How do I ensure I'm connected to the extended network, not the Base Station?

Question

Level 1

4 points

How do I ensure I'm connected to the extended network, not the Base Station?

I have an Extreme as a base station, with an Express upstairs extending the network. There are green lights on both, the Utility shows the Express connected to the Extreme and it's not a huge house, so it looks like the network is set up properly.

However, when I'm near the Express, my MacBook Pro's connection speed is substantially slower: 9Mbps, vs 30Mbps when near the Extreme. For all I know, I'm still connected to the Extreme downstairs rather than the Express I'm sat next to.

Is there a way to tell which one I'm connected to? And/or is there a means of choosing which in to connect to?

Thank you --

MacBook Pro with Retina display, iOS 9.3.5

Posted on Sep 1, 2016 8:33 PM

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Answer 1

Rysz

Level 8

44,455 points

Sep 1, 2016 8:43 PM in response to steelfixer

In AirPort Utility, click on the Extreme and Express images. A list of connected devices will be listed in the windows that appear.

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Answer 2

steelfixer Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 1, 2016 8:43 PM in response to Rysz

Thanks. This shows that I'm connected to the Extreme (base station) even though I'm next to the Express. And even though I restarted while next to the Express in expectation of connecting to it. Any idea why that would be, or if there's a way to force a connection to the Express that's three feet away?

Thanks for your help.

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Answer 3

steelfixer Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 2, 2016 6:28 AM in response to steelfixer

I believe I've solved the issue, via this post: http://www.appleworld.today/blog/2015/12/18/how-changing-one-setting-on-an-apple -airport-extreme-fixed-all-of-my-network-problems

I needed to uncheck the "Enable IPv6 Comnnection Sharing Box" for the Extreme in AirPort Utility:

AirPort Extreme>Edit>Internet>Internet Options

Now devices automatically connect to the Express when closer to it than the Extreme.

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