Hi Scott,
The AirPort networks are designed so that you can extend the range of
the wireless network by adding other AirPort devices. So you could buy
a second AirPort Express, for example. When you extend a network,
typically you're only using a base station in a dumbed down mode as an
access point, and use the main base station to assign addresses,
handle DHCP, etc. as a "smart" base station. In these roles, you
would call the "smart" base station the gateway, and the "dumb" base
stations the access points.
You can also connect wireless base stations in different locations via
wired ethernet connection (this would typically be an AirPort Extreme
or Time Capsule with multiple ports rather than an AirPort Express).
Even with an AirPort Express and it's single ethernet port, you can
extend your wireless range. The TakeControl guide mentions plugging
an AirPort Express into a network via an ethernet port and hanging the
AE out a window to get music streamed to an outside patio or party,
for example.
If the network has an Apple base station released in 2007 or later
(like your AirPort Express), you can add a base station that can
communicate to computers and other devices via Wi-Fi and Ethernet
while connected via Wi-Fi to the main base station. Since you have an
802.11g network already, you could set up a 2-band network -- one
802.11n for newer equipment and one 802.11g to handle computers and
devices with 802.11b or 802.11g-- and connect the two up via
ethernet. This can optimize performance for both kinds of devices.
You might want to check that your wireless gateway and access points
are optimally placed for receiving signals. You can actually do this
by using your MacBook's wireless to test reception. You know that if
you navigate to the AirPort icon in your status menu bar (Control-F8
or VO-M twice, then arrow right to where you hear signal strength
announced (e.g., "four of four bars"). Well, try holding down the
option key while you arrow right or left. When you get to the AirPort
icon, arrow down into the menu. Under Leopard you'll hear more
detailed information, including the MAC address, the channel used by
the base station, the signal strength (a negative number; the closer
to zero it is, the stronger the signal), and the transmit rate in
megabits per second showing actual network throughput. (This tip was
a "TipBit" -- a useful tip from the TidBITS web site run by the people
who publish the "Take Control" guides. Most of the information I'm
relaying is from readings of "Take Control of Your 802.11n AirPort
Network", since I did my setup with the earlier AirPort Express model.)
HTH
Cheers,
Esther
On Dec 28, 2008, at 3:55 AM, Scott Rutkowski wrote:
Hi Scott.
Can you tell me a little more about these extenders?
Are they just antennas or what?
what are they called exactly so I can go and look for one at my
local electronics store.
does the extender simply connect to your router wirelessly or what?
On 28/12/2008, at 11:45 PM, Scott Howell wrote:
Yep, get yourself another Express or extender. I use two extenders
in the house and I have had very good luck with the signal quality
as a result.
Good luck,
On Dec 28, 2008, at 7:06 AM, Scott Rutkowski wrote:
HI all.
Ok all the airport express problems seem all sorted now.
My only problem is I have another stereo which is further away
from the airport express and i'm wondering the wireless signal is
having problems reaching the airport express out in the lounge.
The router I have is a 54g wireless router which my internet also
runs through and my airport express conects to that wireless
router using wpa2 encryption.
Is there an extender or any other way I can get more wireless
range so the airport express in the lounge won't keep getting
timeout errors while trying to stream music?
Would having an airport extreeme bass station seen's it's using
the newer wireless n standard would that improve wireless signal
at all or not?
I'm not really worried if I can't stream to the stereo out in the
lounge seen's the one in my bedroom i can stream to fine.
It's more the conveenience of streaming to the lounge for parties
etc.
If there is another solution or a way I can get more wireless
range from either replacing my existing g router with an n router
if that would help i'll do it.
Is the newer n standard able to transmit further then the original
wireless g standard?
Thanks to anyone who may be able to help.
Scott Howell
[email protected]
