Create a dual-band WiFi network with an AirPort Extreme and AirPort Express

I have a single band AirPort Extreme (802.11n) serving as the router for our home network. Our MacBooks and AppleTV include the faster 802.11n capability, but we have several devices that still use the slower 802.11g (TiVo, Wii, PS3, laptop, iPhone, iPOD Touch, etc).

While the AirPort Extreme includes a compatibly mode, adding 802.11g devices to the network slows down overall performance of the 802.11n network. Compatiblity mode uses the 2.4 Ghz frequency instead of the 5 Ghz frequency. This decreases the distance of the 802.11n network and makes it prone to interference from other WiFi networks and cordless phones.

Luckily for me, I have two AirPort Expresses. An older 802.11g and a newer 802.11n. I use the 802.11n when I travel and the older 802.11g has been sitting in a drawer. Let's put that puppy to use by creating a nifty new dual-band network to seperate my 802.11g devices from my 802.n devices while still allowing them to share files and connect remotely. Here's how:

Setup the AirPort Extreme
I'm going to assume you already have the AirPort Extreme up and running. If that's the case, there's no setup necessary on the AirPort Extreme. We're half way there!

Setup the AirPort Express
:: Plug an Ethernet cable into AirPort Express - there's only one port available
:: Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into one of the AirPort Extreme’s available Ethernet ports
:: Plug the AirPort Express into an outlet - wait for it start
:: Load the AirPort Utility software
:: Select the AirPort Express from the left-hand side of the menu as shown in the image below
:: Select the Manual Setup option
:: Select the Internet tab as shown in the image below - If you’ve used the AirPort Express previously, your current default settings should be fine - if not, you'll need to configure the AirPort Express as a wireless router (link to my settings) and be sure to enable security and implement a password

Click image for a larger view

:: Configure the AirPort Express settings as shown in the image above with the Connection Sharing option to Off (Bridge Mode) - the magic that makes this work
:: Click the Update button - the AirPort Express restarts and both networks will now be operational
:: OPTIONAL: Consider using SSIDs that identify the type of network - I used MacExtreme-N & MacExtreme-G

Configure Devices
The last step is to attach your devices to the proper SSID. Remember to keep the 802.11g devices seperated from your 802.11n devices. That's it...all done. Enjoy your new dual-band network and wonder at the speed that is 802.11n.

NOTE: If you have another brand of 802.11g router laying around, you can probably use it. Look in the owner’s manual for creating a bridged network.

Technorati Tags: airport, airportextreme, airportexpress, wifi, apple, mac, 802.11, 802.11g, 802.11n, dual-band, router, docstechnotes