Using airport Express on a hotel ethernet to create a wireless network

Hi there, yesterday I bought an airport express as I was lead to beleive it was the perfect device and simple to set up with regards to creating a wireless network from a ethernet connection in a hotel room. I seem to get a green light and seem to aquire a valid IP address of 192.168.2.102 and the AE utility doesn't state I have any problems and yet I cannot connect to the internet. I am from the UK and currently in Honk Kong on business for the next few days and desperately need to get a wireless connection sorted. I have read through many of the archives on these forum pages and it is still not certain to me whether I should be using bridged mode or not?
btw, I can connect my pc and get internet access without any problems by ethernet directly into my pc.
can someone advise me of the settings I should use given my scenario (ethernet connection in a hotel room). Given how much tme I have invested trying to get the AE to connect to the internet I would prefer to stick with it and get it workShort rather than taking the Airport Express back to the Apple store tomorrow and moving to a hotel with wireless and not ethernet connection.
Help appreciated
Russellb

Hello, thanks for your suggestions. I have tried setting up the AE using my girlfreinds Win XP computer instead of my vista one and it setup 1st time without any problems. In fact, the options I got presented with were slightly different. Shocked at what a difference installation and setup can be from using a Vista laptop to a XP netbook. Maoin thing it is now working and you were correct about using it in bridged mode so many thanks.
Russyb

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Can the WAN port be used as LAN when AirPort Express (2nd Generation) is setup to join a wireless network?

Can the WAN port be used as LAN when AirPort Express (2nd Generation) is setup to join a wireless network? (IE: 2 LAN ports)
I haven't been able to get a clear answer on this. I believe the 1st generation would act as WAN/LAN depending on setting, but what happens with the 2nd generation?
Thank you for your time.

If the Express joins a wireless network wirelessly, in other words its WAN port isn't connected to anything, the correct way to connect a wired client to it is by using its LAN port.
I don't know what would happen if you were to connect a wired client to its WAN port instead — it's just not supposed to be used for that purpose. It won't permanently break anything if you were to try it though. If you were, the worst that would occur is that your network would become unresponsive as packets continuously traverse its WAN port in a circular fashion, which might require that you power down your router to reset your whole network.
If you are already using your Express's LAN port and you need another, the way to provide more ports is to purchase an inexpensive ($10 or so) switch. Connect it to the LAN port and as many other pieces of equipment as the switch's available number of ports.
You're correct about the first generation with the single Ethernet port. It could be used in either capacity depending on its configuration.

I want to use Airport Express in my hotel room using the wired internet connection, but I don't carry a computer, just my iPad. Is that possible?

I want to use AirPort Express when I am traveling. I would like to use a wired internet connection in a hotel room to create a wireless connection. However, I do not normally carry my laptop, just my iPad. Is it possible to do this?

You will have to pre-configure the Express using AirPort Utility on your computer before you leave on the trip. The Express will store and remember the settings.
You might want to check with the hotel in advance to make sure that they have Ethernet ports available. Most hotels have switched to wireless and the others are not far behind.

Airport Express (not n) with ethernet hub and as wireless base

Will Airport Express do this?
I've got a cable modem. It connects by ethernet to a hub. Airport Express (not n) connects to the hub by ethernet. My laptops (MacBook and HP 69xx WinXP Pro) connect to AX and internet just fine.
In that same hub, I want to connect a D-Link DNS323, which I wish to be made accessible to the wireless network provided by AX. Here's a sort-of diagram:
cable ethernet
modem ---> hub <--- Airport Express <--- laptops, AppleTV, etc. by wireless
^
|
|
D-Link
DNS 323
Can AX (old style, not n version) use its ethernet connector to both communicate with my cable modem and with other wired ethernet devices through my hub?
Thanks for helping. I tried searching for similar posts, but I failed to find an answer.

