RT-N66U & Airplay & Range Extender Problems

[vwsplitty1980]

Hi there,

First time post:
Im having a few issues with a range extender i just bought today. I have an RT-N66U with Merlins .354.27 build firmware and im really liking it. The only problem i had was that i wanted a wifi signal in my kitchen/garden at the back of the house. I purchased the TP Link WA830RE which came today and i set it up in range extender mode and connected to the 2GHZ signal. Everything works as expected with one SSID and getting a great signal every where i wanted.I can see every other device on my network no matter what wifi im on (Ie the range extender or the n66u). The only problem i have is that when i try and use airtunes for my speaker or airprint for my printer whilst on the range extender it will not work its like i do not have it on my phone or network. Then if i move in to the front room so as to move on to the n66u wifi it all appears and works.
I cant for the life of me decide why this would work and would greatly ask if anyone out there has any ideas?

 

[ScottW]

Igmp

Apple Airtunes relies on a protocol called IGMP, and unfortunately not all access points (and repeaters) properly pass those packets upstream.

Make sure you have the latest firmware for the WA830. Then look for a setting in your WA830RE that refers to "IGMP Snooping" or "IGMP passthrough". If you find one, enable it and see if that corrects the problem.

If you don't find that option... I recommend you contact TP-Link. I read a review on another site which commented on having the same problem with Airplay, and TP-Link support sent them a newer firmware (not yet posted for download) that solved the issue.

 

[vwsplitty1980]

Apple Airtunes relies on a protocol called IGMP, and unfortunately not all access points (and repeaters) properly pass those packets upstream.

Make sure you have the latest firmware for the WA830. Then look for a setting in your WA830RE that refers to "IGMP Snooping" or "IGMP passthrough". If you find one, enable it and see if that corrects the problem.

If you don't find that option... I recommend you contact TP-Link. I read a review on another site which commented on having the same problem with Airplay, and TP-Link support sent them a newer firmware (not yet posted for download) that solved the issue.

I was affriad it would be something like this. I cant find anything like that in this router at all so I guess I'm going to have to give tp link a call. I did try the most up to date fw on there site but as I gave the V1 model it's pretty out of date if going by the date stamp on it.
Do you know of any good range extenders that would work well my my 66u and still be able to use airplay?

I did see somewhere that netgear do a concurrent range extender that is certified for airplay the WNR2500RP but I can't seem to find any 100% reference to this fact and I don't wanna shell
Out £70 for it if it doesn't do the job.

 

[ScottW]

Do you know of any good range extenders that would work well my my 66u and still be able to use airplay?

I do not. I tried a couple range extenders / repeaters, and my experience was that even when they did work, the speeds were severely compromised. My solution (and advice), if at all possible just run a cat6 from the router to the remote location and install an access point instead of using a range extender / repeater.

I am currently running one N66U as a router, located upstairs at one end of the house, and a second N66U as an access point, located downstairs at the other end of the house (connected to the router with a Cat6 run). That gives perfect dual-band coverage everywhere in the house, and outside on the deck/patio. This is, of course, an expensive solution but there are less expensive access points that should work well.

Prior to using the N66U as an access point, I used a Dlink DAP2553 at that end of the house. It worked extremely well (and with latest firmware, properly forwarded IGMP), but it cannot do simultaneous dual-band -- it supports either 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz, but not both at once.

 

[vwsplitty1980]

That's the thing the tp link one I have as an extender does a great job for the Internet I'm more than happy with it not bothered by less throughput as its only for internet and airplay in the garden/kitchen area it's just the airplay and AirPrint thing that's a pain.im not really in a position to run a cat 6 to another router/AP well not with out ripping up floor boards.

I have managed to find this Netgear WN3500RP that is dual band and certified to work with AirPlay like the new apple airport express but this will extend the network for my non apple asus router.Just not sure about how far it will send the signal with only internal aerials.


http://www.netgear.co.uk/home/products/wireless-range-extenders/WN3500RP.aspx

 

[vwsplitty1980]

Apple Airtunes relies on a protocol called IGMP, and unfortunately not all access points (and repeaters) properly pass those packets upstream.

Make sure you have the latest firmware for the WA830. Then look for a setting in your WA830RE that refers to "IGMP Snooping" or "IGMP passthrough". If you find one, enable it and see if that corrects the problem.

If you don't find that option... I recommend you contact TP-Link. I read a review on another site which commented on having the same problem with Airplay, and TP-Link support sent them a newer firmware (not yet posted for download) that solved the issue.

A little update, i tired installing a version DD-WRT on it that work in the fact that it loaded up ok but i couldnt really get my head around it(reads didnt have the time to sit down with it and sort it all out) so i reflashed back to normal and was going to send it back today but as per you advise i did email TP Link who did indeed send me a beta version of firmware for the V1 that has a working bonjour service so i am gouing to try it out tonight and see how it goes.

BTW if any one wants a copy of either the DD-WRT files or the newer beta version of the WA830RE firmware just PM me.

 

[Mariah123]

TP-Link

Have EXACTLY The same problem. Proven its the TP-Link by unplugging it and the airplay starts to work again!! Very repeatable.
Also have v1.1 which is interesting as it's brand new from Currys.
Tried contacting TP-Link and so far just advised to reload firmware (same as on it already) and de-selecting "Enable WMM" in the Wireless Advanced settings.
Tried that last night and no improvement.
Have sent PM to VWsplitty in hope he has had some success with the Beta software.
Will keep this post updated with what I find - must be others with the same issue...

 

[jlake]

I had trouble with Airplay using a repeater with completely different equipment. My solution was to not use the repeater and just use a powerline adapter instead.

In my situation, I was able to get good throughput with the powerline adapter. Obviously, I can't guarantee that using a powerline adapter will solve your problem since every home is different...with varying results.

 

[opiu]

Hi vwsplitty1980, did you test the beta firmware for the wa830re?
Would you be so kind to share it here? I'm getting mad trying to have AirPlay working with this extender. I also tries openwrt and dd-wrt but without success.
Thanks!