Airport Extreme as access point to main network?

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Level 1

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Airport Extreme as access point to main network?

I would like to achieve something like this below. Basically, I want my AE X to broadcast the same SSID so that my devices switch seamlessly.

Here's what I did:

Setup AE X in bridge mode
Setup AE X as "Create a new network". I don't want to "extend my wireless" because my main router is far and the signal is very weak. In this new network created by AE X I use the same SSID & password as my main router
Save.
Then when I connect to the broadcasted SSIS, I (a) don't see my AE X, (b) internet doesn't work. (c) There's a flashing light in AE X. (I'm colourblind so can't differentiate between/w amber, yellow, green).

However, when in step 2, I create a SSID whose name is different and connect to that, everything works fine. I am able to use internet and I'm able to see my AEX in Airport Utility.

What am I missing?

AirPort Extreme

Posted on Jan 15, 2025 7:21 PM

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Answer 1

Jan 16, 2025 6:06 PM in response to pran__

The AirPort Extreme has to use exactly the same SSID, Password......and wireless security setting.....as the TP Link Router.

Your TP-Link is likely using WPA2/WPA3 or WPA3 wireless security. If that is the case, the AirPort Extreme was manufactured about 10 years before WPA3 became available.

But......even if the settings match exactly between the TP-Link and AirPort Extreme......there is no assurance that Wi-Fi devices will switch seamlessly from one access point to another.....even if the access points are from the same manufacturer.

They might....and they might not. Or, some might, but others not. Laptops usually do a better job than iPhones or iPads.

I'm not sure what to suggest. If you can get into the Wi-Fi security settings for the TP-Link router, see if there is a WPA2 setting. That is what the AirPort Extreme uses.

But....the last security update for the AirPort Extreme was probably 10 years ago.....so the security settings will likely still not match between the TP-Link and AirPort Extreme. Worth a try though.

If all else fails, buy another matching TP-Link device and set it up in Bridge Mode with the exact same settings for SSID, Password and Wi-Fi security.

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Answer 2

g_wolfman

Level 4

2,506 points

Jan 16, 2025 8:22 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Agreed. In fact, even two of the same network device (two TP-Link in this case) might not fully manage "seamless" hand-off. That depends on a few factors including the right firmware to support it.

The only way to really guarantee seamless access point roaming is to go to a system designed to manage hand-off (pro-)actively between the devices - like with a mesh-networking system.

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