1 Extreme base station + 2 Express = sudden loss of wifi

a few days ago i was sitting on my porch when suddely i lost my wifi signal. i have a router from my internet company that is wired to my airport extreme. i have an airport express in my livingroom as well as the kitchen. up until a few days ago they have been working perfect for the past 2 years. when i went inside to check, the express's were blinking amber while the extreme still appeared fine. i had no wifi in any part of the house except the office where the extreme is located. i unplugged both express and plugged them back in, after which none of my airport utility apps would pick up their signals. i unplugged them again an this time held the reset button after plugging them back in. This time airport utility did pick them up so i proceeded to reset them and add them back to my network. NOW When i turn on airport utility it says all 3 airports are connected and working properly however i only have wifi in the office where the extreme is located. I dont know what else to do! Please any help is much appreciated.

Someone with a similar problem, and his resolution:
http://log.does-not-exist.org/archives/2008/01/23/2164macbook_wirelesswoes.html

Similar Messages

HOW do I get my Extreme base station and Express to join a Linksys network?

OK... so I have FINALLY enabled my SLINGBOX to view remotely by totally removing my Airport Extreme & Express from the network look. I was told they are both routers and I have to pick one. The Linksys network works fine for all networking purposes... what it WON'T DO is connect my USB printer or stream iTunes to remote speakers. NOW, I have been told by using the Extreme & Express in "client mode" I can do this.
Basically HOW do I get my Extreme base station and Express to join the exsiting Linksys network?

Sorry but the AirPort Extreme base station (AEBS) does NOT have a client mode.
The AirPort Express (AX) does have a client mode. The directions are in KB 302153, AirPort Express: How to join an existing wireless network in client mode.

