Airport Admin loses Express and Extreme, no iTunes, no Network Printer

Ever since I have upgraded to Tiger, I’ve experienced a strange, random Airport Extreme/Express problem which I have not been able to solve. I can sometimes replicate the problem but never consistently.
Laptop Configuration: 15” Powerbook G4 running Mac OS Tiger 10.4.3 with most current patches. System is stable and manifests no problems.
Airport Network Configuration: Network is closed with 128bit WEP encryption. No other laptops attached to the network besides my Powerbook.
Base Station: Airport Express attached to DSL modem with “Distribute IP Addresses” checkbox enabled, running firmware v6.2, stereo speakers plugged into audio jack. Network access is restricted by MAC address; RADIUS not in use, default IP address scheme is used.
Remote Base Station: Airport Extreme running firmware v5.6. The Extreme hosts a HP 1012 LaserJet printer plugged into the USB port and an IP phone plugged into the LAN port.
The Express and Extreme are within 15 feet of each other and enjoy a clear, strong 802.11b/g wireless signal on Channel 1 with a multicast setting of 11, interface robustness enabled and transmit power set to 100%.
Symptoms: iTunes loses its remote speakers setting; I cannot print to the network printer attached via USB to Airport Extreme; Airport Extreme and Express do not appear in Airport Admin Utility….yet I can access the network via the Powerbook, I have full internet access and IP phone can make calls. I just can’t print to the network printer or use AirTunes.
Troubleshooting: I can restore all functionality if I perform a hard reset of the Airport Express Base Station then re-import my saved Airport Express base station configuration settings. I typically look at the Airport Admin Utility to determine if functionality has been restored. If both the Airport Express and Extreme appear in the Admin utility, all is well. If they are not there, sometimes a laptop reboot will restore them, other times they will not appear when the Admin Utility is opened or when I rescan. If a rescan fails, I can access the Express and Extreme by typing in the IP address and password. Then each will show up in the Admin Utility and I can make changes and restart the devices. Even with a device restart, they will not automatically appear in the Admin Utility.
I first thought the problem was associated with the laptop going to sleep but this is not the case. Sometimes when I reset the Base Station, re-import the configs and reboot the laptop, I am able to automatically see the Express and Extreme in the Airport Admin Utility. Other times I can’t. Sometimes my settings will last a few days and I’ll enjoy full functionality then they will disappear. Other times they will disappear immediately, even with a reboot and a reset of the Express and Extreme.
If I use a 3rd party utility called Cocktail and reboot, I can restore functionality. Cocktail will delete all user, system and kernel caches, delete all log files, rerun disk permissions, and run the daily, weekly and monthly Apple Kron maintenance scripts. If I reboot after running Cocktail, my Airport Extreme and Express appear in the Admin Utility. Thus, I think the problem may be associated with a Airport Extreme cache file becoming corrupted or deleted upon reboot…….but I am not positive.
If there are any Airport experts out there, let me know what you think. I love Apple, I love my Mac and my little Airport Network…….but this is ******’ me off! Thus my plea for advanced geekery review and assistance.
Talk to me!

If the Airport Admin Utility cannot automatically "see" your Base Station, you have a big clue as to the cause of your problems. On a private LAN, it should never be necessary to select "Other" and manually type in the Base Station's IP address.
The most likely cause for the Airport Admin Utility not being able to automatically "see" an Airport Base Station - is a firewall on the Mac that is blocking it. Any of the following are possible:
- you have installed non-Apple firewall software on the Mac
- you have installed so-called "internet protection" software on the Mac
- you have installed "internet monitoring" software on the Mac (like "Little Snitch")
- you have installed VPN client software on the Mac - and many of these applications install their own firewall
All this stuff needs to go, since it will cause all sorts of trouble with communication between a Base Station or Airport Express, and a Mac.
I'd also be very worried about what this "Cocktail" utility is really doing to your system.

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Use old express and extreme inside of "n" network?

I currently have an old extreme and express that connects my house to my parents so they can "share" my internet. The connection is ok but I plan on purchasing a new extreme "n" and express "n" to replace them mainly for range and better speed so I can utilize a time machine air disk. My mom's pc uses "g" only so I still need to maintain a "g" connection but I'm afraid I'll lose the speed and range of "n" if I enable "g". I have the old extreme and express to work with, can I plug the old extreme into my express at my parent's house and run a smaller "g" network inside of my n network? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Tom

...can I plug the old extreme into my express at my parent's house and run a smaller "g" network inside of my n network?
Since the AirPort Express (AX) only has a single Ethernet port, this is not possible.
However you can connect the AirPort Extreme base station (AEBS) to the ISP's modem and then connect the AX to one of the LAN ports on the AEBS.

