Airport express extends static ip?

Hi! I have an Airport express and I brought it to my dorm room. However it turns out that my dorm is giving me one static ip. How can i use my airport express to get that static ip and create/extend its own network with multiple ip adresses?

Unfortunately, AirPort Setup on the Mac will use a simple wizard type of setup, which does not allow a "manual setup" that you need.
The solution might be to go ahead and configure the Express using the setup wizard and once it has restarted, go back in using AirPort Utility to manually enter the Static settings on the AirPort Express.
Frankly, I have no idea if this will work or not since I cannot duplicate the setup here.
Connect the Ethernet cable to the WAN "O" port on the AirPort Express and power up the Express for a few minutes.
Hold in the reset button on the Expess for 9-10 seconds and release. Allow a full minute for the Express to restart to a slow, blinking amber light
Click the AirPort icon at the top of the Mac's screen and wait a few seconds for a listing New Airport Base Station to appear. Just below that, click on AirPort Express
AirPort Setup will open up automatically and take a minute to analyze the network and suggest a configuration...which will be wrong. Instead, you have to click the Other Options button and select the choice to Create a new wireless network. Click Next
Enter a wireless network name that you want to use and a device name for the AirPort Express. Enter a password for both the wireless network and AirPort Express device. Click Next.
Ignore the message to restart the modem and click Next
It will take a minute or two for AirPort Setup to configure the Express. When you see the message of Setup Complete , click Done.
Now click the AirPort icon at the top of the Mac's screen and select the wireless network name you named and enter the password to connect.
On your Mac, open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utiltiies > AirPort Utility
Click on the AirPort Express icon, then click Edit in the window that appears.
Click the Internet tab at the top of the next window
Change the setting for Connect Using from DHCP to Static
Enter the Static IP address that the school gave you in the iPv4 Address box
Enter the Subnet Mask in the Subnet Mask box
Enter the Router Address in the Router Address box
Leave other boxes blank or untouched
Click the Network tab at the top of the window
Click the Network Options button at the bottom of the window
Change the iPv4 DHCP Range to read 192.168.1.2 to 200
Click Save
Click Update at the lower right of the window and wait a full minute for the Express to restart. The Express will still be blinking amber.  Check to see if you can get an Internet connection when you connect to the AirPort Express wireless nework and enter the password.
Post back on your progress.

Similar Messages

  • Problem with airport express extending wifi from extreme

    My setup is an airport extreme wired to the internet with two iMacs connected by wire and an airport express to extend wifi from the extreme to the further parts of my house.  When originally installed about a year ago this arrangement worked perfectly, but I noticed a few weeks ago that neither my iphone, ipad, nor my MBP 13" is connecting to the aitport express anymore and the network extension is not working as intended.
    Last night I investigated the isue and found that the express is connected wirelessly to my extreme because when I wired my MBP to the express and turned off the wireless connection it could still reach the internet.  But, even with the express sitting plugged in next to my iPhone I could not get it to connect to the express - it always uses the extreme and while I'm in range there is no problem.  The problem is that my house is old and the wals tend to cause problems with reception and I can't get wifi in the garden and some parts of the house.
    I have the express and the extreme configured to allow access only by the client macs that I have provided and it looks like the two devices share this information when they are in extend mode (but not sure about that).  When I set up the system I added the aitports mac addresses to the approved list in the access control screen, which seemed to be necessary then though I removed them (the airport mac addresses) fromt he list last night to see what effect this had and biefly the airport did connect to my MBP.  But after returning it to its location where it usually is I have not been able to reconnect to it.
    In brief;  I have an airport express extending an airport extreme wifi, it used to work, but now all wifi clients will only connect to the master.  I have a suspicion that a recent airport update has caused this (both airports are up-to-date) but can't be sure.  I have the express correctly configured to extend the wifi of the extreme as it was originally working.
    One thing I have noticed - I had the express set to use a fixed IP by setting 'static' in the internet screen - this is not the current setting (it's reverted to DHCP) and I cannot force it to update to and remain set to static.
    Does anyone know how I can restore the correct functioning of the express as an extension of the wifi network?
    Thanks
    Damon

    Perform the Factory Default Reset one more time. Hold the reset button until the amber light has been blinking rapidly for 8-10 seconds before you release the reset button
    Run the setup wizard, and wait for screen similar to this to appear, then click on Other Options:
    Select the Add to an existing network option, then click Next and follow the prompts.
    If you are still having difficulty, try running the setup utility on an iPhone or iPad, since Yosemite has a number of bugs in the setup process.

