Ethernet and wireless question

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Hi, newbie here and NOT especially computer literate, sorry.

I bought an iMac, 2 Airport Expresses and and iPod Touch in 2010 mainly to transfer my CD collection to and then wirelessly stream to some active speakers and a separate stereo. My wireless router (Thompson 585v7) is in close proximity to my iMac (in an upstairs room) - the Airport Expresses (connected to my speakers and stereo) are in two other rooms in the house (downstairs).

Like many others I got frequent interruptions when streaming iTunes. After much deliberation I was advised to go for an Airport Extreme in order to have "superior" wireless performance as well as 802.1n and 2.4GHz and 5GHz, and the Extreme was purchased a week or so ago and connected to the Thompson via ethernet.

Matters seem even worse now, but only on one of the Airport Expresses (the one furthest from the computer room connected to my stereo)! Checking Airport Utility it seems as though the malfunctioning AEx is receiving on the 2.4GHz 'network' and the other on 5GHz. I am unable to see how to change this (if indeed that is possible). Also, using Airplay works fine on the 'working' AEx but drops out on the 'malfunctioning' one.

I have also attempted to disable wireless on my Thompson 585v7 in case there was wireless conflict. Unfortunately the router continually re-enables wireless - I have asked my ISP who supplied it for help and am awaiting their response. It occurred to me that I may be able to do something else:

1. Assuming the Thompson router's wireless can be disabled, connect the iMac via ethernet; and
2. Move the Extreme close to the 'malfunctioning' AEx, connecting it to the router utilising Ethernet over Power.

I foresee other issues though - will my iMac still stream wirelessly? Might I just transfer the problem from one part of the house to another (having spent even more money on additional peripherals)? After all, all I want to do is what Apple say I should be able to, ie stream music around my home!

Sorry for such a long (first) post, but I am really frustrated. Any help or advice much appreciated.

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[Jolly Giant]

Checking Airport Utility it seems as though the malfunctioning AEx is receiving on the 2.4GHz 'network' and the other on 5GHz. I am unable to see how to change this (if indeed that is possible).

the 5 GHz band has a stronger signal but that deteriorates with distance (or if there are obstructions in the path, e.g. walls, furniture, etc.).

in an dual-band environment, wireless clients will connect to the strongest signal which, given above limitations of the 5 GHz band, will sometimes be the 2.4 GHz band.

the 2.4 GHz band, otoh, is most commonly used and thus often subject to wireless interference.

Also, using Airplay works fine on the 'working' AEx but drops out on the 'malfunctioning' one.

try this:

● download and run iStumbler
● note the channels other networks in the vicinity are broadcasting on
● change the channel(s) of your network as far away as possible from those

1. Assuming the Thompson router's wireless can be disabled, connect the iMac via ethernet

that would be ideal since you could use the extreme to create your wireless network then.

and

2. Move the Extreme close to the 'malfunctioning' AEx, connecting it to the router utilising Ethernet over Power.

if the AX is one of the newer (n-capable) models, that should work.

will my iMac still stream wirelessly?

it will be able to stream content. i have my three Macs and a couple of TV's hardwired to my time capsule. the only devices connecting wirelessly to my network are my iPad and an iPod Touch. yet, all devices can see each other on the network and streaming works a treat.