Airport Extreme + Airport Express and Max Speed. Does my solution work?

So, I am setting up a new network, with these parameters
1) Extreme - main station, broadcasting dualband 2.4Ghz 802.11b/g/n and 5 Ghz 802.11n
2) Express - to extend network
3) Max Speed!
So from what I've read, I could "simply" do this
On the Extreme set to broadcast SSID "XYZ" on both 2.4/5
On the Express set it to Extend "XYZ" on either 2.4 OR 5, not both.
And then presto, network. However, I'm thinking this is way to simple
So my question is
1) Does the Exteme only broadcasts one network on both bands? I have seen that some posters have suggested to broadcast "XYZ" on 2.4 and then call another "XYZ 5 Ghz". If I want to maximize throughput for all devices, what should I do? Range is not an issue, both signals are perfect.
Cheers

First, there is no assurance that 5 GHz will provide you with higher throughput if the signal has deteriorated due to distance or obstructions. It is not unusual to see the 2.4 GHz band providing better throughput if the signal must pass through a few walls to reach the Express.
The point is this....the Express will choose the best signal quality based a complex formula of speed and noise. If it "sees" a better signal at 2.4 GHz, that is where it will connect. If the 5 GHz signal is of high quality, the Express will connect at 5 GHz.
Your computer will do exactly the same thing. If you are in the same room as the main router, it will connect to 5 GHz. Walk the laptop down the hall past a few rooms and around the corner and it will most likely connect to 2.4 GHz.
If you have a Mac laptop handy, move it very close to the area where you plan to install the AirPort Express. Hold down the option key on the Mac while you click on the fan shaped AirPort icon at the top of the screen. Look at the Channel information to find out whether the laptop is connected at 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.
That will be a good indication of the band that the Express will connect to. What are your results when you try this?

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Airport Express and Time Capsule-setting up manually worked

I tried to add my Airport Express to my existing Time Capsule network (for printing and music) using the Airport Utility setup assistant, but could not make it work. I see many posts here that seem to have similar problems. I got it to work by setting up the Airport Express manually according to the instructions in this Apple support document (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1731) called AirPort Express: How to join an existing wireless network in client mode. I can't say exactly what made it work, but a key seems to be following "Step 2. On your computer, join the wireless network created by AirPort Express" so that you're working directly with the Airport Express.

Hi Yoreilly:
i'm not sure just what setup is right for you. and i'm sure the newer Airport Express is way improved over mine (got mine few yrs ago). but my Airport express works as extension from your Time Cap Wi-Fi. Airport does not put out wireless Wi-Fi signal on it's own.
1> if yours can take your phone line & send out Wi-fi signal on it's own, then more power to you/ & you could sell back your Time Cap & just have a WD backup drive, or seagate external drive for less.
2> otherwise, your airport express needs to connect to your Time Cap, to answer you #2.
3> usually the application helps where you have dead spots in your house, or your location of Time Cap can't reach places in your house where U need Wi-Fi signal, or where you can't thread an ethernet cable out to your printer or device.
not sure how you are setup with your wireless printer now. but if your setup allows you to print by only using the Airport Exp, sure you can use the TimeCap separately as it's own Back-up drive. the thing is it has Wi-fi capability that you wouldn't be using with that setup.
hope this helps, & didn't confuse,
m

Extending network with Airport Express and Airport Extreme (latest models) causes chaos on network

