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Attempting to create a wired WIFI network using A1521s and backhauling like other systems

I have read through many articles revolving around this topic. I have five A1521 Airport Extreme Stations and two A1392 Base Stations. I have a 2900 square foot home. It was constructed mainly of brick and has a lot of steel frame work in many corners. I live in "Tornado Alley", hence the over construction. What I am trying to accompish is a WIFI network with each base station being connected via Ethernet throughout the house. I have tried several different methods with epic fails. I read an article today that I hope someone on here smarter than me can assist and confirm will work before I waste time and get overly frustraited.

I read a response to a person having a very similar issue as mine that made sense but the response was a little confusing and I couldn't ask due to the thread being closed.

Do I set up one 1521 as the router (connected to my MODEM) with my desired SSID and password and then turn it off? And then do the following with the others I plan on using in the other areas of the house, first? Then do I power them up one at a time daisy chaining (backhaul) from one to the next in the other rooms? Lastly, there seems to be conflicing information about what port to use on the back of the 1521 set to be a WIFI spot; do you use the "0" or the <=> to connect from one 1521 to the other? Do I set them up manually or use the wizard in the Airport utility with my Macbook Pro? Throwing a Time Capsule in the mix shouldn't matter should it? I would like to use it as a Time Machine for crashes and new additions.

I know there are other options with other brands but I'd like to keep it simple and with Apple. They are still really great devices. I like the beam forming function really well and these little Base Stations still have a lot to give.

Thank you in advance to whoever can point me onto the correct procedure to make it work. I know it's possible I just can't make it work. Backhauling via Ethernet makes the system faster and more dependable.

Posted on May 29, 2024 2:00 PM

24 replies

May 30, 2024 1:37 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Bob,

I performed another speed test in another room via WIFI with 400Mbps plus as a result. Maybe I was a little too close for the first speed test but that wouldn't make sense. For A1521 #2, should the ethernet coming out of #1 going into the wall/router be plugged into the "O" or the <-->. I have read in other posts it doesn't matter but I would rather do it your way. Thanks again!

v/r,

Glenn

May 30, 2024 1:57 PM in response to Happy_Camper71

Please see the attached PNG for how I was planning to do this acording to what you have told me so far.

OK, this type of Ethernet setup will work.

Also, if I can get into the Uverse and turn off DHCP and assign it a static LAN IP would that help in making the A1521 be in charge as the DHCP for all connecting devices?

Sorry, but no.

I'm not really recommending that you do this, but the only way to make AirPort Extreme #1 "in charge" of the AirPort portion of the network would be to set up AirPort #1 as a DHCP and NAT router. That will create what is known as a "router behind a router" setup, which will result in a Double NAT error displayed on AirPort #1.

Normally, you would want to avoid a Double NAT on the network because it will make things more complex than need be. I can tell you how to try to do this, but I cannot guarantee that it will work reliably.

The AirPort Utility setup "wizard" will not set things up this way, but once the basic setup is done on #1, you can manually change the setting for Router Mode from "Off (Bridge Mode)" to "DHCP and NAT" and click to "ignore" the network error. That won't make the error go away, it simply makes the notice go away.

It's your call.

May 30, 2024 2:33 PM in response to Bob Timmons

I agree after some thought. I was caught in a double NAT vortex a few years back; no thank you.

Ok, now I have A1521 #1 in place and running. I did speed tests with the few PCs running off the same switch and they were 900+ Gbps as expected. I did a wifi test off a Dell Latitude and the results were 500+ up and down. I'm now ready to insert A1521 #2 onto the same network in a different room.

My only question is does the Ethernet from A1521 #1 go into A1521 #2 "O" or <--> port? You may have spelled that out and I didn't catch it.

Thanks again!!!

May 30, 2024 3:32 PM in response to Happy_Camper71

Nice work.

Set up AirPort Extremes #3, #4 and #5 exactly the same way as your network diagram details, naming each one as you go.

Set up the AirPort Express the same way connecting to the switch in your network diagram. Top speed on the AirPort Express will be in the 90-95 Mbs range.

May 30, 2024 3:36 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Bob,

Here is where I need some help. Setting up the remaining three will require me to connect a second Ethernet cable to the second <--> port on A1521 #1. That will run to another switch that had my Orbi setup on it. Using Ethernet port 2 on A1521 to that switch logically shouldn't cause any issues. From the switch I will connect A1521s #3-#5 to ports on that switch into their "O" if my thinking is correct. The Ethernet drops for #3 - #5 are in different rooms of the house. I have to pause for a bit here, but will report back later how it worked out. Thanks again for your assistance!

v/r,

Glenn

BDAqua

Level 10

245,201 points

May 29, 2024 2:37 PM in response to Happy_Camper71

<-> is the port to distribute to another Base Station or computer

The "o" I assume is the WAN port below and where the Modem or where the second in line Touter gets it's signal from

May 30, 2024 9:59 AM in response to BDAqua

Yes and thank you for your post.

May 30, 2024 3:11 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Worked like a charm. I'm using 1392 #5 to put out in the garage for opener and Ring gear. Using the same method as the other two because it is the same network as the first two.

Thanks,

Glenn

May 31, 2024 7:27 AM in response to Happy_Camper71

How is it going on the rest of the network?

Attempting to create a wired WIFI network using A1521s and backhauling like other systems