  • Airport Express extends 5 Ghz and 2.4 Ghz or just one at a time?

    I recently switched my dual band Time Capsule to use different names for the 5 Ghz and 2.4 Ghz networks.
    Will the Airport Express extend both or just one at a time, if so, which one will it extend?
    I have two Airport Express modules, bought a long time apart, is there any difference in functionality and how do I tell them apart if this is the case?
    All are running the most recent firmware version.

    Welcome to the discussion area, Mike!
    Will the Airport Express extend both or just one at a time, if so, which one will it extend?
    The AirPort Express is a single band device, so it can extend either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band, +but not both at the same time+. Since you have different names for the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands, the Express will extend the 2.4 GHz band by default. Using AirPort Utility, the setup application for the AirPorts, it is possible to configure the AirPort Express to extend either band.
    If you are perhaps thinking of extending the 5 GHz band, this can be a bit tricky because 5 GHZ signals do not travel effectively over distance or penetrate obstructions as well as 2.4 GHz signals. You almost have to have a line-of-sight relationship between the Time Capsule and the AirPort Express to be able to extend the 5 GHz band.
    I have two Airport Express modules, bought a long time apart, is there any difference in functionality and how do I tell them apart if this is the case?
    Look on the side of the AirPort Express for the model number in the small print. You'll need Model No A 1264 to be able to "extend". If you have the older Model No A 1084, that version will not be able to "extend" a wireless network, but you could use it to "join" the wireless network and stream AirTunes to the device.
    All are running the most recent firmware version.
    That would be 7.5.2. If you have the older version of the AirPort Express, the latest firmware version for that device would be 6.3.
    Message was edited by: Bob Timmons

  • Airport Express Extends 5GHz at 2.4GHz?

    My second generation(802.11n) Airport Express extends my 5GHz network, Net5, at 2.4 GHz. The express is about 20
    feet from its "target," an iPad 3 serving as an internet radio. I know this because a scan turned up the 5GHz network on the same
    channel as the 2.4GHz one and identified as "Net5."
    As far as I can tell, all my settings are correct, etc. I'd be grateful for any ideas, comments, etc.

    Ok, thanks for clarifying that for me. By default, the 2nd generation Express should extend both radios of your 5th generation Extreme. The key is placement. As you are already aware the range of the 2.4 Ghz band is greater than that of the 5 GHz one.
    Even if you have the Express within 20 feet of the Extreme there may be some form of Wi-Fi interference (like walls) that may be preventing the 5 GHz band to be extended properly.
    To rule out a possible placement issue, please check out the following AirPort User Tip for details on how to best place your base stations.

  • Do I have to use airport extreme to be a main network if I want to use Airport express extend my wifi range

    Do I have to use airport extreme to be a main network if I want to use Airport express extend my wifi range.

    You cannot extend wifi from a different brand router..
    Only apple to apple.
    But the apple router does not have to be the main router.. it can be in bridge.. as long as it is creating a wireless network it will work fine.

  • Airport express extending - n AND g

    I have an airport express extending a dual band airport extreme network. The extreme has one band on n (for laptops) and one band on a/g (for iphones and an older laptop).  The airport express extends the network, connecting wirelessly to the extreme in another room, and sharing its connection with an iphone and an old laptop.
    My question is this: will the airport express connect with the airport extreme (receiving its internet connection) at n speeds, but then connect with my iphone and old laptop (sharing its internet) at a/g speeds?  I know the express is not dual band and thus cannot share its connection on different bands, but can it connect on a different band than it shares?
    Thanks!

