Help: Extend vs. join vs. create

[sfscott]

I am seeking some help on how modify the set-up of a network to accomplish the following:

I have an old/unused Airport Extreme model A1143. My current topology is a MOT cable modem connected to a TC downstairs, an Airport Express upstairs above the TC but connected via a Netgear Ethernet over Powerline adapter. I would want to put the Airport Extreme in an adajacent room to boost signal and to give me some additional wired ports.


I have the existing Airport Express configured as "create a wireless network" on the wireless tab, not join or extend. The TC, which is where the cable modem attaches is also set as create a wireless network. Both are using the same wireless network name, and the Express has router mode off.

If the Express connected via EoPL is not set correctly, please let me know. It's purpose is to get the wireless signal upstairs more reliably and stronger. Is this what is meant by Extend...or should I have joined the WLAN?

What settings are needed for the AEBS if I also want it set up to boost the signal on the same network?

I'm using Airport Utility v6, so any comments referencing that version would be hepful.

I assume either way I need to do a factory reset on the Airport extreme and update the firmware.

 

[Revelation78]

If I understand your question correctly, you are looking to have the AE extend your current wifi network? Your current configurations are not ideal. You will want to enable "Allow this network to be extended" under Airport > Wireless.

Once done you can go into your AE and change the settings to extend the network (Bridge Mode), right now you have double-NAT occurring and can cause some issue down the road.

As far as your old Airport Extreme, I'm not overly familiar with that one. Once you had the option to extend the network setup on the extreme by putting it in bridge mode.

 

[sfscott]

Ethernet or Bridge Mode

Revelation, in following your suggested set-ups, how should the devices be set up WRT to Ethernet, Bridge, etc.?

 

[Revelation78]

ideally you would have your TC connected to your airport extreme and express via ethernet. Each of those, with the exception of your TC, would be placed into bridge mode.

This would extend your wifi out through those devices. If you chose to extend out via wifi, just understand you lose a lot of throughput to "overhead." Overhead in this instance is what it's going to take for the devices to talk to each other and transmit data from devices.