Today I upgraded from my several year old Airport Extreme (3rd gen) and 2nd gen Airport Express to a new (what you'd buy on the shelf today) Airport Extreme and Airport Express. All airports are updated with the latest firmware and I'm using windows 7 for configuration.
The intention is to use the Airport Extreme as the main router, also serving wifi. And extend the network using the express. As such, the following has been done:
The Airport Extreme is configured for automatic channel, and automatic radio mode. I tried to select 802.11n 5 ghz and 802.11 n 2.4 ghz only, but it won't take the changes. Additionally, it wont' accept me using only channel 6. Not sure why, but I digress. The airport extreme is not set to broadcast a separate name for the 5ghz network.
The Airport Express is configured to use bridge mode, use an existing wireless network and is connected to my network on it's WAN port (the circle icon on the back) with ethernet. The password and wireless name used in configuration is the same as created initially on the Airport Extreme.
Initially I did the configuration of both airports on my computer, connected by ethernet to ensure stable connectivity while I inputted settings. During this, they appeared to accept the changes fine. However, when I moved the airport express to it's destination (other side of my house), the entire network went crazy.
Internet became slow, and often wouldn't load pages. This was on wired and wireless connections. When I attempted to administer the Airport in the Utility, they would not load, an error would occur. Also, at one point the Airport Extreme had renamed it self with a (2) at the end. Which was super odd. So far, the only solution has been to unplug the Airport Express and attempt to devise a solution.
Anyone have any ideas? Of course, I will continue to tinker with this, but it seems realllly strange. The previous setup was also extended (granted, using wireless only, not ethernet > wireless) and worked fine, granted it was a smidge slow, but it worked.

I wanted to add this.. I followed the guide here: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4260 to extend using ethernet, and the above is the result.
I just tried re configuring in OS X Mavericks and got the same, odd, result.

Time Capsule, Airport Express and Xbox Live

Recently I went out and bought a Time Capsule 1TB hoping to extend my wireless network. I knew that Apple products wouldn't usually help extend a DLINK network so it came as no surprise when I could not extend my DLINK network. My solution was to buy a new Airport Express, disable the wifi on the DLINK router and extend the Airport Expresses network via the Time Capsule.
The current situation is: DLINK <-> Ethernet <-> Airport Express Wireless Time Capsule <-> Ethernet <-> Xbox360
The issue is the Time Capsule as far as I can see. For apparently no reason it will change from a solid green status light to a flashing amber status light. Signing my Xbox into Xbox Live seems to be a trigger, but the Time Capsule goes amber even when the Xbox isnt on at all. When it does change to flashing amber I am no longer able to detect it within Airport Utility and as such am unable to diagnose the issue. Any help would be appreciated.

Here it works fine. I have a Time Capsule connected to my ADSL modem. I had to buy an all new Airport Express 802.11n, though, because my old AE could not extend my network.
On an all 802.11n setup you just check the "Allow this network to be extended" on the master (Time Capsule), and choose "Extend a wireless network" on the remotes.
The X-Box is connected with an Ethernet cable to the Airport Express, and connection to X-Box Live works fine.
Good luck!

Using Airport Express and Extreme Together

I have the old Airport Express and have just bought the latest Extreme. I'm sure Extreme will work fine with my iMac but am not so sure it will work with my G4 Powerbook as it does not have the recommended software requirements. Is there anyway I can setup a network using both the old Express and the new Extreme?

Welcome to the discussions!
Your old AirPort Express is a "g" wireless device while your new AirPort Extreme is a newer and much faster "n" wireless device.
If you are asking if you can use your old AirPort Express to "extend" the wireless from the AirPort Extreme using wireless only, the answer is yes....BUT....your new AirPort Extreme will drop down to old "g" wireless levels if you do this.
The setup procedure for this is quite difficult and frustrating for many users. To get an idea of what is involved if you want to try this, see this link for the procedure:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2355832&tstart=0
IF...you are able to connect the AirPort Express to your AirPort Extreme using an ethernet connection, the setup will be much easier to accomplish and your AirPort Extreme will maintain faster "n" speeds on the wireless. Post back for more details if that is a possibility.

Airport Express (and Airport Extreme) shuts down every now and then

So here's the deal,
I'm using an Airport Extreme as my base station (internet, printer, external hardrive). I'm also using an airport express (for airtunes) that is set up to join my existing network that I have created with my Airport Extreme.
Every now and then, the Airport express disconnects becomes non responding and starts to flash yellow. The strange thing is that even though my Airport Extreme is still showing a green light - this does not work either.
To resolve this I must unplug both Airports, restart Airport Extreme and then make my network. After that I can restart my Airport Express and join my existing network and everything works well for a day or 2 and then the same happens again.
What is going on? I mean even though I have found a solution it is timeconsuming and not very elegent. I would rather not have disconnections:-)
Look forward to hearing from you bright guys!
Message was edited by: Skibsted