With only the hub, the NAS, and the express, you can't access both the internet and the NAS wirelessly at the same time. Here's why:
The AirPort Express has only one Ethernet port. That port can either act as a WAN port or a LAN port, but not both at the same time.
You need the Express to be connected to the internet. Unless you have another wireless router (Apple or otherwise), it will have to be connected through its Ethernet port. Therefore, the Ethernet port must act as a WAN port.
The NAS, on the other hand, is part of your network. For it to be connected, the port must act as a LAN port.
This means that the NAS can't be connected to the Express via Ethernet because then the port would need to act both as a LAN port and a WAN port, which it can't do.
This means you'll need an additional wireless router if you want to access both the internet and the NAS at the same time.
If you have another wireless router (it doesn't have to be an AirPort), I can help you configure it to work with your current network so that you can access the NAS.
Message was edited by: adsfushi72

Trying to use Airport Express (2012) in Hotel and it is not working

Hey folks, the title pretty much says it all. I picked up a new AE last week, and wanted to use while I travel to share out my hotels wired connection to my computers, iPhone and iPad. I am pretty good with networking, so I can't seem to figure out how to get around the double NAT error that I am getting from the Airport utility. It appears that the hotels network is blocking me from connecting. If I use my back up travel router (Zuni Connect) everything works fine. It appears the AE is not getting along with the hotel. Any ideas on how to get around this?

I traveled for years with an AirPort Express and have had virtually no problems connecting to the hotel networks if an Ethernet port is provided in the room.
Up until a few years ago, configuring the Express in Bridge Mode worked just fine, as hotels would allow several devices to connect without problems.
Unfortunately, hotels have become a lot smarter as they look for ways to generate more revenue. Many hotels now will only allow one connection if the Express is configured in Bridge Mode, so I started using the Express in router mode about 3 years ago to get around this.
Security wise, this is actually a bettter arrangement as Tesserax notes, because other users at the hotel cannot "see" your devices.
The Double NAT "error" can be ignored with an option in AirPort Utility if you wish, and the Express will display a nice, green light.
I have no trouble connecting 3-4 devices this way and the hotel only "sees" one device, so they only charge for one connection.
When the hotel only has wireless, that is when I bring out the second Express that I travel with, so I can use one Express to "join" the hotel network and provide an Ethernet signal to the second Express, which is configured as a router to allow multiple devices to connect. The hotel only "sees" one connection this way.

Can I use Airport Express for printing and Ethernet printing at same time?

I've been trying to set up a couple of laser printers that were given to me recently. The printers are Apple LaserWriter 16/600 PS and Samsung CLP-510. The reason I'd like to have both up and running is because the black toner for the Samsung costs twice as much as the toner for the LaserWriter. I have two questions that I am hoping someone will be able to answer.
1) The CLP prints a test page just fine. I was finally able to get the Samsung printing while directly connected to my PowerBook G4 via usb (I had to install a Xerox Phaser 6100 driver to do so!). Today I tried putting the usb into my Airport Express (which I use for my portable internet and airtunes) and now the printer does not respond. When I try to add the CLP as a bonjour printer, I get an error adding the printer and the printer does not respond. Can someone offer some advice as to how and if the CLP may work via the Airport Express?
2) The LaserWriter prints a test page just fine. I purchased a transceiver (albeit not an Apple transceiver - this one says Asante Friendlynet, the guy I bought it from said it would work though). The transceiver is connected to the Ethernet port on the printer - and I have a yellow ethernet cable (?) running from the transceiver to the ethernet port on my computer. I read somewhere on the internet that I need to turn on Appletalk in order to use the printer via ethernet but when I went into my network settings to do that, there was a warning that I could not turn on appletalk for ethernet without forsaking my airport. Can someone offer some advice as to how and if the 16/600 PS may work via ethernet without disrupting my (working) airport express? Also - I did not receive any software or drivers with this printer but I read that I may not need to (they come with Tiger - ?) Is anyone able to confirm this?
Any help would be TOTALLY appreciated!
Leigh-Ann

