Optimal (wireless) setup for a large home?

[rgarjr]

Geez, 4 days later and they released a new Airport Extreme. Guess I need to pack up the extreme and return for the new one. Ugh.

Yea, go get the new hardware

 

[GhostMac24]

Definitely going tomorrow morning! I read all the new specs and it makes no sense not to upgrade for the extra $20. If only there were a rumors website that would have alerted me to this

 

[drsox]

Make sure you post your experiences with this. The only drawback I can see is the vertical height. Flat works better for me in the locations where my current units sit.

 

[GhostMac24]

Will do. I captured range and speed tests this week on all my devices throughout the home so I have a good baseline. As far as the shape/size, it's a non-issue for me since it will be going in a dedicated A/V closet. I can see though how it would be an odd shape for others depending on where they have it. I assume form follows function because of the antennae array placement inside.

 

[GhostMac24]

Well, I have the new system all up and running. Looks fantastic and performs very well. I did a series of speedtest.net speeds from various locations before and after and it appears that all the locations picked up a slight speed increase. Nothing insanely significant but still, faster. For $20 more than the outgoing unit, to have the new wireless standard at the ready was a plus for me. I also have an (2) Airport Express units in the main floor and basement serving those areas and then my old Airport Extreme down in my workshop. They are all set up as "create" and have all the same info. Now when I open any wireless device it locks on to the strongest signal and I have great speed throughout. LOVING IT!!!

 

[davidoloan]

Just finished building a new home and I am having a hard time with my wireless distance and staying connected. If I am near the Airport Extreme I am good but if I move to another floor, I am almost assured to lose the connection (or have a very weak connection). I have every room (beds, livings, etc) in the entire home wired with multiple Cat6 access points so hard lines are not a problem. The home is 3 levels and about 7000 sq feet with my workshop down on the bottom level at the back furthest point of the home.

So......suggestions on setup for optimal wireless throughout?

Maybe an Airport Extreme at one location and then connect off of the Extreme through the wired network several of the Airport Express units?

I'm just not familiar enough with how to piece together the most optimal system. Thanks for any advice/input in advance!

Because you already have ethernet throughout the house you can easily set up a system with perfect connectivity everywhere. Depending on the construction and dimensions you will need one Extreme/ Time Capsule and 3 to 5 Airport Expresses.

Here is the Apple Guide
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4260

Oops you posted before I refreshed the page.

 

[GhostMac24]

Oops you posted before I refreshed the page.

Yup, have miles and miles of Cat6 running everywhere with 2-6 drops at about every location possible. Everybody is hard wired to the 24-port switch. So nice when you build custom from the ground up. You really get to do what you want (and need).

 

[drsox]

Well, I have the new system all up and running. Looks fantastic and performs very well. I did a series of speedtest.net speeds from various locations before and after and it appears that all the locations picked up a slight speed increase. Nothing insanely significant but still, faster. For $20 more than the outgoing unit, to have the new wireless standard at the ready was a plus for me. I also have an (2) Airport Express units in the main floor and basement serving those areas and then my old Airport Extreme down in my workshop. They are all set up as "create" and have all the same info. Now when I open any wireless device it locks on to the strongest signal and I have great speed throughout. LOVING IT!!!

Glad to hear it's better but until you have an ac capable Mac you won't see much faster speeds. Still, the more reliable and snappier connection is not to be disparaged. Now you need to buy some new Macs !

 

[drsox]

I just bought one also. Much snappier to connect and run at full rate. Now I'll have to wait till the late fall to see how a new rMBP takes advantage of it.

 

[GhostMac24]

I just bought one also. Much snappier to connect and run at full rate. Now I'll have to wait till the late fall to see how a new rMBP takes advantage of it.

Nice! Looking forward as well to see how the new hardware to be released in the near term work with the system.