Skibsted wrote:
I don't think I have a power issue since I have a lot of electronic connected to the same plug and they are working fine.
I have not tried to use the Airport Express alone but I have of course thought about doing that to narrow down the problem.
I don't have inteference.
How do I check if my neighbours are using the same channel?
There are a couple of programs out there. The one I have used is called iStumbler. http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/11753. This will show the networks around you and the channels they are using along with other things.
The distance from the AEX to my Airport Express is like 10 inches!
Having an access point close real close to a client will cause some interference itself. Also you had mentioned you had the AEX plugged into the same stip or outlet with other equipment. This can also cause interference and issues.
The firmware is the latest.
I can say that I think I have found a solution though. When I install my Airport Express I hit the "use to extend my network" instead of hitting "join existing wireless network".
It had been working flawlessly ever since (4 days)
I think extending a wireless network is only used if you have 2 AEBS or more. You would use WDS to extend the range when using an AEX but since you are not using it for that you set it right by joining a network.
Thanks

Trying to extend by 802.11n airport extreme using a 802.11n airport express and the express is flashing amber, trying to extend by 802.11n airport extreme using a 802.11n airport express and the express is flashing amber

trying to extend my wireles network using a 802.11n airport extreme and pluging in a 802.11n airport express and the express is flashing amber not solid green
what am i doing wrong
btw I have airport utility 5.5.3

trying to extend my wireles network using a 802.11n airport extreme and pluging in a 802.11n airport express
Can you clarify what you mean by "plugging in"? Are you saying that you are pluggin in an Ethernet cable to the AirPort Express from the AirPort Extreme?
Or, does "plugging in" mean wireless?

Questions about AirPort Express and Extreme!

I have BT Infinty and the hub is situated in the living room. What I want to do is extend the wi fi to my room which is around 10 metres away.
Are you able to connect the AirPort Express to the network and then create a network for the AirPort Express for my MacBook Pro to connect to?
I have two options and questions
1. Buy a AirPort Extreme and replace my BT hub with that. Then use an AirPort Express to extend the wi fi. But when you extend the wi fi does it mean that when I search for a wireless hotspot from my Mac I connect the the AirPort Express? Or is there a way of making the AirPort express to have a different name?
2. Use my Bt hub and buy a AirPort Express and connect it to my Infinty Connection. BUT is there a way of making a hotspot for the AirPort Express for example
my Infinity connection is named Bt-Infinty2356
I use the AirPort express to connect it and extend the wifi
THEN is it possible to make a hotspot named "AirPort-Express-Muppet" for me to connect from my Mac?
Thanks

I have no experience with the "BT Infinity Modem" and "BT HomeHub", but I assume that they are two separate units?
If yes: connect the modem direct to the Extreme by ethernet cable.
If it is a "combined" unit: connect the Extreme by ethernet cable to one of the ethernet slots on the hub.
In both cases set the Extreme to "Create a wireless network".
Use a Airport Express to "extend a Wireless Network", and extend the Extreme.
Do not expect the Airport Express to extend the BT hub wireless network, because it will not work.
In both cases you have two wireless networks: one from the Hub and one from the Extreme.
Off the record: I have the same situation in France with the "Livebox" (Orange) that is connected to a Netgear WiFi router: two network: the Livebox is just that, the Netgear is "relayed" through Netgear Routers (Switches) to five areas in the "house". The same in Switzerland, but there I used Extreme and Express units instead of the netgear units.
The Hiome Hub should work fine connected to the modem by cable, and the other network also by connected to the cable. Do not mix the different brands: trouble.

Airport extreme, Airport express and extending

I have an airport extreme connected to internet and an airport express connected to a printer. No matter how I set it up I can not communicate to the printer. I have set up the printer in airport express and it does show up. When I log on to airport extreme and try and talk to the printer I get a communication error. I believe that the extreme and express are not talking. Is there any good documentation on setting this hardware up. Thanks Bob

So the extreme (AEBS) is the main and express (AX) is extending the wireless network?
If that's the case, do you see a stready green light on AX?
If so, the AX has connected to the main network, otherwise, you will see a flashing amber light.
Can you check something for me on the Airport Utility:
Double-click on the AX to open it up, select internet. Does the connection sharing report: "Off Bridge Mode" and grayed out?

