How should I configure them?

(And btw, I have no idea even what bridge mode is. If someone could walk me through this, that would be great) Thanks!

Posted on May 13, 2016 11:47 AM

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Q: Configuring my airports for optimal performance ?

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  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague May 13, 2016 6:25 PM in response to Ira Grolman
    Level 9 (52,596 points)
    Wireless
    May 13, 2016 6:25 PM in response to Ira Grolman

    Old express is slow.. A1254 and A1409 are both time capsules.. Gen1 and Gen4

     

    The A1254 should be replaced as a matter of urgency.. it is really too old to be useful.. an express of that age.. A1264 is single band but still useful for using purely as airplay or print server etc.

     

    We can help you with bridge .. just post the current screenshot from the airport utility of your setup.

  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax May 13, 2016 6:34 PM in response to Ira Grolman
    Level 9 (54,452 points)
    Wireless
    May 13, 2016 6:34 PM in response to Ira Grolman

    The model numbers are as follows: A1254 and A1408.

    The A1254 is a 1st generation Time Capsule (TC). They came out in 2009 and have not been very dependable. It is surprising that yours is still working for you. Most consumer networking hardware typically lasts around 5 years. These particular models had issues with their power supplies which shorten that time.

     

    The A1408 is a 5th generation AirPort Extreme ... not an Express.

    The A1408 is connected directly to the cable modem. I need two for the size of the house.

    Are you using the older Time Capsule to extend the wireless range of the newer AirPort Extreme via a wireless connection between them?

    At the cable modem, if I'm connected by ethernet, I can achieve speeds of 150mb. Over wireless, I'm getting 40MB.

    Ethernet is almost always faster than wireless, but you should get reasonable speeds from wireless if the network is properly set up.

    Do I need to replace the older airport?

    I would recommend yes. If you are currently using it for Time Machine backups, you will want to get the latest generation 802.11ac model A1470. One thing to consider if you are using it for Time Machine, is that you will not be able to transfer the backups (easily) between the old & new TCs. It is always best to start a fresh backup when doing so. However, the process of replacing one with the other is easy using the AirPort Utility.

    How should I configure them?

    For best overall performance, you will want to connect them by Ethernet. If this is not possible or practical, then wireless would be the next best option. To get the best performance via that method, the placement of both base stations will be critical. To get an idea, please check out the following AirPort User tip for details of optimal placement.

  • by Ira Grolman,

    Ira Grolman Ira Grolman May 14, 2016 12:57 AM in response to Tesserax
    Level 2 (493 points)
    Apple TV
    May 14, 2016 12:57 AM in response to Tesserax

    Thanks do much for all of your thoughtful responses.

    all very helpful.

    THe  airport extreme is connected to the old time capsule via Ethernet, and the time capsule is used to extend the range.

    in your view, is the extreme still serviceable?

  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax May 14, 2016 8:12 AM in response to Ira Grolman
    Level 9 (54,452 points)
    Wireless
    May 14, 2016 8:12 AM in response to Ira Grolman

    THe  airport extreme is connected to the old time capsule via Ethernet, and the time capsule is used to extend the range.

    Ah, I was assuming that you had a wireless connection between them. With the base stations interconnected by Ethernet, that would be the basis for a roaming type network and the issue of base station placement would be mute ... as far as repeating the wireless signal. Do you have them configured similar to that of the referenced Apple Support article? If so, then the Extreme would not be configured to "extend a wireless network." Instead, both would be configured to "create a wireless network." However, since both would be broadcasting the network with the same network name and use the same security type and password, wireless network clients would "see" them as single network.

    in your view, is the extreme still serviceable?

    Yes, at this point, I would think the AirPort Extreme is fully functional and should not need replacing. Both base stations support 1 Gbps Ethernet connections. One simple test would be to temporarily connect a computer to the Time Capsule by Ethernet and measure the performance that way. If working properly, you should be getting anywhere from 500-800 Mbps with this connection. If much less, then either the Ethernet connection between it and the Extreme is the potential cause, or the Time Capsule itself is suspect and should be replaced. I would try a new Ethernet cable first if you find this to be the case.