Thread: Extending WiFi range???

I just checked on mine, it is connecting to the 5Ghz.

Originally Posted by berck

Let me clarify what I mean. I can see both bands too, but when the 5GHz band is using the same SSID as the 2.4GHz band, the MBP NEVER will attach to the 5GHz band, nor can I manually attach to it. As a matter of fact, the MBP never attaches to the 5GHz band automatically even using different SSID's. So, when I want to use the 5GHz band, I have to manually switch to the 5GHz band using the SSID.

Hence, my question is have you confirmed that your Mac is actually attaching to the 5GHz band, and not the 2.4GHz band when using the same SSID? That's why I was asking you about using the option key when pressing on the Air Port symbol on the menu.

Just trying to figure out if I should get rid of the Netgear and move to the Airport Extreme. Not worth it if I'll see the same issue.

The short answer is yes. The option key shows me connected to 5ghz.

Ok, thanks. I think its time for me to make the switch then.

I was using the AirPort Express to extend my WiFi originally, but I finally set it up to a hard wired connection and it offers the same hidden SSID as the Extreme dual band. I also make use of a visible "Guest" WiFi on the Extreme so I can let family and friends connect to my broadband without exposing the rest of my Home LAN to their devices. It's also easier to connect to, but still uses WPK2 for some semblance of security.

Originally Posted by Foxbat

I was using the AirPort Express to extend my WiFi originally, but I finally set it up to a hard wired connection and it offers the same hidden SSID as the Extreme dual band. I also make use of a visible "Guest" WiFi on the Extreme so I can let family and friends connect to my broadband without exposing the rest of my Home LAN to their devices. It's also easier to connect to, but still uses WPK2 for some semblance of security.

For some reason when I would connect the second extreme via ethernet, it did not work. Never figured out why. Guess I was happy enough with what I had that it did not matter.

Originally Posted by Teehar

Speaking from personal experience the 2wire gateway/routers that AT&T send out are pretty much junk.Bridging them is a pain and the power adapters are a joke went through 2 here and several neighbors went out as well.I prefer to use a separate modem bridged and separate router.Wifi has been a much better experience since the change.

The 2wire 2701 were notorious for power supplies going out for a while, I haven't come across that problem in quite some time though.

AT&T are now starting to use Netgear modem/routers ....

Originally Posted by rockymtnhigh

You can't set the second one to extend the first?

My setup is such that I have two Airport extremes. The main one creates the wireless network, and it is set to two channels on manual (one 5ghz, one 2.4ghz) with both on the same SSID. Then the second Extreme serves to extend the wireless network (using the same SSID automatically) and also set to the same two channels. It provides me with excellent coverage over three floors, and you never have to change SSIDs. Dual-band devices like my iPad and mbp use both channels, windows devices (with older wireless cards) use the 2.4Ghz channel.

I used to run two different SSIDs in the house, but this work so much better.

Based on this post, I purchased two AirPort Extremes (MD031LL/A) and all I have to say is WOW!!! I was running a D-Link DIR-825, and my WiFi speeds are approx 10x, yes TEN TIMES, faster than before!

Originally Posted by rockymtnhigh

For some reason when I would connect the second extreme via ethernet, it did not work. Never figured out why. Guess I was happy enough with what I had that it did not matter.

Did you give the second APX an IP address? I did that and my network went haywire! I did a factory reset, then used the AirPort Utility Wizard to extend the wireless newtork and that worked. According to the utility, they both have the same IP address.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

The 2wire 2701 were notorious for power supplies going out for a while, I haven't come across that problem in quite some time though.

AT&T are now starting to use Netgear modem/routers ....

Now ya tell me lol....Glad to hear they are switching to netgear.I bought a netgear rangemax150 at rat shack couple years back and it has been very stable.Although I would at some point like to upgrade to a 300Mbps router that supports tomato.

Oh forgot to say that here in ATT southeast formerly bellsouth they still offer the 2wire 2701 HG.And for only $100