Express and Extreme to extend a network

Hi All
First post here. I have an extreme and an express both connected on Ethernet to a Netgear router. The netgear is the DHCP server, both Apple devices are set up to create a network. at the moment the networks have different SSID's as I cannot get them to operate stably if they both have the same SSID - which I what I would like to do and seems to be possible based on some of the threads that I have read. The issue with when both have the same SSID is that my devices battle to connect and when connected keep reconnecting - I have the channel settings set at manual spaced around 10 apart to minimise interference. The reason that I have 2 devices is that I cannot get reliable coverage across my house using only one. The devices that I access the network with are an ATV, iPod Touch and a couple of Windows machines. Another issue that I have is that the ATV doesn;t see the Airport Express that is around 20ft from it even though my windows boxes see it no problem - so the ATV keeps connecting to the dodgy connection from my Extreme that is far away from it - when I try an get the ATV to connect to the Airport Express it doesn't pick up the SSID and if I type it in manually it still doesn;t find it. Any ideas? Thanks

+at the moment the networks have different SSID's as I cannot get them to operate stably if they both have the same SSID - which I what I would like to do and seems to be possible based on some of the threads that I have read+
You must not only have the exact same SSID, the security settings and password must match identically to your "main" network. Are you using WPA/WPA2 security on the Netgear? If you are using one of the flavors of WEP, this almost always creates some compatibility issues with security settings and passwords, not to mention that it is not considered secure at this point.

Problems with Airport Express and Extreme

I have tried to set up Airport Express and Extreme. Both proceeded normally in the Air Port Utility until the final stages. Then it said it couldn't find the devices. When I tried again (many times), I couldn't even start the process, even though it did that the first time for both. I'm stumped.

To set up the 802.11n AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBSn) as a bridge, either connect to the AEBSn's wireless network or temporarily connect your computer directly (using an Ethernet cable) to one of the LAN port of the AEBSn, and then, using the AirPort Utility, make these settings:
AirPort Utility > Select the AEBSn > Manual Setup > Internet > Internet Connection tab
Connection Sharing: Off (Bridge Mode)
Click Update to apply the new settings
AirPort Express Base Station (AX) - iTunes Setup
Either connect to the AX's wireless network or connect directly, using an Ethernet cable, to the Ethernet port of the AX, and then using the AirPort Utility in "Manual Setup" mode, make the following changes:
AirPort Utility > Select the AX > Manual Setup > AirPort > Wireless
Wireless Mode: Join a wireless network
Network Name: <existing AEBSn's wireless network>
Wireless Security: <select the encryption type of the existing wireless network>
Wireless Password: <enter the existing wireless network password>
Verify Password: <re-enter the existing wireless network password>
AirPort Utility > Select the AX > Manual Setup >Music
Enable AirPlay (checked)
iTunes Speaker Name: <enter desired speaker name>
iTunes Speaker Password: (optional)
Verify Password: (optional)
Click Update to write the new settings to the AX

Differences between AirPort Express and Extreme?

What are they differences between AirPort Express and Extreme?

You can find all the differences between the AirPort Express and Extreme in this website > http://www.apple.com/compare-wifi-models/

Any software differences between new airport express and extreme?

I was wondering if there are any features or configuration differences between the two, such as configuring VPN passthrough.
The only difference I can see is using the USB for hard drive use.
Also, do you think the performance will be similar. I know the time capsule actually rated slower than the extreme even though they use similar hardware.

You can find all the differences between the AirPort Express and Extreme in this website > http://www.apple.com/compare-wifi-models/

TS1741 Remote isn't recognising my new AirPort Extreme but does pick up an old appleTV and ap express and extreme.anyone know why? It does pick it up from the Music app

Remote isn't recognising my new AirPort Extreme but does pick up an old appleTV and ap express and extreme.Anyone know why? It does pick it up the new AP express from the Music app and plays through a single speaker

Remote isn't recognising my new AirPort Extreme but does pick up an old appleTV and ap express and extreme.Anyone know why? It does pick it up the new AP express from the Music app and plays through a single speaker

What are the main differences between airport express and extreme?

what are the main differences between the express and extreme base stations.

