Airport Express Problems w/Setup Assistant

My old Airport Express died yesterday. I got a new one tonight, but I can't make it connect to the internet. Ran through Airport Utility a few times; kept getting message that device can't get an IP address.
Computer connects OK (via PPPoE) when I connect the ethernet cable directly. Two computers connect wirelessly (via the Express) to each other. So I'm confident that the modem and both computers are functioning normally.
Called Verizon (my DSL provider), went through utility again, still no luck. He asked me to go to Airport Setup Assistant, but when I click on it, I get an error that says assistant can't help me with this Airport device. Message says to download proper assistant from Apple site, but I can't find whatever it is I need.
Another note: he says I need to select DHCP options for Express. As I said above, when I connect the ethernet cable directly to my iBook, I have to connect to the internet via PPPoE. Could this be part of the problem?
Please help....

So, you're telling me that I need to somehow configure the AX for PPPoE, and then configure my computer(s) for DHCP?
Yes.
For the AX, you configure PPPoE as follows:
Either connect to the AX's wireless network, or temporarily, connect directly (using an Ethernet cable) to the Ethernet port of the AX, and then, using the AirPort Utility (in Manual Setup), configure the following settings:
Internet - Internet Connection
o Connect Using: PPPoE
o Username: <enter your PPPoE username>
o Password: <enter your PPPoE password>
o Verify Password: <re-enter your PPPoE password>
Internet - PPPoE
o Connection: Always On
o DNS Server(s): (optional)
o Domain Name: (optional)

Similar Messages

HT1515 Just installed Airport Express on Mac 10.6.8 Can't see base station. Hard Reset the Airport. Rebooted machine. How can I tell if this is a Mac problem or Airport Express Problem?

I have a Mac 10.6.8. Just installed Airport Express. I can't see any base stations. I did a hard reset on the Airport Express, turned off all devices, turned them back on. I see plenty of Airport networks in the neighborhood. How can I tell if I have a Mac problem or an Airport Express problem? Airport Express blinks Amber.

Obviously, I'm still using ethernet to be able to reply to this.
Alright, use the same ethernet cable to plug directly into the airport express. This will FORCE the airport utility to now see it regardless of weak signals & interference. You can set it up that way.
BTW, what is the original intent on the express?

Another Airport Express problem thread.

Hi Everyone,
I got a Powerbook recently and like many on these threads I am beset with Airport Express problems.
Here's my story. I purchased my Powerbook about a month ago and popped into the Apple Store to ask about the best way to have wireless internet access at home. They recommended the D-Link DSL-300T ADSL modem and Airport Express. I purchased these items and set everything up at home. This didn't work. After a week of talking to Apple, I got the answer to my problem from a Mac message board. Supposedly the ADSL modem recommended by Apple and stocked in their online store wasn't compatible with the lastest version of Airport Express 6.2.0. So I dowgraded the firmware to 6.1.1 and everything worked fine. My next problem was after running an OS X software update which I can presume also updated the Airport Express back to 6.2.0. So again I downgrade to 6.1.1 and it works again. Then I have to get my Powerbook replaced as the refurb Apple sold me didn't have the superdrive in it that Apple advertised, so I transfer my settings and files and i can go online for a couple of days and then it stops working again. I do the downgrade again but this doesn't help. So I take it to see a genius at Apple who performs the AE update 2005-001 which he says will solve the problem of incompatability with 3rd party modems. Take it home, it doesn't work. Powerbook almost gets thrown out of the window.
Why is something that should be so simple so difficult.
My questions are does anyone have a D-Link DSL 300T modem that works with the update 2005-001 ???
Why do Apple recommend an ADSL modem which doesn't work with their products ???
What ADSL modem for the UK does work with Airport Express ???

