AEBS Roaming Network - Accessing USB Printers

[bootz]

I have a simple roaming network with 2 AEBS and a cable modem. The cable modem is connected to one AEBS (top floor). The second AEBS is set up in Bridge Mode and is connected via Ethernet (over MoCA). The AEBS operating in Bridge mode has USB devices connected to it via a hub. This AEBS is located far, far away from the AEBS connected to the modem.

The main problem is my Macbook Pro often connects to the AEBS many stories above my workspace, instead of the AEBS operating in Bridge Mode less than 50 feet away to my left! When this happens, I lose access to devices connected to the nearby AEBS.

Is there a certain network configuration that will allow me to access devices connected to the AEBS operating in Bridge Mode, regardless of which AEBS my Macbook Pro is connected to?

The alternative seems to be to use separate network names for each AEBS so that I can stop my Macbook Pro from connecting to the distant AEBS, but that introduces its own set of issues for my truly mobile iDevices (iPad & iPhone).

Thank you

 

[Altemose]

The main problem is my Macbook Pro often connects to the AEBS many stories above my workspace, instead of the AEBS operating in Bridge Mode less than 50 feet away to my left! When this happens, I lose access to devices connected to the nearby AEBS.

Is there a certain network configuration that will allow me to access devices connected to the AEBS operating in Bridge Mode, regardless of which AEBS my Macbook Pro is connected to?

Yes. The AirPort Extreme that is in Bridge Mode must be connected via Ethernet to the main AirPort. The main AirPort must be in DHCP & NAT mode in order for it to work properly. If it is a wireless printer, you should have the network settings identical on both AirPorts.

 

[bootz]

Yes. The AirPort Extreme that is in Bridge Mode must be connected via Ethernet to the main AirPort. The main AirPort must be in DHCP & NAT mode in order for it to work properly. If it is a wireless printer, you should have the network settings identical on both AirPorts.

Thank you for the reply. If I change the SSIDs on each AEBS to force my rMBP to connect to a specific AEBS, will that break other functionality? I realize that will break the roaming network functionality, but in my experience that is overrated, at least when it comes to using AEBS (connecting to a distant AEBS instead of the one nearby, not switching from AEBS to AEBS very often, etc.)

 

[Altemose]

Thank you for the reply. If I change the SSIDs on each AEBS to force my rMBP to connect to a specific AEBS, will that break other functionality? I realize that will break the roaming network functionality, but in my experience that is overrated, at least when it comes to using AEBS (connecting to a distant AEBS instead of the one nearby, not switching from AEBS to AEBS very often, etc.)

No. Provided that one AirPort is in bridge mode behind the other AirPort it should still work. Are you using the older flat AirPorts by chance?

 

[bootz]

Thank you - I'll try that strategy. I'm using the most recent "tower" AEBS.

 

[Altemose]

Thank you - I'll try that strategy. I'm using the most recent "tower" AEBS.

Report back with the results...