In addition to Bob Timmons' link the main differences are as follows:
Extreme has a slightly more powerful antenna (might not be true but from experience it seems to be)
Extreme has USB HDD sharing
Express has AirPlay
Extreme has 3 Gigabit ports (don't be confused by Apple's page. Apple states 4 including WAN, 3 without WAN)
Express is smaller
Express has 10/100 Ethernet whereas Extreme has Gigabit

Can I use two airports to use internet and listen to itunes in stereo? simultaneously?

Can I use two airports to use internet and listen to itunes in stereo? I just bought a second airport so I could listen to itunes & Pandora on my stereo. My problem is that I haven't been able to connect to both airports at once. I want to listen to the stereo (one airport) while using internet which is connected to a separate airport. Unfortunately, the stereo and ethernet cables are not close by which is why I bought the second airport.

You can run both simultaneously. You just need to reconfigure the base station that will be used for streaming as a wireless client.
I suggest that you start by performing a "factory default" reset on the 802.11n AirPort Express Base Station (AXn) to get it back to its "out-of-the-box" configuration. By default, the AXn will broadcast an unsecured wireless network with a Network Name of something like: Apple Network NNNNNN
After the reset has completed, plug the AXn into power, and then, verify from the iMac that this network shows up in the list of networks under the AirPort icon in the OS X menu bar.
Be sure to first switch the wireless network to the AirPort that will be used for streaming. Note: You will temporarily lose the Internet connection from your "main" AirPort. Then, run the AirPort Utility. The Utility should now find the streaming AXn. If not, use the Utility's "Configure Other" option under the File menu option in the Utility's menu bar. Enter 10.0.1.1 for the Address and "public" for the Password.
AirPort Utility > Select the AXn > Manual Setup > AirPort > Wireless
Wireless Mode: Join a wireless network
Network Name: <existing "main" AirPort's wireless network>
Wireless Security: <select the encryption type of the existing wireless network>
Wireless Password: <enter the existing wireless network password>
Verify Password: <re-enter the existing wireless network password>
AirPort Utility > Select the AXn > Manual Setup >Music
Enable AirPlay (checked)
iTunes Speaker Name: <enter desired speaker name>
iTunes Speaker Password: (optional)
Verify Password: (optional)
Click Update to write the new settings to the AX

Link Express and Extreme?

I live in a two-floor apartment. My Ethernet connection plugs into an Airport Express on the first floor. The signal upstairs is a little weak.
If I buy an Airport Extreme and put it upstairs, will it amplify the signal from the Express and give me a better connection upstairs?
Also: If that works, and I can link the Express and Extreme, can I plug a USB HD into the Extreme that's sitting upstairs? Or does the Ethernet have to be fed directly into the Extreme?

XYU77, Welcome to the discussion area!
You can configure the AirPort Express (AX) and AirPort Extreme base station (AEBS) to wirelessly connect using WDS. The AEBS will then extend the wireless signal from the AX. All of the AEBS's service would be available... this includes a connected USB hard drive.

What is the difference between express and extreme?

I am wondering what is the difference between express and extreme and will there be any effect in performance if I am just using it at home?

I am just looking for router that gives me reliable highspeed wi-fi for personal use within my home.
Wireless performance is roughly equal between the two devices, with a slight edge to the Extreme since it uses a bit better antenna package.
If I connect the the hard drive to the extreme, does that mean I can back up all my data wirelessly through the port into my external hard drive?
Yes, if you backup manually, or use an application like Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper.
No, if you were planning to use Apple's Time Machine application since Time Machine backups to a hard drive at the USB port of the AirPort Extreme are not officially supported by Apple.

Itunes remote speaker using Airport Express and Extreme

I have purchased an Airport Extreme and Airport Express, so I can listen Itunes music on my stereo system. For some reason, there is simply no remote speaker selection button on the bottom right of the Itunes windows. Does it has to do with the fact that I am using an old Mac OS X?
My Macmini has no airport card, so I connected the ethernet to the Airport extreme, and plugged the Airport express few feet from the base. Nothing but an orange tilting light comes out of the little box. I can surf the net perfectly but the Itunes is ignoring all my investment on the couple of Airport boxes i purchase...What I am doing wrong?

Yes, I thought that purchasing the Airport extreme as
the ethernet interfase directly connected to the
MacMini, was almost the same as having the airport
card inside the Mini. Where did I get lost?? I have
the extreme directly to the mini, and an express
plugged somewhere close and nothing happens...
The problem is that the mini can only stream iTunes to an Airport Express via Airport. While you have connected it to an Airport basestation, as far as the mini is concerned, it is working via ethernet because that's how the data is leaving the system. It doesn't have an Airport card, thus it can't stream iTunes content to an Airport Express.

