Combining ethernet and wifi configuration

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Combining ethernet and wifi configuration

I’ve been using a Time Capsule to create my wifi network, with Airport Express modules to extend it around a two-storey brick house. While I’m getting 85-95 Mbps at the entry point, by the time the signal goes through the wifi network to the most physically distant point, this frequently drops to less than 10 Mbps, sometimes as low as 4 Mbps.

I’ve decided to wire the house with ethernet cable, which is fortunately going to be relatively cheap and easy, as the house is pretty new and access is good.

I’m going to use an ethernet switch, which I already have, to distribute the data to various rooms which will each then have an ethernet wallplate outlet. My intention is to go to wifi from then on so that each room with an outlet has a wifi link covering the area of just that room.

My question is, how should the wifi part of the network be configured? If I still use the time capsule to “create” the network, most likely downstairs, should the various Airport Express modules, which will be linked via cables, and mostly upstairs, be confirgured to “extend”, or “join” the wifi network?

AirPort Express 802.11n (2nd generation)

Posted on Nov 20, 2018 2:28 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

LaPastenague

Level 9

67,262 points

Nov 20, 2018 6:03 PM in response to ScottRankin1960

should the various Airport Express modules, which will be linked via cables, and mostly upstairs, be confirgured to “extend”, or “join” the wifi network?

Neither of those.

Each Express MUST create a wireless network. Same name and same credentials as the main router. Or different if you don't need roaming.

When you run the setup utility it should automagically configure it to extend by ethernet.. which will do exactly what you want..

I would note there is such a thing as too much wireless.. really you should not be using more than 3 wireless access points in range of each other.

You also need to understand the Express is a toy device. It uses 100mbps ports.. and so at best it will achieve about 90Mbps .. over 2.4ghz that is likely reduced to around 60Mbps.. so you will not or should not expect full speed even with internet speed of 85-95Mbps. That might be sufficient to satisfy your need.. if so great.. but otherwise you really should look at AC wireless with gigabit ports.

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Answer 2

Nov 20, 2018 6:06 PM in response to ScottRankin1960

Thanks very much for the helpful advice. It was a surprise to me, and I had edited out the “create” option from my question before posting it. However, it’s all good to know.

Thank you.

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Answer 3

Bob Timmons

Level 10

185,360 points

Nov 20, 2018 6:04 PM in response to ScottRankin1960

My question is, how should the wifi part of the network be configured? If I still use the time capsule to “create” the network, most likely downstairs, should the various Airport Express modules, which will be linked via cables, and mostly upstairs, be confirgured to “extend”, or “join” the wifi network?

"Extend a wireless network" and "Join a wireless network" are settings that would be used only if the AirPort connects to the network using wireless. But......you will be connecting the AirPort Express devices using Ethernet.

Tip.....Whenever an AirPort connects to an Ethernet network connection.....the AirPort must always be configured to "Create a wireless network". If you want to have one "big" network, each of the AirPort Express devices will be set up to......

Create a wireless network

Use the same wireless network name and password as the Time Capsule wireless network

Use the same wireless security as the Time Capsule wireless network

Operate in Bridge Mode, which Apple calls "Off (Bridge Mode)"

If you use Apple's AirPort Utility setup "wizard" to configure the Express devices, it will automatically extend the Time Capsule network using Ethernet and configure each AirPort Express correctly. In the example below, you can see that an AirPort Express is being set up to extend the signal produced by an AirPort Extreme named AEBS using Ethernet.

Post back if you need a few more tips on using the setup "wizard".

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Combining ethernet and wifi configuration

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