    From what I've tried the Airport Express will only extend as it connects to. I've tried and it doesn't seem to "auto-convert" from one to another.
    Also, you might want to look at the 802.11n 5ghz and 802.11n b/g/n 2.4ghz. Set this in your Airport Extreme accordingly (which you already might have), and let Airport Express automatically extend the 802.11n b/g/n 2.4ghz. This way, the iPhone will connect as fast as it can and the older laptop can connect.
    BTW here is my "poor man's dual band" setup if anyone's interested:
    DSL modem is connected to Netcomm 802.11b/g/n wireless router. This supplies the 802.11b/g/ 2.4ghz N signal for iPhone, Xbox360, and anything else.
    Then, I connect via ethernet from Netcomm wireless router to my existing Airport Express. Airport Express supplies a pure 802.11 5ghz N signal for my Mac, iPad2, new iPad and AppleTV.
    This way, the Mac, iPads and AppleTV always "see" only the Airport Express network, hence WiFi iTunes syncing as well as AirPlay streaming is great, and the 5ghz network with maximum N speed doesn't suffer interference and/or dropouts such as when my microwave is running.
    As for the iPhone, I'll just use a cable when I need to, but this way my iPhone and Xbox360 can access the Internet as needed without degrading the connectivity of the Mac, iPads and AppleTV. I don't play online games, I only need connectivity to update or download stuff on Xbox360.
    Yes, the disadvantage is double-NAT, but I haven't encountered issues yet.

  • Iphone will not connect to airport express extended network - macbook and ipad will - Help

    Iphone will not connect to airport express extended network - macbook and ipad will without problems.
    iphone will connect to base station no problems, I've restored settings and started again but still the same, the iphone picked up the network for the last couple of months, but not now ?

    I'm having the same issue. My AExpress used to give a good signal strength on the far side of the house extending he network created by my Extreme. However, I've noticed lately that my iPhone does not receive the same strong signal it once did. AE has a green light, I've rebooted it, and my Extreme but there is no change in signal strength. Other than the green light, how can I tell if the Express is working if I don't get a good network signal?

  • Airport express extending wifi extremely slow

    Hello,
    I have a time capsule creating a wireless network and a airport express extending the wireless network.
    When I'm connected to the time capsule I have around 12mbp of speed but when I am connected to the airport express I have around 0.2mbp
    In the airport utility it says the connection is good she connected to the airport express.
    Everything was working fine a few days ago.
    I was reading the the forum that it may be interference from a neighbour and to change the channel but I can fine where to change the channel. 
    Is changing the channel the solution? How can I access where to change the channel?
    Or is there another solution?
    Anyone knows how to fix this speed problem in airport express?
    Cheers
    Francisco

    What is the distance between the Time Capsule (TC) and the AirPort Express Base Station (AX)? Are they in the same room, different room, different floor from each other? If in different rooms/floors, what is the basic building material used in the walls/floors/ceilings?
    It is important to understand that the AX can only extend the TC's wireless network at the same bandwidth that it receives it. If you are only getting around .2 Mbps at the AX, then either there is too much distance between routers or there is some form of Wi-Fi interference (other Wi-Fis or the builiding material) between them that is preventing the AX from getting a strong enough signal to extend.
    Changing channels is one possible solution. You would do so using the AirPort Utility. If you are using version 5.x of that utility, you would change channels as follows: AirPort Utility > Select the AX > Manual Setup > AirPort > Wireless tab > Channel. By default Channel is set to "Automatic." Click on the up/down arrow to the right of the Channel window to get the other channel options.
    If this doesn't resolve the problem, please check out the following AirPort User Tip for details on how to best place each base station for maximum bandwidth in an extended network.

  • Airport Express extending the range of my network HELP!