Hi Bollard, not sure whether this would work with the current model of the modem, but I ran into problems with the DSL300+ when first using it wit an airport extreme, back in 2003.
I eventually resolved the problems by using the modem in bridging mode. Not sure if this would be applicable with the new model, or whether it work if you are needing PPPoA rather than PPPoE, but for what its worth my experiences and solution can be found at http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=607296&#607296 I've had a fair bit of positive feedback from people who found it worked for them, at least with similar equipment and connection protocol.
Cheers
Rod

AirPort Express with PC -- Setup Problems

Hi
Just wanted to share my experience -- I wasted most of a day getting my AirPort Express network up. Problem was, the setup software assumes that you have a wireless card in your PC. If, like me, you have a simple ethernet connection to a wireless router, then the program apparently has no way of finding the AirPort Express.
After hours of fumbling with suggestions on this forum, I finally found the tech support number and we figured out that I needed to run the setup program on my laptop, which does have a wireless card.
I would STRONGLY encourage Apple to re-write its setup software to recognize this very common hardware configuration and work with it, lest more customers waste more of their time. I was THIS CLOSE to angrily returning the box. Now that it's up, I really love it, but I almost didn't get there.
AirPort Express Windows XP No wireless card -- ethernet connection to wireless router
Airport Express Windows XP No wireless card -- ethernet connection to wireless router

I had the same problem as you did with the setup of the AX from a PC connected to the router by Ethernet. I was able to run the setup by using the "Other ..." button at the bottom of the Base Station Chooser and giving it the IP address of the AX.
Does iTunes on the PC connected to the router by Ethernet find the AX? It doesn't for me. It works great from my other 3 PCs that are connected to the network by wireless. Of course, the PC with the problem is the one across the family room from the stereo ...

Airport Express Base Station Setup problem

My new Airport Express Base Station (2nd generation) does not sense the internet using an ethernet cable. The status light is green. I am using a hotel's DSL system in Brazil. When using the same cable, and connecting my laptop directly to the system, it senses the internet just fine, so I know it isn't the cable or the hotel. Does anyone know of compatibility problems with this Airport model?

Does the DSL service require PPPoE for authentication before allowing you Internet access? If so, then the device directly connected to the DSL modem would need to be configured as such.

Airport Express & Apple TV Setup Problems

I am having some strange problems with my network. First, I reset my Airport Express and went through the steps of connecting it to stream music, however, the Airport Utility will not recognize it after restarting (I can do a hard reset and it will find the unit, but then hangs up over and over at the same point).
Also, at the same time, my Apple TV is showing in iTunes, can stream music and movies, but is not showing in the Airport Utility and will not sync.
I am not sure what I might have changed...any ideas

I am on 10.5.8. When I do a hard reset the airport Express, the computer finds it, however, after going through the steps to add it to my network to stream iTunes, it restarts and the computer can't find it (light continuously blinks amber).
The AppleTV is showing in my iTunes, but NOT in my list of wireless devices and it won't sync. So it does stream movies and music, just won't sync. When I try and sync it, I get a firewall error, but I have my firewall settings to allow all incoming devices.
Should I just reset everything and try and start over?

Airport Express problems with new MAC MINI and DLINK router SOLVED

Hi just thought I would post this as it may well help others experiencing similar frustrations with new core duo mac mini and wireless connection or quality problems across the network / internet etc
I have a 3 week old, new mac mini core duo 1.8ghz 2gig ram, 120gb disk - First Mac, connecting to my exisiting wireless network via DLINK ADSL Router 2MB Broadband also one windows laptop and pc also wireless on the network and two airport express potins to stream itunes to
Problem was briefly
Mac worked fine, but the network connection just far too slow, laptop and pc, 1800+ kbps downstream mac mini 90 - 150kbps (http://www.adslguide.org/tools/speedtest.asp)
also if i ping the router directly from terminal (ping -c 20 192.168.1.1) average response 12+ ms with 20% packet loss, yet laptop and pc avg 2ms no losses
Spent 2 evenings on frustrating calls of more than 1 hour each (due to being cut off , then ring back and closed etc etc) and carrying out a the helpdesk troubleshooting (I am an IT consultant I think I am above this level), eventually an archive and install of the os as well
last night I call for the third time, insisting I dont wish to carry out any further troubleshooting, and want it replaced and resolved or my money back
I receive a call back from product specialist (not sure if thats mac mini specialist or airport) but we resolved the issue (his knowledge far superior to the help desk do this do this attitude)
between us we carried out the folowing and resolved the problem and I am now very happy
mac now downstreaming also in excess of 1800kbps (as expected for 2mb broadband)and no packet loss
This problem was resolved by switching off the turbo option hidden away in the routers settings, under wireless configuration
Supposed to improve performance, but its rubbish and will make hardly any difference under mac os to the speed but will certainly affect your mac mini performance(you may have a similar setting switched on in your routers and mac os dont like it)
We stumbled across this by first disconnecting one of the airport express devices from my dlink network, and using it on its own default apple wireless settings, effectively making it a standalone wireless network, and not via the dlink router
we then carried out the same ping with the ip address of this device (from airport admin utility default 10.0.1.1) and the results were fantastic 2ms avg no package loss
this established it was something with the router, and how we then interrogated the routers settings and found the turbo on option within wireless configuration
you may not be able to replicate this if you dont have an additional network you could join (such as airport express), but probably worth checking your own router settings for something similar
Hope that may be of assistance to others, sorry that its a bit long winded and garbled, but I'm just so excited to finally get my new mac working as i would expect it to
Also perhaps insist on speaking to a product specialist immediately that the helpdesk are unable to help you