Solution to Airport Extreme Base Station + Airport Express networking probs

I've been investigating this for 3 straight days after inadvertently destabilizing my network. There are tons of posts discussing a variety of issues, all of which seem related. My goal here is to provide links to other relevant posts and explain what I ended up doing to get things to work.
First, the background. You can skip below to SOLUTION if you don't really care... However, I highly recommend you take the time to read everything, as you'll get other useful information in the BACKGROUND section. I'm guessing many of you have similar, related problems so BACKGROUND might help provide context (and solutions) to some things you are seeing...
MY SETUP:
AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBS) of type b/g (round one, not square one), connects to the cable modem, and creates a WDS network that is then shared across two standard AirPort Express (AEX) units (100megabit, not the gigabit ones). One AEX serves as a relay unit that accepts clients, the other serves as a remote unit that also accepts clients. The intent is to show a single network throughout the house and let users log on to one network and move between networking units without having to switch from network to network.
I have a variety of networked devices throughout the house all running on the same network (2 Mac Pros, a Powerbook G4, a Mac Mini, an Apple TV, a Windows XP laptop, two iPhones, two wifi printers, and a 5-unit Sonos system, plus the AEBS and two AEXs). Yeah, I'm a geek.
The Mac Pros are both running 10.4.11, and the Powerbook is running 10.5.2.
AEBS is running firmware 5.7
AEXs are running firmware 6.3
All Macs were initially accessing configs via the recently released AirPort Utility 5.3.1. More on that later.
BACKGROUND:
I've had this network setup working for about a year now. Recently, I've been having poor network performance problems and came to the conclusion it was a LAN problem (ie. problem with my home network, as opposed to with my ISP). Upon initial investigation, I began by looking at my networking logs (via AirPort Utility 5.3.1). You get to those by selecting the unit in question, choosing "Manual Configuration", the selecting the "Advanced" tab up top with the "Logging and SNMP" sub-tab. Click the "Logs and Statistics" button therein for log details from that unit.
The first thing I noticed was "Administrative access denied to ff80::xxxxxxxxx" messages - a lot of them. I didn't recognize the ff80:: address in question, and so became concerned it was someone outside the network trying to hack one (or all) of the AEBS/AEX units. You can see threads discussing that investigation here:
"Hack or panic?" - http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1438486
"Administrative access denied" - http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1438865
Long and short of it is that the recent AirPort Utility 5.3.1 release (current as of March 13) seems to have problems (keychain) when attempting to access the AEBS and AEX units. The "Administrative access denied" logs actually refer to the client machine you are using when you try to read the logs. The ff80::xxxxxx address is simply the IPv6 address for the machine you are using; if you turn off IPv6 on your client machine, that address should switch over to begin showing a regular IP address instead (something like 10.0.1.xxx), which makes it easier to associate the IP to the machine. I explain how to deactivate IPv6 on both Tiger (10.4.x) and Leopard (1.5.x) here:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=6814978#6814978
Anyway, in the process of investigating the "Administrative access denied" problem, I began tinkering with my AEX settings. Specifically, I ended up performing a hard factory reset (unplug unit, plug back in while holding down the little button with paper click/pen for ~10-15 seconds until light flashes green 4x then reverts to amber/yellow/orange). I began reconfiguring my entire WDS network using the newly updated AirPort Utility 5.3.1, and that's when the trouble started.
(If you are having problems seeing either your AirPort Extreme Base Station or AirPort Express, read this:)
In short, each time I thought I had properly configured things and then confirmed settings (kicking off a reboot on the AEX unit) the unit would restart with new settings but not properly join the WDS and not show up in the AirPort Utility list of units. More specifically, I would start with a "wiped" AEX and see both the AEBS and the AEX in my AirPort Utility list, but upon confirm/reboot the AEX would disappear and the AEBS would remain. However, that's not 100% correct. It seems that sometimes I would end up with the AEX and NOT the AEBS. Because both the AEX and AEBS were theoretically "hosting" the same network name (remember, WDS shares the network name across units) my auto-login feature for my client computer's wifi seemed to "jump on" whichever unit it first saw hosting the default network name for my house. In other words, it seems what was really happening was that I was ending up with two separate networks in my house, both with the same name but not talking to each other (as opposed to two units sharing the same network name and internet connection). The AEX would continue to blink orange/amber/yellow (whichever color it is to your eyes ) because it could not grab an internet connection -- and if I was on the network through that AEX unit I would not get internet. But if i was connected through the AEBS I would continue to have internet access. As far as my client computer (my Mac Pro) was concerned, I was on the home wifi network even if I was on the AEX rather than the AEBS -- it would show the home wifi network name as the name of the network it had connected to. But when I opened the AirPort Utility 5.3.1 I would see only the AEX (if I was connected through it) or the AEBS (if connected through it) -- a clear indication that the units were not truly sharing the same network.
I tried rebooting and reconfiguring the AEBS and AEX about 50 times (literally). I even tracked down an older version of the AirPort Utility 5.2.1 via this thread (see Tesserax post):
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1067565
One interesting thing re: 5.2.1 is that the "Administrative access denied" errors summarized above disappeared. As explained in a post reference above, the going theory is that this a permissions/keychain problem new and unique to AirPort Utility 5.3.1. However, even though 5.2.1 does have a slightly different interface with different settings, I still couldn't get the WDS to work.
EVENTUALLY, I came across this post:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1422527
MuaddibOfArrakis walks through setting up a WDS from scratch, and the workflow is different than what is possible with either AirPort Utility 5.3.1 or 5.2.1. He's doing it with the old version of AirPort Admin Utility, which I fortunately saved a copy of many moons ago when I had somewhat-related problems with my WDS (since forgotten). In fact, it's a lot easier. What's nice about this older app is that it literally does the heavy lifting of "connecting" the AEBS and AEX units during the configuration -- it reboots both at the same time as the config is happening, and lets you choose from a list of available units to "add" to your WDS network. In short, it's a FAR SUPERIOR workflow even though some of the GUI isn't as intuitive as the newer AirPort Utilities that were designed to replace it.
SOLUTION:
If still have a copy of the AirPort Admin Utility follow the instructions from MuaddibOfArrakis here:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1422527
If not, try setting up your WDS network using AirPort Utility (hereafter AU), with these configs (take from my now-working network), as viewed through AirPort Utility 5.3.1.
I. Configure your AEBS.
Select the AEBS from AU, and choose "Manual Setup"
1. Under the AirPort tab up top:
a. Under "Base Station" sub-tab:
i.) assign a name for that specific unit, so you can later identify the specific unit from the list of units -- this is the name that will show up beside the unit in the AU list of configurable units. You can name it something like "kitchen", or "office". I have mine numbered, so XXXXXv1, XXXXXv2 etc where the XXXXX is the name of the shared network and the numbers help me tell the units apart. Just be sure you name each uniquely, and if you have several you might write the name on the unit itself.