    Greetings!
    I know there are similar posts on this topic, but I can't seem to find a solution so I'll just ask again!
    Equipment: AirPort Extreme and two Airport Expresses (all are N)
    We live in a long house and the AirPort Extreme sits on one end with the cable modem and I'd like to place two AirPort Expresses in the middle and other end of the house so we can get wireless.
    I've tried WDS and extended and I can't get them to configure! What can I do? I'm out of ideas and time spend trying to set up an extender!!
    Help!!
    Message was edited by: Scott Rowan

    AE-----AX1-----AX2<---MacBookPro</div>
    Ok, this can be done with a static WDS.
    Here is the basic steps to do so:
    Static WDS Setup
    (Note: To facilitate the WDS set up, temporarily connect both 802.11n AirPort Express Base Stations (AXn) to any available LAN port on the 802.11n AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBSn). When setup is complete, you can then relocate them to the desired locations. Be sure to jot down the AirPort IDs (MAC addresses) for each of the base stations to be used in the WDS. The AirPort ID is printed on the label on the bottom/side of the base station.)
    Main Base Station Setup - AEBSn
    o Click the AirPort status menu in the menu bar and choose the wireless network created by the AEBSn.
    o Open AirPort Utility.
    o Select the AEBSn, and then, choose Manual Setup from the Base Station menu.
    o Click Wireless in the toolbar, and then choose “Participate in a WDS network” from the Wireless Mode pop-up menu. (Note: You may have to hold down the Option key before clicking the menu for this option to appear on the 802.11n models.)
    o Click WDS and then choose “WDS main” from the WDS Mode pop-up menu.
    o Select the “Allow wireless clients” checkbox.
    o Click the Add "+" button and enter the AirPort ID of AXn#1.
    o Click Update to send the new settings to the base stations in the WDS.
    Remote Base Station Setup - AXn#2
    o Open AirPort Utility.
    o Select AXn#2, and then, choose Manual Setup from the Base Station menu.
    o Click AirPort in the toolbar and click Wireless. Choose “Participate in a WDS network” from the Wireless Mode pop-up menu, and choose the same channel as the main base station from the Channel pop-up menu.
    o Click WDS and choose “WDS remote” from the pop-up menu.
    o Enter the AirPort ID of the main base station in the WDS Main field.
    o Click Update to transfer the settings to the base station.
    Relay Base Station Setup - AXn#1
    o Open AirPort Utility.
    o Select AXn#1, and then, choose Manual Setup from the Base Station menu.
    o Click AirPort in the toolbar and click Wireless. Choose “Participate in a WDS network” from the Wireless Mode pop-up menu, and choose the same channel as the main base station from the Channel pop-up menu.
    o Click WDS and choose “WDS relay” from the WDS Mode pop-up menu.
    o Enter the AirPort ID of the main base station in the Main AirPort ID field.
    o Click the Add "+" button and enter the AirPort ID of the remote base station this relay base station will connect to.
    o Click Update to transfer the new WDS settings to the relay and remote base stations.
    (ref: Pages 42-46 of "Designing AirPort Networks.)

  • Can I assign Airport Express to static IP Address?

    Current setup - Airport Extreme attached to cable modem with 2 hard drives, Airport Express as print server in separate room with USB printer attached (just changed from Linksys with sometimes working NetGear print server). Clients accessing the network: 2 Windows XP, 1 Windows 7, iPads, iPhones, iPods, Apple TV, and sometimes a Mac Book.
    The issue is that we don't keep the printing system on at all times (light switch with Express and printer plugged in); We dont't do much printing, and I print to pdf most of the time. As a result, the Express IP address changes every time it's turned on, requiring me to change the port settings on the printer properties before anyone can print. Is there a way to assign a static IP address to the Express so that I don't become tech support every time someone else in the house needs to print something?