Hello macfar14. Welcome to the Apple Discussions!
For just streaming iTunes and/or for sharing a USB printer, the AirPort Express Base Station (AX) just needs to be configured as a wireless client ... which you already attempted to do.
Just to be sure nothing was missed, here are the basic steps to do this:
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 > Wireless
o Wireless Mode: Join a wireless network
o Network Name: <existing wireless network's Network Name or SSID>
o Wireless Security: <select the encryption type of the existing wireless network>
o Wireless Password: <enter the existing wireless network password>
o Verify Password: <re-enter the existing wireless network password>
Music
o Enable AirTunes (checked)
o iTunes Speaker Name: <enter desired speaker name>
o iTunes Speaker Password: (optional)
o Verify Password: (optional)
o Click Update to write the new settings to the AX
In iTunes:
iTunes > Preferences... > Advanced > General
o Look for remote speakers connected with AirTunes (checked)

Airport Express problems with Vista

I have read on here that people are running the express with Vista an I am not sure how? I loaded the disk and everything come up but the Airport setup assistant. When I open the Airport asmin utility it is blank. I am not sure how to get this up and running any help is appriciated.

I have the exact same problem trying to connect my Airport Express to my Vista laptop. I managed to get around it by using the Admin Utility, choosing "Other..." and then entering the router IP (for me 10.0.1.1) and password "public".
However after I have enabled WPA2 Security the connection does not work that good. After a short while throughput is degraded and then it drops the connection completely.
Is Airport Express supposed to work with Vista or what am I doing wrong?
HP Pavillion Vista Other OS

Can't figure out my Airport Express problem...

I can't connect to the internet with my Airport Express. I've tried every option but none seem to work.
I have a RCA Digital Broadband box, which has a ethernet cable that I plug into my Airport. This is a sublease apartment so the internet was already set up and I just want to make it wireless.
When I go through the setup I choose "I don't have a wireless network and I want to create one" and then I am confronted with the "Bridge Mode" or "Single IP address using DHCP and NAT." I've tried both to no avail. When I choose "Single IP address using DHCP and NAT" it actually tells me that the light will blink amber and asks me to ignore, skip or cancel. The "Bridge Mode" goes straight to the screen I am confronted with if I skip the amber light warning.
It asks for: Configure IPv4, IP address, Subnet Mask, Router Address, DNS Server, Domain Name and DHCP Client ID. I leave it all as is so only IP and Subnet have information filled in.
Anyways, this fails as usual. I get the error saying that the "Apple wireless device does not have a valid IP address." I can pull the ethernet from the Airport and plug it into my laptop and I am connected in seconds... it's very annoying. Any idea of what I am doing wrong?
Sometimes, actually, I get the light to turn green and it says I am connected but the internet still doesn't work. Figures.

Hi,
Well, I went through the entire process (selecting bridge) and ignored the last problem where it said that Airport didn't have a valid IP. The light on my Airport is green and my Airport icon on my mac gives me full bars; however, there is still no internet.
I went into the internet options as you suggested and here are the results:
Connect using: Ethernet
Configure IPv4: Using DHCP
IP Address: 169.254.18.108
Subnet Mask: 255.255.0.0
Routher: (blank)
DNS Server(s): (blank)
Domain name: (blank)
DHCP Client ID: (blank)
Ethernet WAN Port: Automatic (Default)
Connection Sharing: Off (Bridge Mode)
When I press the airport tab and click status, which says normal and is green, it brings me to a new section. This section says there is an issue with my internet connection and the cause is that my "Apple wireless device does not have a valid IP address."
That seems to be the issue. I don't know how to fix it though. One thing that looks out of place is that when Airport Utility is searching for my Airport Express network, it reports that the IP address is fe80::21f:f3ff:fef9:fe54%en1.