ii.) pick a password for logging into that unit. This is different from the network password, its a security check to get in and change the configs on this unit later. Be sure to remember it in your keychain for the sake of simplicity, and write it down somewhere secure.
iii.) if you choose to set time automatically, pick a location that you will use consistently across all your units. I use time.apple.com.
iv.) uncheck "Allow configuration over Ethernet WAN port" unless you want to be able to remotely mess with settings -- which you almost certainly do not need to do.
v.) I left the "Options" button alone - no settings there.
b. Under the "Wireless" sub-tab:
i.) Wireless Mode: "Participate in a WDS network"
ii.) Network Name: this will be the name of your wifi network shared by all units, so be sure to remember what you pick. If you are already connected to this AEBS via wifi while you are making these changes, then you can use the same wifi name you already have set up -- you don't have to change it. Note that if you DO change it, after reboot your will LOSE connection to the network and have to reset your wifi settings on your client machine to match the new network/password in order to be able to access the network.
iii.) pick a Radio Mode. I'm using b/g compatible. You'll want to do the same, unless you are on the new gigabit AEX. I'm pretty sure about this, but not 100% -- others post if I'm wrong.
iv.) choose a Channel. This can be a more complicated procedure, but for now just pick something consistent across all your units. If you get everything working and find that you're having intermittent network problems, you could later try changing your Channel -- it can pick up interference from phones, microwaves, etc and changing it can help.
v.) I have wireless security set to WPA/WPA2 Personal.
vi.) Wireless Password is the password for access to your wifi network (not your unit itself). If you are connecting to your AEBS via wifi while doing this config, then you can use the same password you have already set up. Pick a good one unless you want other folks jumping on your wifi and stealing your bandwidth and/or credit card numbers . Remember it in your keychain and write it down someplace secure, because you'll need it for the other units too. As noted above, note that if you DO change it, after reboot your will LOSE connection to the network and have to reset your wifi settings on your client machine to match the new network/password in order to be able to access the network.
vii.) Click the "Wireless Options" button. I have my multicast rate set to 2mbps, transmit at 100%, timeout at 1 hour, and i have checked the "Create a closed network". This last step keeps your network from advertising itself to the outside world. Users can only find it by explicitly typing the network name into their wifi settings (e.g. AirPort -> Other... then enter Network Name, Security and Password). I leave interference robustness unchecked.
c. Under the "WDS" sub-tab:
i.) the AEBS should have it's WDS Mode set to "WDS main".
ii.) Check the "allow wireless clients" box on the AEBS; this lets you connect client machines to it directly too.
iii.) hit the plus button to add the Remote system (AEX). There are two types of configs for the AEX's - "remote" and "relay". Assuming you have 3 units like me (2 AEX and 1 AEBS) the key question is whether you will place each AEX within direct reach of the AEBS (remotes), or if you will have one AEX in the middle connecting to an AEBS on one side and an AEX on the other -- where the furthest AEX is out of reach from the AEBS (remote) and connects only to the AEX in the middle (relay). I'm using a relay setup. If you are using relay, you can still set up the AEX relay to serve client computers too -- it doesnt have to JUST relay. More on that later. For now, you want to add only AEX units that will talk DIRECTLY to the AEBS. So if you have a setup like mine, just add one (the one in the middle - the relay). If you have two remotes connecting directly to the AEBS, you will add them both here. When you hit the '+' button it will ask for both an ID and description. For description I use the name I'm assigning to each unique unit (as above, "kitchen" or XXXXXv1 or whatever you use). For AirPort ID, use the number listed on the AEX unit itself (not the number for "Ethernet", also on the AEX unit).
d. Under the "Access" sub-tab:
i.) I have it set to "Not Enabled". I'd suggest you start that way too, and you can go change it later if you get everything working correctly.
2. Under the "Internet" tab up top:
a. Under the "Internet Connection" sub-tab:
i.) Connect Using: Ethernet
ii.) Configure IPv4: Using DHCP
iii.) Ethernet WAN Port: Automatic (Default)
iv.) Connection Sharing: Share a public IP address
b. Under the "DHCP" sub-tab:
i.) DHCP Beginning Address: 10.0 . 1 . 2
ii.) DHCP Ending Address: 10.0.1.200
DHCP Lease: 4 hours
c. Under the "NAT" sub-tab:
i.) nothing should be checked;
ii.) nothing under Port Mappings either
3. Under the "Printers and Advanced" tabs up top:
Nothing special needs to be configured there.
THAT'S IT.
=============
I. Configure your AEX(s)
Select the AEX from AU, and choose "Manual Setup"
1. Under the "AirPort" tab up top:
a. Under "Base Station" sub-tab:
i.) pick a unique name for this unit, same logic as for AEBS
ii.) pick a password specific for accessing this unit, same logic as for AEBS
iii.) Set time automatically: be sure to use the same settings used on your AEBS
iv.) Options: no need to set any
b. Under "Wireless" sub-tab:
i.) Wireless Mode: Participate in a WDS network
ii.) Network Name: same name used for AEBS, this is the name of your wifi network
iii.) Channel: same as AEBS
iv.) All settings here (those above, plus Security and Password & in Options button) should be the same as for AEBS settings on this tab
c. Under the "WDS" sub-tab:
...if AEX is "in the middle" (as described above):
i.) WDS Mode: WDS relay
ii.) Allow wireless clients: check (unless you only want to bridge between the edges without letting folks connect on this AEX in the middle)
iii.) WDS Main: set to the AirPort ID (aka MAC address) for the AEBS. You can find it on the bottom of the AEBS, either labeled as such or at the bottom beside the logo of a wireless signal (square logo, with semi-circles mimicing a radio signal).
iv.) WDS Remotes: click the '+' to add any AEX's that will connect to this relay rather than directly to the AEBS. Same deal as above, use the name in the description and use the AirPort ID from the side of the AEX (not the Ethernet ID).
.....if AEX is connecting to a relay ("on the end", as above) or if there is no relay and AEX connects directly to the AEBS:
i.) WDS Model: WDS remote
ii.) Allow wireless clients: checked
iii.) WDS Main: if connected to a relay, use the AirPort ID of the relay AEX. If connected to the AEBS directly, use the AirPort ID of the AEBS
d. Under the "Access" sub-tab:
i.) MAC Address Access Control: Not Enabled (for now, you can change later)
2. Under the "Internet" tab up top:
a. Under the "Internet Connection" sub-tab:
i.) Connect Using: AirPort (WDS) -- should be selected and gray'ed out.
ii.) Configure IPv4: Using DHCP
iii.) Ethernet WAN Port: Automatic (Default)
iv.) Connection Sharing: Off (Bridge Mode)
3. Under the Music, Printers and Advanced tabs up top:
Nothing special needs to be configured there. You can worry about AirTunes settings later...
That should be it. I'd recommend setting up the AEBS first, then the relay (if applicable), then the remotes. Initially, you can bring each unit in the same room with you for configuring. After configured and restarted the AEX should blink then turn solid green. If it turns green you should be good to go.
HOPE THIS HELPS. As noted above, I did not config through AirPort Utility 5.3.1 so I haven't tested this procedure through that app. However, after getting my network to work I went back and transposed all settings into this post to help others. Please provide feedback on whether or not this is working, so we can collectively try to move towards a setup procedure that works for everyone....
Good luck!
Message was edited by: b.byrd