    Is there a way to assign a static IP address to the Express so that I don't become tech support every time someone else in the house needs to print something?
    Yes. The first order of business is to find the AirPort ID for the AirPort Express. You do this by opening AirPort Utility and clicking once on the Express. In the area to the right, jot down the AirPort ID.
    Still in AirPort Utility, now click on the AirPort Extreme and click Manual Setup
    Click the Internet icon
    Click the DHCP tab below the Advanced icon
    Look for the DHCP Reservations area and click on the + (plus) button at the bottom
    Enter a description, for example AirPort Express
    Click the MAC Address button and click Continue
    Enter the AirPort ID in the MAC Address box
    Assign the IP address you want the Express to use, for example 10.0.1.20
    Click Done, then click Apply and the AirPort Extreme will restart
    It would be a good idea to power cycle the entire network as follows:
    Power everything down...all devices, order is not important
    Power up the modem first, then AirPort Extreme, then Express, then devices

  • How to set up an AirPort Express using static IP with internet provider limitations?

    I am trying to set up an Airport Express to act as a wireless router (for multiple users to use) and I have some limitations with my ISP provider...my ISP provider restricts access to the internet for each device by only providing/issuing one IP address to one device (so they charge extra for multiple attached devices). So only one device can access internet via an IP address (they link the device's MAC address to that specific IP address, therefore limiting internet to only one device).
    My ISP provider has provided me with the following info:
    - IP address
    - Subnet Mask
    - Router Address/Gateway
    - DNS servers (4 were provided)
    - domain name
    I was trying to work around the ISP provider so I don't get charged using multiple devices so I was configuring my Airport Express with the info provided (ie-IP address, subnet mask, etc.) by configuring the IPv4 "manually" using a static IP. After plugging in this info using AirPort Utility, I was able to get access to the internet through wifi/Airport but only if the bridge is disconnected and only with one device at the time (trying to use another device to access the WIFI from the Airport Express gave me the error "can't access the internet because the IP address 128.xxx.xxx.xx" is already in use by another user).
    I tried different angles such as changing the router mode to 'DHCP and NAT' (which doesn't yield any access to the internet on any device; I get the amber light blinking on the Airport device). When attempting to change the DHCP range, I get an error saying "the range provided doesn't work" (not exact wording).
    The only other thing I haven't tried is to supply my ISP provider with the MAC address of the Airport Express device. Does anyone know if this would work and, if so, would I be able to use my Airport Express as a wireless router?
    Unfortunately, I can't switch ISP providers as this provider is the only one I can use in the area (so frustrating!!) so I have to try to work around the system. Please help!!
    Note: my Airport Express is the new model (I bought it a few weeks ago) and I have tried connecting to it using Airport Utility version 6.3.2 with Mac OS X 10.9.4 and OS X 10.9.2

    Welcome to Apple Support Communities
    If your PC hasn't got a disc drive, download AirPort Utility from the Apple website to set up the AirPort Express > http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1547?viewlocale=es_ES

  • Time Capsule & Airport Express Extended Network loses connection!

    OK, so I am an Apple virgin of 2 months experience, after many many years with Windows based PCs, so please be patient and gentle with me. Sorry about the long explanation.....
    My set-up comprises of a Time Capsule, which is connected to the Internet via a NetGear ASDL modem. Both pieces of equipment are situated in my wife's office on the first floor of our house. My office is on the ground floor, where I have a 27" iMac and an Airport Express which is connected to a printer via the USB port. The Airport Express is sited about 10 feet from the iMac.
    All software and firmware are lastest versions - TC v7.5, AX v7.4.2 & Airport Utility v5.5.
    For the past 2 months, I have only been using the AX to print wirelessly and the set-up has worked faultlessly.
    Earlier this week, I decided change the configuration to extend the network to allow me to use my laptop & iPhone in areas of the ground floor where I had no signal. I followed the online instructions and first changed the TC to check the box to 'allow this network to be extended', after updating the configuration successfully I moved to the AX. Here I changed the wireless mode to 'Extend a wireless network', selected the network name and checked the 'Allow wireless clients' box. This also updated successfully.
    Everything ran correctly and the range of the network was greatly increased.......great, job done...not!
    After about 3 hours the iMac lost the connection and the TC disappeared from the Airport Utility pane and refused to reappear. I checked but also couldn't connect or see any network on the laptop or iPhone, so have dismissed a fault with the iMac. I finally got things back up after doing a power reset of the TC, but after a few hours same problem occurred, and occurred and occurred. By clicking the Airport Utility icon on the top right of the screen and following the prompts from 'no Internet connection', I can at least get things up and working without a power reset of the TC, but the connection still drops after 2-5 hours each time.
    My first call to Apple Support led to a full reset and re-config of both the TC and AX, setting the extended network up as I had done originally. The only difference was an iMac reset (alt/cmd P&R on power up) and changing the 2.4Ghz channel from 1 to 11. This had no affect and the connection drop-out problem continued.
    My second call to Apple Support led to me being passed to a Level 2 Techie, who first suggested that I tried disabling the Guest Network - tried it, and it made no difference. I was then told to try a WDS network, which whilst not losing connection, is slower and has less range than the original extended network and frankly sounds a cop-out.
    Has anyone had a similar problem, anyone solved the problems, can anyone offer any help or advice please.. I'd appreciate any input....thanks.

