AirPort Extreme Question
Posted December 19th, 2009 @ 09:26pm by Erik J. Barzeski
Let me describe my network setup right now.
I have a first-generation Time Capsule plugged into my cable modem. This provides my 802.11n network, "Netski."
Plugged into that I have an 802.11g AirPort Express that provides an 802.11g network called "Getski."
I have two remote WDS stations: one in the living room hooked to an ethernet hub for the DirecTV DVR and the Xbox 360. In my bedroom, I have a snow AirPort Extreme (802.11g) base station. It plugs into the DVR in that room.
The 802.11g network is still required for the PS3, iPhones, the Wii, and my 12" PowerBook.
I'd like to replace the three 802.11g devices with two AirPort Extreme base stations. The three ethernet ports they provide will be more than enough in both situations so I can wire in my DVR and game station at both places.
I believe the original Time Capsule didn't offer the same brand of dual-band (n and g) networking that the current ones offer, so will the two remote AirPort Extreme base stations connect via 802.11n to the Time Capsule ((Which I'd set up to only offer 802.11n - I'd turn off 802.11g capability.)) but still offer 802.11g services to the Wii, iPhones, and 12" PB?
That's about the only question I have. I don't want to take a speed hit whenever an 802.11g device is on the network.
P.S. I'd lose AirTunes capability downstairs, but really, big whoop. We almost never used that, and DirecTV has a bunch of XM radio stations.
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Posted 20 Dec 2009 at 9:45pm #
I can't answer you (I only have an Airport Extreme with the dual-band, and an Airport Express). I am curious to the answer though, so I'll subscribe!
Posted 20 Dec 2009 at 9:47pm #
Essentially, I want to be able to turn on only 802.11n on my Time Capsule so no slowdowns occur for all 802.11n devices when an 802.11g device connects.
The two remote Extreme Base Stations would connect to the main Time Capsule via 802.11n, but would still offer the dual-band 802.11g services that they're capable of delivering.
Yes???
Posted 20 Dec 2009 at 11:51pm #
If you're getting a new Extreme base stations, I would use one of the new ones as your main router and move the Time Capsule to one of the remote locations. Set the new main router to broadcast dual band for the Wii and iPhones. The TC will still work fine being bridged to the main router. Just remember to use the N network when setting up the bridges. This way you get both bands running cleanly and you don't have to worry about what device you're using.
Posted 21 Dec 2009 at 12:14am #
Yes they will communicate over 802.11n, the best way to force that is to make your 1st gen time capsule 5Ghz only.
Instead of using WDS, use the Apple network extension feature (WDS is on its way out anyway, PROTIP: it's hidden in the latest airport utility until you option click on the wireless mode select; WEP is also hidden in the same fashion).
As Brad pointed out - It would be wiser to use a new Extreme as your main router. Plug your cable modem into the WAN port, and in Airport Utility under Airport >Wireless, choose "Create a wireless Network" and tick "Allow this network to be extended.
Important - if your Cable modem is providing the DHCP and NAT, on the main Airport make sure connection sharing is set to "Off - Bridge Mode" under the Internet Tab, or else your network will have double-NAT, and your port forwarding wont work amongst other problems.
On the secondary Airport and Time capusule, change the wireless mode to "Extend a Wireless Network", and they will talk back to the main Airport via N.
Posted 21 Dec 2009 at 12:53am #
Yeah, turns out I had the same idea.
So I checked Best Buy's website, and the week of the 14-20 (ending, well, yesterday now) they were open until 11pm.
So off I went to acquire two AirPort Extreme Base Stations.
The new setup is that the cable modem and APEBS1 is in the basement. I'll drill holes (charging the battery) up behind the TV so I can wire in the Xbox 360 and the DVR right into the APEBS.
APEBS2 is in the bedroom and is wired up to the PS3 and the upstairs DVR. It extends the network, as does the Time Capsule which remains in my office, sharing a printer, and likewise connected via 802.11n to the main network.
I already changed the Wii and my iPhone to join the "Netski" network rather than the "Getski" network, and it's all working quite smoothly to this point.
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