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18 Chapter 3 Using Your AirPort Extreme Base Station
Connecting Additional Base Stations to Your
AirPort Network
You can connect additional AirPort Extreme Base Stations to extend the range of your
wireless network. You can connect the base stations wirelessly or using Ethernet. A
network with base stations connected using Ethernet is known as a roaming network.
Connecting base stations wirelessly creates what is known as a Wireless Distribution
System (WDS). See the document “Designing AirPort Extreme Networks,” or “AirPort
Networks for Windows” for more information about setting up a roaming network or
extending your network with WDS.
Connecting Multiple Base Stations to Power Sourcing
Equipment (PSE)
If your base stations support PoE, you can connect multiple base stations to an 802.3af-
compliant Ethernet device (known as a PSE), and send power and a network or Internet
connection over category 5 Ethernet cables. Receiving power over the base station’s
Ethernet connection eliminates extra cables and the need to locate the base station
near a power outlet.
Base stations that support PoE meet flammability classification standards and are UL
listed for use above suspended ceilings and in air-handling spaces. The US National
Electric Code (NEC) and the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) require that you use
plenum-rated Ethernet cables in air-handling spaces.
Extending the Range of Your AirPort Network
In addition to adding base stations to your network, you can attach an Apple-certified
external antenna to the base station to extend your network’s range. External antennas
are available from your Apple-authorized dealer, Apple retail stores, or the Apple Store
at store.apple.com.
External antennas may not be permitted in some regions outside the US.
If your base station supports PoE and is mounted in an air-handling space and receives
power over the Ethernet WAN port, do not connect an external antenna unless it is
plenum-rated and conforms to UL Standard 2043.
Note: Before connecting or disconnecting an external antenna, you must unplug the
base station’s power adapter, connect or disconnect the antenna, and then plug the
base station back in to its power source.
LL2870.book Page 18 Thursday, October 28, 2004 12:45 PM