    Similar problem here. Cable Modem (Moto SB6120)->AEBS (802.11n dual-band)>AX (802.11n) for wireless connection to MacBook Pro running Mac OS X 10.6.2. AEBS configured as dual-band: 801.11a/n at 5GHZ and 801.11b/g/n at 2.4 GHZ. AX configured to wirelessly extend the AEBS 5GHz 802.11a/n network. I am able to run on the extended 5GHz network (via AX) for varying lengths of time, until the internet connection dies. When this occurs, I am able to switch over to the 2.4GHz network to get back online. Solution up until now has been to unplug the AX, then plug it back in. After the AX restarts, I am able to hop back onto its 5GHz signal and get to the internet. However, the internet connection on this band will drop again after some time.
    I was on the phone with Apple Support twice in the past week to get this resolved, but no joy. Senior Advisor seemed to think that my AX was working properly, and that that the problem could be with my AEBS -- perhaps the 5GHz antenna might be bad in my AEBS? Seems odd to me, since both my AEBS and AX are less than 2 months old...
    I just read the post from LocoDoc and decided to see if I could replicate the problem. Sure enough, when I am connected to the internet via my AX extended 5GHz network signal and a Time Machine backup starts, the internet connection quits. Only recourse is to restart the AX. Note that I do not experience this problem with Time Machine while connected wirelessly straight to the AEBS 5GHz signal. Only when I am connected to the "extended" signal via the AX.

  • Airport express extender not connecting to airport extreme

    Mac OSX 10.9.5
    Airport Extreme version 7.6.4
    Airport Express version 7.6.4
    I've done a hard reset of both Extreme and Express, set up Extreme and cannot set up Express as an extender.  Airport utility recognizes the Express, but shows an amber light.  Amber light also flashing on the airport Express, which is within 2 feet of the Extreme.
    "Other Wi-Fi Devices" says no remote airport  base satin is discovered.   Same situation even when connecting the Express to the Extreme via an ethernet

    Temporarily, please power off the AirPort Express and set it aside.
    Restart the AirPort Extreme and check to make sure that it is performing correctly.  There should be a green light on the AirPort Extreme and devices that are in the same room or adjacent rooms should be able to connect to the Internet.
    If you see a slow, flashing amber light on the AirPort Extreme.....
    Open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Uility
    Click on the picture of the AirPort Extreme
    Look for the setting for Status
    Click on the small amber dot there and report back with the exact message that you see

  • Airport Express extending Time Capsule network causes network failure?

    I have a 1GB Time Capsule used as my 'main' wireless access point for my home network. I purchased an Airport Express for use about halfway through across the home so that I could play iTunes music in that area... no problem. That works. However my office is also right next to the Airport Express.
    So if the Airport Express is -not- plugged in I have a great signal from the Time Capsule and things work without a hitch. Once I plug the Airport Express in, every 20~30min my MacBook Pro shows I have a full-power network connection, but it wont actually do anything. I have to turn off the MacBook's wireless, then turn it back on... then again it only works for a short while. If I unplug the Airport Express this is no longer an issue. :/
    So I know the Airport Express is part of the issue. But also, I know it must be setup correctly since I can go all the way to the back of the house and have a network connection [when normally without the Express I would not have a connection at all]. Clearly it's extending the network.
    Any ideas why my MacBook might be getting 'stuck'? I'm relatively new to Apple gear, but long time PC user and very skilled with networking... but never experienced anything like this... but also this is the first time I've ever extended a network.
    Open to any suggestions... thanks all!