Hello Kappy! Thank you for taking the time to reply to my question.
I should update you at this point to say that I can add the 16/600 PS printer through a process that I found called 'Direct IP printing over ethernet'. (I think I've done this correctly - but I honestly have no idea about network stuff). Here's what I did:
-went into system prefs and looked at the network settings under built-in ethernet tab. Under TCP-IP I found the IP address of my network host.
-In the Printer Setup Utility I tried to manually add the 16/600 PS printer. In the Printer Browser window, I selected IP Printer.
-Under IP printer, I selected LPD Protocol. I inserted the IP address copied from my network settings (above) in the address bar. In the Queue bar I typed in the name of the printer 'Apple LaserWriter 16/600 PS'.
-Again in the Printer Browser box I gave the printer a name and location. Finally, in the 'print using' box I selected Apple and then chose the model from the drop down list. 'Apple LaserWriter 16/600 PS fax v.2014.016'
-I got a dialogue box that asked about other installable features - clicked ok.
-when I tried to print a Word document, the Apple LaserWriter driver opened up and appeared in my dock and then I got an immediate error saying "network host ---.---.--.--- is busy, down, or unreachable..."
-I tried to repair permissions, but it did not resolve my issue.
-I noticed that even after adding the 16/600, it did not show up as a bonjour printer, but remained visible as a printer in my list (although grayed out).
I did some troubleshooting and the best I could find as a close match for my problem was that perhaps I had entered the name incorrectly in the Queue box...? If anyone knows how to find the appropriate name to insert I would sure appreciate knowing.
Finally - you should probably know that I received this printer from someone else. I guess I'm wondering if I need to be resetting network settings on the printer somehow? The test page lists the following:
Ethernet (Address: 08:00:07:84:78:e9)
EtherTalk: PostScript
NetWare: AutoSelect
TCP/IP: AutoSelect
IP address: 0.0.0.0
And - now finally, to answer your questions (the best I can, that is)
I did connect the yellow network cable directly into my laptop (right side, 4th input, counting away from me). I have a portable internet modem that plugs into my wall (for power) and then has a cable (Ethernet?) that goes into my Airport Express (LAN port?). I have no other router and there are no other inputs or outputs on my modem. My Airport Express has only one input for the modem, one mini input for airtunes, and one usb input (in which I have a cable connecting to my other laser printer (now working wirelessly via Airport Express!!)
Should I have these cables hooked up differently?
What is a Phonenet adaptor? My internet is provided via a cable service (not DSL). It is wireless and portable - I can take it to any major city in Canada and it works as long as it is plugged into a power source and near a window.
I really appreciate any help you can offer. At this point I must have spent the better part of almost two weeks trying to get these older laser printers up and running.
Thank you again.
Leigh-Ann

Using Airport Express as separate wifi network vs extender with Time Capsule?