Multiple Airport Express Problem

I have a set up using an Airport Extreme Base station and three Airport Express Units that I use for Itunes. They are named Kitchen, Library and SunRoom. All three of them have been updated to be using version 6.3. I can play Itunes on each of them individually without a problem. I can choose Multiple Speakers and select Kitchen and Library and they both play without a problem. However, any combination with SunRoom results in spotty playing (e.g. music starts and stops and starts and stops on either speaker). The only difference that I can discern between SunRoom and the other two is that SunRoom is about half again as far away from the Base Station as the other two and there is a Stone Obstruction which causes the reception in the area where SunRoom is located to be low (one or two bars on the Airport Measuring unit on my MacBook Pro. By the way I am using a MacBook Pro with Leopard, all up to date on updates.
Any advice to eliminate this problem? I have thought about putting in another Airport Express Unit to extend the range to that area to improve reception. But I figured since I am getting a solid green signal on the SunRoom unit that I probably did not need to do that?
Thank you in advance for your assistance.

If you don't have it already, I suggest downloading a copy of iStumbler. Use iStumbler's Inspector feature (select Edit > Inspector from iStumbler's menu) to determine the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) at the locations of the AirPorts, by performing a simple RF site survey. Within the Inspector, note the values for "signal" & "noise" at these locations. Start with your MBP near the AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBS), note the readings, and then, choose the locations where the AirPort Express Base Stations (AX) are located.
SNR is the signal level (in dBm) minus the noise level (in dBm). For example, a signal level of -53dBm measured near an access point and typical noise level of -90dBm yields a SNR of 37dB, a healthy value for wireless LANs.
The SNR, as measured from the MBP, decreases as the range to the base station increases because of applicable free space loss. Also an increase in RF interference from microwave ovens and cordless phones, which increases the noise level, also decreases SNR.
SNR Guideline
o 40dB+ SNR = Excellent signal
o 25dB to 40dB SNR = Very good signal
o 15dB to 25dB SNR = Low signal
o 10dB to 15dB SNR = Very low signal
o 5dB to 10dB SNR = No signal
If the SNR is 20dB+ at each of these locations, then you should be getting reasonable performance from your AirPort. If less, either try to locate the source of the Wi-Fi interference or try relocating the base station until it's within a 20dB SNR range.

Airport Express Faliure to Setup

Hi Mac heads.
I'm hoping you can help me with my airport express setup. All I'd like to do is use it to run music to my stereo system.
I'm trying to connect to a 3rd party router (linksys wrt54g) which is running WPA personal with a hex password. I go through the setup assistant and everything works fine until the last reboot of the airport express. It says it's waiting for it to reboot but it doesn't. Once airport express reboots it goes to its kiss of death orange flashing light. There are no errors. Any ideas? Is it due to the security on the network. Thanks.

First, welcome to the discussions.
See if this link will help you.
http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/airtunes.html
Cheers Don

Airport Express problem with Truphone

I use my AE at home to both extend my wireless network out to my deck and to use airtunes. It works perfectly, although the yellow light is always flashing - go figure. I also take it with me when I travel and the hotel has ethernet cord only. Again, perfect - I therefore always have my wireless network on the road. I then use this wireless network to make phone calls through Truphone and LOVE how well it has worked from many countries. Recently, however, I had a problem calling from the Cayman Islands to the USA - the parties I called heard my voice, but it was on-off-on-off-on-off with a rapid frequency - and they had great difficulty understanding me. When I called Truphone they suggested I perform their echo test and sure enough, I could hear exactly what my called parties were hearing. That confirmed that the problem was at my end. The condo in which I stayed had a DSL connection. Truphone's reply was: "...with your particular Wi-Fi set-up I suspect that the most likely cause of the problem is that a SIP ALG that is ‘badly mangling’ the SIP reply from us (In English; this is a function on some routers which needs to be disabled). Or if you have multiple routers on your network (as I guess you might have), you may be able to solve the problem by disabling DHCP/NAT on one of your devices." Does anyone have a possible suggestion for me to correct this problem? Thanks.