I'm not convinced that the problem lies in Airport Utility. This same thing was happening to me, nearly exactly as you describe it. The thing is that with me, the problems clearly started when I updated the firmware in my Airport Express (n). That's when all the wacky stuff started happening. Sometimes it would show up in AU, sometimes it didn't and even if it didn't, I could still access the internet through it.
But as you said, the problems got really bad when another Express (b/g) was put on the network with it. Even when it did work, the (b/g) would make it impossibly slow.
You know more about this than me, and clearly have more patience if you've restarted the network fifty times. I gave up at about ten.
In any case, your solution is more of a work around and if you're still having that slow connection problem, I'm not sure you've got it. But thanks for your reporting of this. At least I know I'm not crazy.

Moving between Extreme Base Station and Express Base Stations with Mac & PC

I just bought an Airport Express and connected it as an extension to my Airport Extreme Base station. All firmware has been updated as of today. I have things configured such that the Extreme is WEP but allowing for extension and the Express is working. My Macbook appears to be connecting to the Express now but it seems like I have to use the Utility to select either the Express or Extreme base station manually as opposed to having it just go to the strongest source automatically. Maybe I made an assumption that it worked like an access point. Moreover, the laptop PCs in the house are not making the jump to the Express at all. I can install the Utility on one of them and probably manually make the change but the other is a Corporate PC that is 'locked down.' And of course that is the one that I want to be able to use around the house.
Does anyone know if:
1. There is an ability to bounce between the Extreme and Express like access points on the Mac and the PC
2. Is there a way to configure a PC to use the Express or the Extreme without the Utility (i.e., if I setup the Express with a different Network name)
The key issue is that I do not have the ability to run an ethernet between the two base stations - they can only connect wirelessly.
Thanks for your help!

cosmomurphy, Welcome to the discussion area!
Do you have the AirPort Extreme base station (AEBS) configured as a WDS main and the AirPort Express (AX) as a WDS remote?
Or are they both 802.11n capable and the AEBS is configured to have the extend network feature is enabled and the AX configured to act as an extension?
In either of those cases, they are working together as one big wireless network. In that situation, any client will connect to the base station which appears to be the "best" connection for them.
There is no need to install the AirPort Utility on any device. Any device with 802.11b/g/n wireless ability can connect to the network.