Hello all. I recently converted my home computer network from Windows/PC based to an iMac with Time Capsule. On my previous setup, I had a Cisco/Linksys router with wifi, and I also had two Airport Expresses in separate areas of the house where the Linksys had a weak signal. Obviously, I had the Airport Expresses set up as "separate" wifi networks, as they could not be used as network extenders with the Linksys. This setup seemed to work really good, as the 3 wifi networks provided good blanket coverage in all parts of the house. Each network also seemed to "hand-off" to the other pretty well, meaning that Airport Express 1 would show as the active network when you moved far enough away from the Linksys (or insert any of the network names here, even though I'm pretty sure that the device accessing the network has more to do with this than the networks themselves). In particular, the speeds that I got from the Airport Expresses actually eclipsed the speeds that I would get from the Linksys wifi.
My issue is that after I converted everything, I left the Airport Expresses as "separate networks" and essentially removed the Linksys/Cisco router and replaced it with the Time Capsule. So I still have 3 separate wifi networks, just like before, with the Time Capsule network taking the place of the Linksys wifi network. While the Linksys and the Airport Expresses seemed to co-exist together nicely, I get the feeling that the TC and the AEs are somehow working against each other or at least competing with each other for bandwidth. For example, if I have my iPhone right beside my iMac and TC, and I run a speed test on the iPhone using the TC wifi network, I get download and upload speeds in the range that I am expecting (30-40 mbps download). However, when I walk down the hallway to the other end of the house, the TC tends to remain the dominant wifi network, even when I am in the same room with one of the AEs (this is where they used to "hand off" nicely between networks). When you run a speed test in this location still on the TC wifi, the speed drops down to 5-7 mbps, and worse, I believe the signal becomes inconsistent because webpages and data often seem to be freezing in the middle of downloading. I understand that the distance from the TC is causing this, because my solution has been to manually switch from the TC to the closest AE, and that fixes the issue. Run a speed test after I manually switch to the closest AE when I am in the same room as an AE, and the speeds pop back up to 30-40 mbps.
My question is this: would switching the AEs to "extenders" of the TC wifi network help this issue? Honestly, my laziness was one reason that I did not do this when I setup the TC initially, because I have several devices that access the AE wifi networks that I'd have to update with the new network name and password. Everything was working great before, and I just didn't want to upset the apple cart. But if I have created an unfriendly environment between the TC and the two AEs, I certainly have no problem making the change now. I just wasn't sure if making this change would fix my problem or not. I know it's a mundane thing, but I'd like to be able to roam the house without continuously having to manually switch between wifi networks to get a consistent signal.
Sorry if this is a simple issue. I am admittedly a newbie with the TC and its interaction with the AEs.
Thanks in advance!!

It is not a simple issue.
Exactly which method works best is going to take some experimentation.
The way you are trying to set it up as a roaming network is generally considered the best.. but the devices like iphones do not hand off neatly.
It is interesting that they in fact used to hand off better using the Linksys.. which could be due to its poorer range. The new TC having so much better range is causing the phones to not swap "towers" to the local express.
Test it with a Mac laptop.. as generally they do hand off better.
I cannot quite figure out if you are using roaming correctly. All the wireless should have identical names, with identical security setting and passwords.
The only thing that should be different is wireless channels on each item. And you are likely just using auto anyway.
So each device is creating a wireless network. And for 2.4ghz one should be channel 1, then another channel 6 and another channel 11. For 5ghz it will be same idea but there are more channels available.
When you extend wireless, everything runs the same channel. But the wireless speed is reduced. You must disconnect ethernet to each of the expresses.. and the problem is your 30-40mbps will reduce permanently to 15-20mbps for all clients. So take your choice.. 15-20mbps for all clients forced to double hop is better than 5-7mbps which you experience now when you walk around.. although I am not sure how much browsing you do whilst walking. You may need to compromise which is the better out of several not great alternatives.
I would have a test.. which is wrong btw.. but I have heard that it works.
In your roaming network at the present time. Try setting each router to a manual wireless channel.. and fix all of them the same. So for instance, set 2.4ghz to channel 11. Try fixing the 5ghz as well, say the TC is defaulting to 149, it might not actually respond to manual wireless channels.. you will need to test this.. say set to 36 or 40 and see if the TC is actually changed.. if not just set all the expresses to 149 as well. What you are doing is trying to reinforce the wireless in each area.. but this is actually wrong. So all will have same wireless name and same security wpa2 personal is the only valid one.. and all the same password.
Test with a few clients and see if the results give you decent local speeds as well as better roaming.. once you decide which to do, then you will need to change all the clients.