    Welcome to the discussion area!
    Something is wrong, whether it's an incorrect setting or a defective AirPort Express because the "extend" setup normally works very well. I've gone 3-4 months with no problems at all since I added an Express last fall and the network is up 24/7.
    Check to make sure that your MacBook is actually connecting to the AirPort Express (AX) as follows:
    Open AirPort Utility, click on the AirPort Express and note the AirPort ID for the AX
    Hold down the option key on your computer and click on the fan shaped AirPort icon at the top of the screen and you will see details about the connection. You should see the AirPort ID of the AX. If not, you are not connecting to it.
    You can also check a few settings using AirPort Utility to see if the Time Capsule (TC) and AX are setup to "extend".
    For the TC:
    Click Manual Setup and click the Wireless tab below the icons
    Wireless Mode should be "Create a wireless network"
    There should be a check mark next to "Allow this network to be extended"
    For the AX:
    Click Manual Setup and the Wireless tab
    Wireless Mode should be "extend a wireless network"
    Network Name should be the name of the TC network
    Check mark next to "Allow wireless clients"
    Security and Password settings are the same as the TC
    Is that what you see?

  • Issue w/ Airport Express extending a network (intermittently)

    Hi -- I have an Airport Extreme and Airport Express currently configured to "extend" the network that my Extreme base station creates. But its not working right -- here's whats up.
    Basically the Extreme is on the ground floor, and I got the Express so that we'd have good signal in our master bedroom, all the way at the other end of the house, upstairs.  The Express _definitely_ has good signal from the Extreme.  And the master bedroom where the weak signal was is about 30 feet from that airport express I put upstairs.
    However, for whatever reason, most of the time in that master bedroom from any computer (macbook pro, imac, and our ipads, iphones) connnect to the extreme downstairs, not the express upstairs.  This results in one or no signal bar, and crappy internet access. Hmm.
    Green lights are on and steady on both the extreme and express.
    I've rebooted the express, reset it, reconfigured it, and the ONLY time I can get it to work properly is right after a reset and reconfigure (choosing "extend a wireless network).  Both have the most recent updates.
    Any ideas?  Is my airport express just not working right ? Any ideas ? 

    The key here is that if you locate your MBP at the location of the AirPort Express Base Station (AX), leaving the AX unpowered, if it can get a good signal from the AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBS), then the AX would as well.
    The AX can only extend the range of the AEBS effectively if it is within a 25+ dB SNR range of the AEBS. Anything beyond that, you may get a "strong" signal (indicated by full bars), but the actual bandwidth will be useless.
    SNR = Signal-to-Noise Ratio = Signal (in dBm) - Noise (in dBm)
    You can easily find the Signal and Noise value using System Profiler on your MBP.
    ref: Click on the Apple icon on the menu bar > About This Mac > More Info... > Contents > Network > AirPort > Interfaces > en1 > Current Network Information > Find your wireless network > Signal / Noise
    While your still in the System Profiler, note the value for Transmit Rate.
    These values should be negative numbers. For example, mine currently read: -67 dBm / -95 dBm, with a transmit rate of 27 (Mbps). Plugging in these numbers yield: SNR = -67 - (-95) = 28. My Mac Mini is about four rooms away from my AEBS with about five walls between them. As you can see, the signal is still quite useable ... but the bandwidth is minimal, especially for streaming.
    SNR Guideline
    40dB+ SNR = Excellent signal
    25dB to 40dB SNR = Very good signal
    15dB to 25dB SNR = Low signal
    10dB to 15dB SNR = Very low signal
    5dB to 10dB SNR = No signal

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