AirPort, older AirPort Extreme Base Station, AirPort Express, Newer AirPort Extreme Base Station

This may sound like a fairly dumb question, but here goes anyway:
I have a 27" iMac with the following AirPort Extreme card:
Card Type: AirPort Extreme (0x168C, 0x8F)
Firmware Version: Atheros 9280: 2.1.14.6
For a Base Station, I'm currently using a pretty long-in-the-tooth M8799LL/A AirPort Extreme Base Station (with modem and antenna port)
I recently bought an Airport Express:
AirPort Express MB321LL/A (A1264) to
A. Use AirTunes to send iTunes from my Man Cave on the first floor at one end of the house to the family room on the first floor at the other, where it will connect to an A/V setup, and, probably, one of my USB printers
B. Act as a repeater for the AirPort Extreme Base Station, which is physically closer to the Man Cave than to the family room. My wife and I use our ancient-but-hangin'-in-there iBook G4s in the family room (and upstairs) to check email, eBay, etc. Both in the family room and especially upstairs, we sometimes get only 2-3 bars on the AirPort signal strength indicator in the menu bar.
I see that I can get, from a well-known third-party retailer, an AirPort Extreme 802.11n A1143 (1st Generation), for an exceptionally reasonable price.
My question is, what would getting the AirPort Extreme 802.11n A1143 do for me, if anything? I know it would give me one more signal source in the repeater chain, and I could probably put the Auld Nyle M8799LL/A in the stairway or upstairs to boost the signal upstairs, and I could use the USB port in the AirPort Extreme A1143 for connecting another USB printer or USB external hard drive (would this drive be available to any Mac on the AirPort network?)
Any other configuration possibilities and suggestions greatly appreciated!
Peace & Love
Bart Brown

Thank you for the prompt reply and the very helpful links. I'm going through all the support docs right now, but from your explanation and what I've seen in the support docs so far, it would appear that the maximum bandwidth is achieved by a physically-connected "Roaming Network."
I'm so out of it, I'm afraid I'd never heard of "Powerline adapters," but I looked them up, and I guess this is the system that uses "Romex" - style standard house wiring to carry signal, which cuts down on each individual Base Station's power overhead (does it also affect bandwidth?).
I see a lot of names selling these adapters -- Western, D-Link, NETGEAR, ZyXEL, Monster, Sling Media, PowerNet, Cisco-Linksys, Actiontec, Medialink, Rosewill, TRENDnet -- and a lot of different configurations: 1 port, 2 ports, 4 ports. Basically I have one 27" iMac that doesn't go anywhere (it's not too portable!), a couple iBook G4s, and a point where I want to run 1/8" mini-jack-to-RCA L/R audio cable from the AirPort Express to an A/V receiver. I doubt this configuration is going to change, as I'm 63, and too lazy to lug stuff around if I don't have to. What do you think would be the best solution for me, considering I just ordered the AEBSn and I already have a brand-new AXn. Should the 27" iMac, since it ain't movin', be connected by ethernet/"Powerline adapter", rather than relying on the internal Airport Extreme card? I guess what I'm asking is, given what I want to do, how many of these Powerline adapters, what kind (do you recommend), with how many ethernet ports do I need?
Thank you again for your prompt and informed help.
Bart Brown

Airport extreme base station and expresses

Does anyone know how many airport expresses can work off of one base station? I have a airport extreme base station 802n about 2 years old. I currentoy have two expresses linked and would liek to add a third.
Also, is there any value in buying a current model base station --- in terms of wifi capability? It seems our movie download performance has signeificantly slowed in the last year as we hae more devices in our home that use wifi. Thanks

You might try asking this question in the Airport forum.
Here's a link for you:
https://discussions.apple.com/community/wireless/airport

Airport Extreme Base Station to Express via Ethernet?

I have both a new Extreme (n) and Express (n) and am trying to set up a network between two buildings. I have been successful with the wireless network, yet the wireless signal between buildings is not strong enough for streaming video. The current configuration is the Extreme in one building connected to the cable modem. This is where the strongest signal is found. The express is in the main house and the signal is much weaker.
My question: If I run an ethernet wire from one building to the next, can I connect these two Airport devices via ethernet to strengthen the signal? How would I configure this in the Airport Utility?
I made an attempt to plug the ethernet into both and the Utility stopped seeing either device and I lost the internet connection.
I may not understand the way these devices communicate with each other. If anyone can point me in the direction of a solution I would be grateful. My goal is to have a signal strength strong enough to stream Netflix videos in the house with the Express. I am thinking that if the Express is wired to the base station via ethernet then the wireless signal from the Express would be sufficient to stream wirelessly to a new Macbook... Possible?
Thanks for any suggestions.

A couple of questions. First, at AirPort>Wireless>Wireless Mode should the selection be "Join a wireless network" or "Off"? I currently have Join a the wireless network selected.
For both base stations, Wireless Mode = Create a wireless network.
When I am at Internet>Internet Connection the screen is muted, which means I can't change anything. The two items on the page say "Connect Using: Wireless Network" and " "Connection Sharing: Off (Bridge Mode)" - as you mentioned. This is correct, right?
For both AirPorts, Connect Using = Ethernet; For the AEBSn, Connection Sharing = Share a public IP address; For the AXn, Connection Sharing = Off (Bridge Mode)
The Extreme (connected to modem) and Express (ethernet cable will connect to port on Extreme) have different names. And each is configured to participate in the same network.
Both would be correct.