Weird semi-loss of AirPort Express and Extreme

I have an odd symptom where, when I launch iTunes, my AirPort Express is sometimes listed is not available from my Power Mac G% (running 10.4.8).
When I launch AirPort Admin Utility, NONE OF MY AIRPORTS (either Extreme or Express) are listed. Rescanning or selecting Other does not solve this.
What is odd is (1) The AirPort menu still shows me connected to my AirPort network and indeed I still have Web access etc. and (2) If I launch AirPort Admin Utility from my MacBook Pro, it shows all the AirPorts correctly (so the problem seems limited to my G5 rather than the AirPort devices).
If I restart my Power Mac G5, the problem goes away and all works well again- for a day or so - and then it returns.
What can I do to permanently eliminate this annoying symptom?

1.) Since the Airport Express is extending the Extreme Network, will my whole network now be single radio only network, since the Express only has one radio?
Although, your AirPort Express is 802.11n, it is not simultaneous dual-band. That means it can either extend the AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBSn) 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz radio but not both at the same time. So the AEBSn will still be broadcasting on both the 5 GHz (for 802.11a/n) and on 2.4 GHz (for 802.11b/g/n).
2.) What if both an 802.11g and 802.11n device connect to the Express' radio instead of the Extreme's for some reason, will this make both devices operate at 2.4GHz?
Yes.
3.) What if an 802.11g device connects to the Airport Express' radio. Since this is now 2.4GHz, will it only now communicate with the Airport Extreme at 2.4GHz?
Assuming that you configured the AXn to extend the AEBSn's 2.4 GHz radio, it will only be able to communicate back to the AEBSn on its 2.4 GHz radio.

Airport express and extreme not recognizing each other

i have an existing airport extreme wireless working.
dsl modem to airport extreme hardwired to mac g4 (with 200 gigs of music) streaming to new dell laptop from work.
just purchased airport express to stream music to home stereo via laptop utilizing the media from the desktop mac.
but i cannot get the 2 airports to see each other. the airport express keeps blinking amber. the manual says to open airport assisstant to add express to existing network but i have no such option listed.
i know there must be an easy solution but for the life of me i cannot figure out what it is.
any suggestions?
thanks,
gord
power mac g4 dual 450, 1 gig ram Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Try the following:
- Perform a "factory default" reset of the AX. (ref: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=108044_
- To facilitate setting up the remote/relay base stations, place them in near proximity of each other during the set up phase.
- Then perform the WDS setup as follows:
Set up the AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBS) as the WDS Main Base Station, by connecting directly, using an Ethernet cable, to the LAN port of the AEBS, and then use the AirPort Admin Utility, located in /Applications/Utilities, to make the following settings.
WDS Tab
- Enable this base station as a WDS: main base station (checked)
- Enable wireless clients on this base station (optional)
- Click "+" to add Remote/Relay Base Stations.
-- Select the Base Station that you want to be the WDS Remote/Relay.
-- AirPort ID: <verify that this is the correct wireless MAC address for the Base Station you are adding as a Remote/Relay.
-- Auto configure as a WDS remote base station (checked)
-- Click "OK."
- Verify that the Remote/Relay Base Station has been added to the list.
- Click "Update," and then verify the settings for the Remote/Relay.
-- Allow wireless clients on this base station (checked)
-- New network name: <verify that this is the same as the network name for the AEBS>
-- TCP/IP: Configure using DHCP
-- Base Station Password: <the Remote/Relay Base Station password>
-- Confirm: <same as previous step>
-- Click "OK."

Airport Express and Extreme both having timeout issues once every few days.

I have both an Airport Express and an Airport Extreme in the house (one on each side of the house), and for the last few months, we have been experiencing timeout issues with both. About once every few days, my computer (or any other computer here - all Macs) will lose connection to the hub. When I try to reconnect in the Wifi menu, it says "Connection timed out". Also, on my iPhone, when I try to connect, it says "Unable to connect".
All this takes is a quick restart of the Airport (just pull the power out and plug in), but this is VERY frustrating. I've updated to the latest firmware... I'm not sure what else to do.
Any ideas?

Ok, thanks for clarifying that for me. I suggest starting by reviewing the following AirPort User Tip around the details for best base station placement. Let's see if this will help increase the bandwidth performance of your extended network. Most likely, due to combination of distance and Wi-Fi interference, you may not be getting the best bandwidth possible. Please post back your results.

Airport Admin loses Express and Extreme, no iTunes, no Network Printer

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