Extending wireless network?

I would by another Airport express and set it up to extend the network.

If possible i would connect it to the network using an ethernet cable as this will offer a faster and more reliable connection than using the dual channel feature.


Mike

 

Is it possible to run Ethernet via a crawlspace, basement, or attic? If so that is the best bet.

An AirPort cannot extend an AirPort already extending. In other words, any AirPort set to extend will connect to the main base station or one that is connected to the main via Ethernet.

 

they really did us a dishonor by making us run airport utility 6, 5 was better

two ways to extend network

the regular way
check "allow network to be extended" on the host router

and check "extend wireless network' on the other router

pros
----
wireless link between units

cons
-----
can reduce throughput
works on the same channel

the ethernet method

http://support.apple.com/kb/PH5121

if you can connect the base stations with ethernet instead of wireless, is the the ethernet cable not only provides a gigabit link between your remotes, but it also allows each airport base station to be on a different channel. and even a different name , like "home" or "bedroom"

like your indoor airport extreme can be on channel 11 and 149 and your outdoor airport extreme would be on channel 6 and channel 161

another cool feature with different names and ethernet is your computer will "steer" to the strongest signal and stay connected.

the problem with extended a network over wireless is , it just does not steer.
if you walk away too far from the access point, you might have to manually reconnect to get to the closer router.

here is a good page
http://manski.net/2013/05/extending-wi-fi-networks-with-airport-express/

one other thing i want to troll about is that the wifi alliance does not test interoperability when it comes to extending networks. WDS = "wireless distribution system" is not a "standard' it is a "technology" like
how back in the modem days "k56 plex" and "v2" were "technologies" and "v.90" was a standard.

there is no "wds" standard.

so when connecting wifi access points to extend your wifi network, it is recommended that you use the same brand /make /model for the router and any extenders your using

 

Ideally you would want to wire all of them into the main router.