AirPort Extremes Connected by Ethernet - Roaming Network

Question

AirPort Extremes Connected by Ethernet - Roaming Network

I have an AirPort Extreme (AE1) connected to a Modem Router in Room 1. AE1 is in turn connected by Ethernet to AE2 in Room 2; and AE2 is connected by Ethernet to Airport Express in Room 3. AE1, AE2 and Express are all in bridge mode and set to create a wireless network. (The Modem Router cannot be set to bridge mode.).

The Ethernet connections are implemented through a patch panel system and to “daisy chain” the Airport routers on two levels of a large house requires a complex system of Ethernet running up and down to the patch panel (and back again). However the network system works well and enables a roaming wireless network for portable devices as I move from room to room.

I am having cabling work done in my home to correct a cable outlet issue and the cabler has suggested that, in relocating the modem router next to the patch panel, I simplify the ethernet network by having ethernet running directly from 3 ethernet ports to the 3 different Airports (in rooms 1-3).

My question is whether the simpler system suggested by the cabler (with separate ethernet connections direct to the 3 Airports) will enable (a) single internet network; (b) a roaming wireless network; and (c) a network that I can monitor // edit through Airport Utility.

Guidance would be much appreciated.

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iPad Pro 12.9-inch, 3rd Gen, Wi-Fi

Posted on Apr 29, 2019 8:26 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

LaPastenague

Level 9

67,244 points

Apr 30, 2019 3:50 AM in response to colinfromweston

My question is whether the simpler system suggested by the cabler (with separate ethernet connections direct to the 3 Airports) will enable (a) single internet network; (b) a roaming wireless network; and (c) a network that I can monitor // edit through Airport Utility.

The cabler is suggesting the RIGHT way to do things.

None of your current network should change.. you are merely running wires directly from a central point instead of device to device.. which is possible but less reliable. A breakdown further up the chain breaks all airports down the chain.

I would certainly let the cabler run everything as he suggest.. if you run into trouble talk to us.

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Answer 2

Apr 30, 2019 6:34 AM in response to colinfromweston

My question is whether the simpler system suggested by the cabler (with separate ethernet connections direct to the 3 Airports) will enable (a) single internet network; (b) a roaming wireless network; and (c) a network that I can monitor // edit through Airport Utility.

As LaPastenague has already mentioned, this is the best way to set up a network. The cabler is a professional.

While a "daisy chain" method will work, if the "main" AirPort on the network has a problem, then the other AirPorts that are connected to the main AirPort will usually have a problem as well......and.....you won't really know which AirPort has the problem unless you test each AirPort individually to find out where the problem might be.

When all the AirPorts are connected back to a central Ethernet switch either on your modem/router or a separate Ethernet switch, if one of the AirPorts has a problem, the other AirPorts will not be affected, so you know immediately where the problem is located on the network.

As far as using AirPort Utility, you will still be able to "see" and access all three AirPorts when you open up the application.

You don't indicate what speed your Internet connection might be, but if it is more than 100 Mbps, the AirPort Express has only 100 Mbps Ethernet ports, so the speed will never be more than 100 Mbps when devices are connected to the AirPort Express.

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