Or if you have multiple routers on your network (as I guess you might have), you may be able to solve the problem by disabling DHCP/NAT on one of your devices." Does anyone have a possible suggestion for me to correct this problem?
To disable both NAT & DHCP on the AirPort Express Base Station (AX), use the AirPort Utility to reconfigure it as a bridge. (ref: AirPort Utility > Manual Setup > Internet > Internet Connection > Connection Sharing = Off (Bridge Mode))

Time Capsule/AirPort Express problem with DHCP server

Hi everyone,
I seem to be having some weird issue with my home network. I use a Time Capsule (2011) as my main router and a new AirPort Express as a wireless bridge (router set to "Extend a wireless network", the LAN port is connected to network printer). Recently, it seems that at least once or twice a week that the DHCP server on my router stops working. Computers that have static IP addresses have no problem accessing the internet or my local network, but devices that don't have static IPs are unable to join the network (over Wi-Fi or ethernet) because they are not being assigned an IP. This never happened before. I'm not sure if it has anything to do with the recent firmware update. Anybody else seem to be having this problem? I am able to get the DHCP server working again by restarting the Time Capsule or by setting the computer or device that won't connect to a static IP. Really curious why this seems to be happening…
Thanks for all the help guys

I am having the same problem with the same setup: a 2011 Time Capsule and an Airport Express. I've had my Aiport Express hooked in for about 2 years, so I know it is not the problem. The only difference I have is the DHCP will stop working on the ethernet, but still work over WiFi from the TC. Rebooting the Time Capsule fixes the DHCP issue.
I am running version 7.6.4 in the Time Capsule.

Apple Airport Express problems

Recently had my computer crash, it's a Dell. Before that I was using airport express with no problems to stream music from iTunes to remote speakers. Airport was located in a closet next to the receiver, which it was plugged into. Computer was in another room. Got my computer back and all the settings were still there, iTunes opened and recognzed the remote speakers. But the speakers only get recognized intermittently. Sometimes they work and I can stream music, sometimes they don't work and the speaker option from the pull down menu in iTunes is grayed-out. In addition, I can't connect the Remote app on my iPod touch, which I was able to do before. I have no virus protection software so there could be new settings. Anyone have any tips? Also the Airport Utility has problems recognizing the airport, so I had to plug an ethernet cable into it just to set it up.

+So I assume I should change that my modem to a channel that isn't being used.+
Yes, not only a channel that is not being used, but a channel that is as far away from the other channels in use as possible since channels overlap somewhat.
Sounds simple. But, since so many newer routers allow their users to "hide" their network, it's quite possible that you may be experiencing interference from a network that you cannot "see". That's where you just have to try different channel settings to see if one works better than another.
Unless you can connect your AX to your modem by ethernet, you probably would not want to setup the AX to create a separate network. If you don't connect it to a modem, it can still be configured to create a wireless network. But, you'll have to switch to that network for AirTunes and the network will not have an internet connection. And then, you will need to switch back again to your regular network for internet. For most users, it is much easier if the AX simply "joins" their existing wireless network.

AirPort Express problem on MacBook Pro

I'm having problems connecting to the internet via work place LAN while booted up in Lion. Sometimes I can go into settings preferences or what ever that's called and get it to work by trial and error but it's very difficult. Right now I'm using AirPort Express connected to the LAN but I get the same problem when connecting directly to the LAN. And again I can sometimes get conection by trial and error but with great difficulty. What's strange though is that when I boot up into Windows 7 bootcamp I get a connection emediately with no problems.

I had the same problem. The Airport Express (used to provide ethernet access to a G5) would join my b/g 2.4Ghz network (from Dual Band Airport Extreme) instead of the 5Ghz "n" network (from same Airport Extreme)
Oddly, when I changed my Dual Band Airport Extreme from "802.11n only (5GHz) - 802.11b/g" to "802.11n only (5GHz) - 802.11b/g/n" my Airport Express would join the 5Ghz network fine.
This seems to be somewhat finicky, but i've got it working the way I want at the moment with the current settings:
Airport Extreme:
Create Wireless Network
802.11n only (5GHz) - 802.11b/g/n
Channel (Manual) 161, 1
Use Wide Channels
Airport Express:
Join Wireless Network

Airport Express Problems w/Setup Assistant

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