Airport extreme base station and express WDS?

Greetings,
Before I continue to struggle with this, I'm wondering if someone can confirm the viability of the following scenario:
N wired to AE wds'd to ABS wired to switch wired to other PCs
N = existing ethernet network
AE = Airport Express config'd thru WDS as a 'base station', though not distributing IPs etc (that is handled through N)
ABS = Airport Base Station config'd thru WDS as a 'Remote base station'
The problem is, when I connect an Airport client computer to the network (by choosing the AE) I cannot see the PCs at the end of the chain. I'm testing this connectivity through pinging.
Am I missing something? Is it possible that an AE cannot be a base station?
Many thanks in advance for any suggestions/tips!
PowerMac, Powerbook Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Thanks, Don. Yes, that link was a big help. A couple of key points for anyone else trying to do something similar:
- You can use WDS to bridge two different ethernet networks, providing that only there is only one gateway and one machine/router doling out IPs via DHCP
- Use the same network name for all APs in the WDS network
- Assign the APs IP addresses manually
- The ethernet port on an AP Express can only be used to extend a network when WDS is employed

Airport Extreme Base Station and G4

I have a G4 Desktop running OS 10.2.8 and a G4 laptop running 10.2.4 wth an Airport Card. I have high-speed internet access through a Wi-Fi ISP. I attempted to set up the AIrport Extreme base station, running the cable from the WiFi Antenna through the base station and connecting the base station to my desktop trough the ethernet port. When I attempted to run Airport set up, it could not find an airport card in the desktop, so this went no where. I was not able to access the internet through the base station, I expect because I had not set up the airport system. I was left with only dial up internet service and a significantly slower operating system. I gave up and reconnected directly to WiFi.
For what it is worth, the center light of the base station was on and the light to right was blinking through out this time. Any assistance is welcome.

Ok, please try the following, in order. After each step, try powering-down and restarting the Mac to verify if the steps solved the problem. If it hasn't continue on to the next step in the sequence:
1. Run the Disk Utility to repair Disk Permissions.
2. Turn off the Mac OS X Firewall
o System Preferences > Sharing > Firewall
o Click the "Stop" button.
3. Move System Configuration Files
(Note: You will have to reestablish your network connections settings.)
o Go to /Library/Preferences
o Move the SystemConfiguration folder and com.apple.networkConfig.plist file to the desktop.
o Restart your Mac. (Note: OS X will rebuild the files that are now sitting on your desktop. If this doesn't resolve the issue, you can move the folder & .plist file back to it's original location.)
4. Create a New User Account
o Create a new user account.
o System Preferences > Accounts > Click "+" to add a new account
o Log off, then log back on with the new user account.
o Try connecting with the AirPort.

Adding an Airport Express to an Extreme Base Station

I have an Airport Extreme Base Station and it has been operating for several months, I decided to add an Airport Express to extend the range and it appeared that it was a simple process. NOT. The Express instructions indicated that when downloading the software to follow the instructions on setting up a network but it will not get that far in that I get an error message telling me I have a newer version of I Tunes and it stops the install. I have gone through the tech support pages here and am at a loss on how to get this connected. Can anyone help provide me a step by step method to do this? Thanks

On this same topic;
We have a new Extreme base station that connects 1 MBP, (wirelessly), 1 HP Laptop (wirelessly) and 2 PC (via ethernet) to the internet.
All of the computers can see and use the Extreme base station and the printer connected to it via USB.
We also have an Airport Express that the two laptops can see. This has a printer connected to it as well via USB. (both are new Canon printers and all of the software for each, and their drivers are loaded on all computers).
Both the Extreme and Express have a steady green light, their own names and are set up on the same network.
Though my MBP can see both the Extreme and Express, neither "see" each other as far as I can tell. And, the printer connected to the Express cannot be seen in either Bonjour Printers, or anywhere else.
Also, in order to "attempt" to find the printer connected to the Express, I have to disconnect from the Extreme Base Station and connect to the Express.
How can I get the printer (connected to the Express) to show up in my pick list of printers WITHOUT having to disconnect from the Extreme and connect to the Express. Also, how can we get the Express to be connected to the internet via the Extreme?
All searches here and documents I have poured though do not address this issue and we'd really like to get this straightened out. I am willing to take a lot of time to do this, but do it right.
Can someone please help me with this?
Thank you in advance,
~ J