Using airport express with 3com modem/router

Hi all,
I have a 3COM modem/wifi router with serial code 3CRWE754G72-A.
I recently purchased a MacBook Pro and to my dismay the wifi does not work with my Router (I have all latest updates etc.). I have no idea why, but apple support say its cos my router is crap and they dont support 3rd party routers (they checked my MBP and found nothing wrong with it apparently, connects to apple base stations no probs)... there are loads of threads on this topic of incompatible wifi routers with the MBP in the MBP discussion area so I wont go into details on that.
My question is: is there any way the airport express could be of use? From what I understand usually you can use it to extend your wireless network by adding it as a client to the existing network. However I am suspicious if it will pickup on my 3com wireless network... my MBP doesnt so I wouldnt be surprised if this didnt either!! Is it somehow possible to disable the wifi on my 3com router and connect it directly via ethernet to an airport express, and use the airport express solely for createing the wifi network?
Any other suggestions welcome!

My question is: is there any way the airport express could be of use?
The only thing the AirPort Express (AX) could possibly do is join the wireless network created by that router as a client. This would only give you the ability to use the AX's USB printer port and AX's audio output. This would NOT give you the ability to use the AX's Ethernet port.
If your MacBook Pro can't join the wireless network provided by that device, the AX probably can't either.
The AX can not be used to extend the network provided by that device nor can the AX's Ethernet port be enabled to allow you to connect your MacBook Pro. Both of these require compatibility with Apple's WDS which that device does not have.

Airport Express Slow Speed w/ Ethernet

I recently purchased an Airport Express "N" router to serve as my primary wireless network.
I have Verizon Fios, at 50Mbps down / 20 Mbps Up. These are the exact speeds I get over Ethernet.
I connected Ethernet to the Airport Express, set it up as its own WiFi network.
It was slow, but then I checked and it needed a firmware update, so I ran that, now its much faster...
A few back to back speed tests from my MBP yielded an average of 35 Mbps down.
What I want to know is, why is it not the full 50 Mbps? I thought the AE "N" was capable of hundreds of Mbps.
-Could it be that I'm getting interference from both wireless networks active and broadcasting from only about 3 feet apart? (unlikely IMO)
-Might I need to turn off wireless in the Verizon unit?
-Are the claims of actual WiFi speeds of 802.11 N just B.S.?

First, wireless is always going to be slower than Ethernet due to loss in the conversion process to wireless. Usually this is around 15-20% or so.
The further away that you move from the wireless router, or if you have any obstructions like walls in the signal path, the more the bandwidth will drop away. No way to escape that.
-Could it be that I'm getting interference from both wireless networks active and broadcasting from only about 3 feet apart?
Very likely, in my experience...along with cordless phones, BlueTooth devices, etc.
-Are the claims of actual WiFi speeds of 802.11 N just B.S.?
In what regard? The speed on your "private" network will always be much higher than the speed of your Internet connection.
Try this test:
Locate your MacBook relatively close to the AirPort Express
Hold down the option key while you click on the fan shaped AirPort icon at the top of the screen
Look for the Transmit Rate
What number do you see?

HT1515 Can I use AirPort Express product to add a wi fi outlet to my ethernet Lan?

Can I use an Airport Express to add a wif fi outlet to my etehrnet (wired) Lan ... I don't have wi fi!

This should work if you configure the AirPort Express to create a wireless network....the same type of setup that you would use for example, if the Express was connecting to the Ethernet jack in a hotel room.
However, should work does not mean to imply that it will work.
Here, I am assuming that the "main" router on the Ethernet LAN network has been configured to allow another router to connect to the network.

Anyone used Airport Express to use hotel wired connection for iphone wifi?

I'm thinking of getting a Airport Express to take overseas. It appears a lot of hotels offer free wired internet access but charge for wireless.
Anyone done this?

Yes. You connect Airport Express to the hotel room's ethernet connection. You have the Airport Express distribute IP addresses (NAT). You can then connect computers and devices to your Airport's wireless network.
Some hotels don't have wireless but charge for wired. Using an Airport Express in this manner allows you to connect more that one device for the one charge.

I just purchased the airport Express to use in hotels while traveling to create a wireless network from the hotels wired dsl. A friend said to set up the network from home prior to traveling. How do I set this up? Thanks.

I just purchased the airport Express to use in hotels while traveling to create a wireless network from the hotels wired dsl. A friend said to set up the network from home prior to traveling. How do I set this up? Thanks.

In addition to RyanJC's comments, the 802.11n AirPort Express Base Station (AXn) can store up to five different http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=108081 configuration profiles. You will need to use the AirPort Utility to create & save these profiles.
To create a new profile:
Open AirPort Utility, select your AX from the list, and then, click "Manual Setup."
From the AirPort Utility menu, select "Base Station," and then "Manage Profiles."
Click "+" to create a new profile; give it a name, and then, click OK.
Set options, such as network name, passwords, Internet connection method, etc.
When done setting the options, click Update.
To switch profiles:
Open the AirPort Utility, select your AX from the list, and then, click "Manual Setup."
From the AirPort Utility menu, select "Base Station," and then "Manage Profiles."
Click on the desired profile, and then, click OK to apply the new profile and restart the AX.
Just remember to switch to the desired configuration profile before removing power from the AX.

HT1515 Will Airport Express work in hotels in China? They require user name/password to connect. Has anyone used one there?

I will be traveling in China with my iPad2 and want to use hotel wireless. It requires a sign-in with user name/password. Can I use an Airport Express for this purpose? How do I set it up for that? I have an old Express (pre-2007); can I use it or do I need to upgrade to the new model?

OK - I have never been to China but the posts here say that it can be done - the cable from the hotel should be connected to the WAN port of the Express - the Express should be in bridge mode and set to create a wireless network with a name and password of your choice - you can do this with a computer before you leave for China or with the iPad if you have previously downloaded the Airport Utility app - you would then connect to your network and attempt to bring up a web page such as Google - the hotel should then intervene and ask you for the login info that they have provided.
Charlie

Can I use Airport Express with iPhone in my hotel room?

Is there a way to set up an Airport Express in my hotel room when I travel, so that the provided High Speed internet cable in the room can be plugged into my Airport Express, giving me a wireless internet connection for the iPhone? I use Airport Express often this way with my MacBook, so I don't have to be tethered to the cable.

I did this about a month ago when I was in England. I just had the Airport Express with me, and had not done any configurations. I plugged it in and had the iPhone find it. It worked in some hotels, and didn't at others. When it worked it was great. I assume with some of the hotels where it didn't work, that I needed to configure it but since I didn't have my laptop I didn't have any way to configure it. Is there any kind of "universal" or "automatic" configuration you can set it up with?

Best Practices for Using Airport Express to Stream iTunes via Ethernet

So I've been reading various posts about using Airport Express to stream iTunes and I've been reading various posts about using the Ethernet port on the Express. However, not sure I've yet found an inclusive listing of settings for both. Wondering if anyone out there has such a thing?
I have an (older) Aiport Express (802.11g, no 'n') running the latest Firmware (6.3, I believe). I have it lashed into my switch via a Cat 6 cable and the 3.5 stereo mini running out to RCA jacks into my RussSound (home audio system) amp. I'd like to make the Express ONLY a iTunes streaming device getting its network link over Ethernet (AirTunes). So, what does everyone suggest for best settings for turning on the Ethernet, turning off the WiFi and running AirTunes?
Thanks much in advance!
cheers
cp root

Airport > Wireless > Wireless mode "off"
Internet > Internet connection > Connect using "Ethernet", Configure IPv4 "via DHCP"
Music > Enable Airtunes
Enable Airtunes over Ethernet (if this choice appears).
When I first did this, the remote speakers didn't appear in iTunes. I poked around to see what I missed and couldn't find anything wrong, but the next time I ran iTunes the remote speakers appeared.
If you run into a firewall problem, make sure your OS X firewall is configured to "set access for specific services and applications": http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.5/en/18503.html
Firmware 6.3 is correct for your Express.

Using airport Express on a hotel ethernet to create a wireless network

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