Extreme Base Station suddenly dropping internet connection

I have an Extreme Base Station (802.11n Fast Ethernet) which has been providing wireless internet and printing to two imacs pretty flawlessly for several years. It seems to be a fairly simple network. DSL modem (to WAN port) and USB printer cable plugged into back of Base Station.
Several days ago, the Base Station began dropping connection to the internet every few minutes. If I connect the modem directly into the computer, I have no problems with losing connection. So, I began looking for solutions online and have been trying everything I could find to do. I've scoured the forums here, and everywhere and read a bazillion posts.
I've done a hard reset of the Base Station, I've tried different channels, I've unplugged, waited ten minutes, and replugged in a myriad of sequences, including unplugging both the modem (Zhone/Paradyne 6381-A3) and Base Station overnight. The only thing I haven't done is roll back the firmware (currently 7.4.2 I believe). I'm still experiencing the same problems and am at my wits end. I've spent hours now trying to fix it and need to do other things like shop for groceries and vacuum! So, I'm posting, in hopes someone might be able to point me in a more productive direction.
Is it possible the Base Station hardware is failing? What are the signs and symptoms? I hate to spend another $179 and still have the same problems.
Thank you.
Most kindly,
---Susan

.
Dear Bluenova - ( +or other interested readers+ )
I know that this reply is two months since this topic was initially posted.
This is a longstanding Airport Extreme ( AEBS ) problem that's been noted since 2006-2007.
It has been an ongoing issue for me -AND- I continue to experience it even after recently upgrading my AEBS.
I finally called AppleCare in mid-Sept. and opened a formal problem case report.
As of today (Oct 15, 2010) I still have an open & unresolved case with AppleCare.
The problem has been escalated twice -and- is now referred to Engineering Dept for research & resolution.
I was curious what steps or actions you have taken -and/or- if you still experience the problem.
_Readers Please Note_
Many users have posted messages regarding problems with Airport Extreme *+DROPPING CONNECTIONS+* .
However, with careful reading, it becomes obvious that many forum posters are not sufficiently clear
-and- often confuse or do NOT make the distinction between ..... DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONNECTION PROBLEMS.
. ( wifi/network connection probs - vs - internet connection probs )
SEE HELPFUL POST BY WILLIAM KARCHINSKI
Topic : *+Having issues with your AirPort connection? Please be specific+*
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2227197
FWI
If you suspect that you are having the *dropped internet connection* type problem,
YOU CAN CHECK & WATCH IT HAPPENING IN THIS MANNER
Set Airport in Menubar to *"SHOW TIME CONNECTED"*
. *- +and also+ -*
Open Airport Utility --> AIRPORT --> SUMMARY window
.... and leave it visible somewhere on your screen while you web browse.
Now, once the internet connection drops or is lost ...
... in the Airport Utility Summary window - you will see the loss of the assigned IP Address
. *- and -*
.... in the Menubar - the time connected will reset to 00:00:00
If you have a new or ongoing problem that relates specifically to ....
.... Airport Extreme – dropping or losing *Internet Connections* ... ( +not wifi connection type probs+ )
.... please let me know.
I would like to be able to correspond directly with others via email to share info
(such as what modems, ISP's, time of day or conditions with which this problem has been found to occur)
I will then be glad to pass that info on to AppleCare in trying to find a cause (and solution) for this problem.
If this issue was treated collectively maybe AppleCare would address it with more resolve & urgency.
I'll check back with this thread for replies from other interested users.
.

I have a Cisco wireless router. Can I buy an Airport Express plug in booster for a distant part of my house or do I need an Airport Extreme base station instead to make the Airport Express plug in booster work?

Can I buy an Airport Express plug-in wifi signal booster to connect to a Cisco wireless router, or do I have to buy an Airport Extreme base station to make the Airport Express plug-in work?

You would need either an AirPort Extreme or an AirPort Express connected to the Cisco router, with a permanent Ethernet cable connection.
Configure the Extreme or Express that is connected to the Cisco router to "create a wireless network".
Then, you could add an AirPort Express to "extend a wireless network" to provide more wireless coverage for the network that the Extreme or Express would be creating.
Remember that the Express can only "extend" the quality of signal that it receives, so it must be located where it can receive a strong signal from the "main" AirPort.
If you don't need the Cisco wireless signal, you could turn it off.....or use that network for guests or something similar.
The bottom line here......you always need two Apple routers if you want to extend the network wirelessly.

Connecting Airport Express to Airport Extreme Base Station

Hi Folks. I am at my wit's end.
I have an Airport Extreme Base Station (main hub) purchased in 2003. Just bought a new Airport Express and it just won't connect to the AEBS. I think I've tried everything. From automatic WDS set up (described here http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107454) to using the Airport Utility and/or Airport Admin to set up. Nothing.
I've looked through the discussions and found this http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=7011490&#7011490 but the solution provided makes absolutely no sense to me.
All I end up getting after numerous attempts at connecting to the AEBS is error messages and then a flashing yellow (amber I guess) light. When I do a "hard reset" it just goes back to flashing amber and it seems a factory reset doesn't work because according to this http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=108044 I'm supposed to see the green light flash four times after I hold the reset button and plug in but that never happens.
This is driving me crazy. Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks.

Hey John.
I did finally solve the issue but I'm not quite sure how it happened but this is what I did:
First, I did had hard reset on the AEBS and set it up all over again via AirPort Utility. I set it up to use a WPA/WPA2 personal password.
Next I did a hard reset (not a factory reset) (hard reset: while plugged in, use a paper clip and hold the reset button for 15-20 seconds) on the AirPort Express and then restarted my computer.
After restart, I opened AirPort Utility and set up the Express to join my AEBS network. When it got to the point where it asked me to choose the network to join, I chose my AEBS network and it magically knew the WPA password I had set earlier and then after that it was smooth sailing.
I had tried a number of variations of that process many times before (and failed) and for some reason this time, it worked.
Hope it works out for you.
Best,
Benjamin

Remote administration of Express in an Extreme Base Station network

I am a newb administrator of a small network of an AEBS with 2 Expresses in "extend a network" mode. I can access the Base Station over the internet but I haven't figured out how I can do the same with the Expresses.
Also, I understand that MAC filtering is unavailable for the Expresses in "ext a net" mode. Is this correct? It seems to be operational for the Base Station but even restricted MAC addys can access the network through the Expresses

On this same topic;
We have a new Extreme base station that connects 1 MBP, (wirelessly), 1 HP Laptop (wirelessly) and 2 PC (via ethernet) to the internet.
All of the computers can see and use the Extreme base station and the printer connected to it via USB.
We also have an Airport Express that the two laptops can see. This has a printer connected to it as well via USB. (both are new Canon printers and all of the software for each, and their drivers are loaded on all computers).
Both the Extreme and Express have a steady green light, their own names and are set up on the same network.
Though my MBP can see both the Extreme and Express, neither "see" each other as far as I can tell. And, the printer connected to the Express cannot be seen in either Bonjour Printers, or anywhere else.
Also, in order to "attempt" to find the printer connected to the Express, I have to disconnect from the Extreme Base Station and connect to the Express.
How can I get the printer (connected to the Express) to show up in my pick list of printers WITHOUT having to disconnect from the Extreme and connect to the Express. Also, how can we get the Express to be connected to the internet via the Extreme?
All searches here and documents I have poured though do not address this issue and we'd really like to get this straightened out. I am willing to take a lot of time to do this, but do it right.
Can someone please help me with this?
Thank you in advance,
~ J

Trouble with Extreme N base station and Express station wireless

Upgraded extreme base station with new extreme "N" base station. Currently have the extreme "N" base station connected to cable modem on 2nd floor. I have wired the house to have the demarc on the 2nd floor. I purchased the express base station to be placed on 1st floor to extend the wireless range from the extreme "N" base station.
Prior to this setup, I had a wired bridge on the 1st floor to the main router on the 2nd floor. I was able to connect all wireless connections to the bridge where there was weak signal to the main router on 2nd floor.
The trouble I am having is that whether I have the express base connected or not. My signal is near the same as having only the main base station on 2nd floor. I can be seated right next to the express on the 1st floor and have only 1-2 bars on the signal.
I have updated and running the latest utilities for the airports. I have also been seeing the same trouble with other Mac's and PC's.
Also, I have been noticing the extreme "N" base station blinking amber when no Mac's or PC's are accessing the network or even when they are.
So, even when both the extreme and express have solid green LED, I still have the problem.
I am not sure if I am setting up this incorrectly or if I have hit a brickwall with this setup in my house.
Could I hard wire the express from the extreme from the second floor as I did with the bridge I use to have? I am not sure if the express would work as a wired bridge.
Just appears to be performing less then my prior PC networking products.
Thanks everyone...hope to get some insight. I have read all the prior discussions and still not getting good results.

Tesserax....Thanks for the quick clarification on using the expresss as a wired bridge. I did avert back to a wired bridge now using all apple products. I was trying to get away with reusing the hard wire from the base station since I was running out of ports on the base station. {Apple has to be difficult with only having 3 ethernet ports.}
So I had to run a linksys switch off the extreme "N" base station.
Thanks again..
Guess I have to live with the quirks...

1 Extreme base station + 2 Express = sudden loss of wifi

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