My home network has an Airport Extreme w/Time Capsule as the base and then an Airport Express and a second Airport Extreme to reach different areas of the house. Is there a way to use the second Airport Extreme for file storage on this network?

My home network has an Airport Extreme w/Time Capsule as the base and then an Airport Express and a second Airport Extreme to reach different areas of the house. Is there a way to use the second Airport Extreme for file storage on this network? Network is administered through an iMac running OS X Yosemite 10.10.2. Ideally, would like for the second Airport Extreme hard drive to appear on the list of devices in the Finder window.

Ok.. gottcha
The problem is network wise.. Yosemite is about equal to tin cans and string.. pathetic.
Here is my usual set of instructions to get anything working on Yosemite.
The best way to fix problems is a full factory reset of all the AE in the network.
Factory reset universal
Power off the AE.. ie pull the power cord or power off at the wall.. wait 10sec.. hold in the reset button.. be gentle.. power on again still holding in reset.. and keep holding it in for another 10sec. You may need some help as it is hard to both hold in reset and apply power. It will show success by rapidly blinking the front led. Release the reset.. and wait a couple of min for the AE to reset and come back with factory settings. If the front LED doesn’t blink rapidly you missed it and simply try again. The reset is fairly fragile in these.. press it so you feel it just click and no more.. I have seen people bend the lever or even break it. I use a toothpick as tool.
Then redo the setup from the computer with Yosemite.
1. Use very short names.. NOT APPLE RECOMMENDED names. No spaces and pure alphanumerics.
eg AEgen5 and AEwifi for basestation and wireless respectively.
Even better if the issue is more wireless use AE24ghz and AE5ghz with fixed channels as this also seems to help stop the nonsense.
2. Use all passwords that also comply but can be a bit longer. ie 8-20 characters mixed case and numbers.. no non-alphanumerics.
3. Ensure the AE always takes the same IP address.. this is not a problem for AE which is router.. it is a problem for AE which is bridged.. you will need to set static IP in the main router by dhcp reservations or use static IP in the AE which is tricky.
4. Check your share name on the computer is not changing.. make sure it also complies with the above.. short no spaces and pure alphanumeric..
5. Make sure IPv6 is set to link-local only in the computer. For example wireless open the network preferences, wireless and advanced / TCP/IP.. and fix the IPv6. to link-local only.
6. Now mount the disk of the second AE in finder... manually.
Use Go, Connect to Server and type in the AE ip address.
SMB://10.0.1.2
Where you will replace that address with the actual address. The network resource should be discovered and then it will request the password.. type that in and make sure you tick to save it in your keychain.
There is a lot more jiggery pokery you can try but the above is a good start.. if you find it still unreliable.. don't be surprised.
Do as much as you want of the above... not all of it is necessary.. only if you want it reliable.. or as reliable as Yosemite in its current incarnation can manage.
The most important thing is point 6.. mount the disk using direct IP address and not names.. dns in Yosemite is fatally flawed.
See http://arstechnica.com/apple/2015/01/why-dns-in-os-x-10-10-is-broken-and-what-yo u-can-do-to-fix-it/

My airports express and airport extreme have started saying they can't be read by airport utility. How do I fix this?

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HI Guys,
I seem to having a lot of trouble with an Airport express and a Lacie 1TB drive. While I have solved several problems by updating firmware and enabling journalling on the Lacie, I am still having problems with extremely slow performance with my macbook, particularly using itunes and Firefox.
Any ideas and any further information needed?
Regards
BJDprivate

BjdPrivate wrote:
HI,
I formatted it using the Lacie setup program for Mac and later enabled it for journalling using Disk utility. This seemed to solve a lot of the recognition problems I was having, however the I-Tunes and firefox performance is still atrocious. If I do Need to completely reformat it using Disk Utility, will I lose my files on the disk now?
not if you move them to a temporary location before you start.
yes, you are better of formatting the drive with DU.

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What does any of this have to do with the Apple TV?

Hi. Does anyone know ifs it possible to play Spotify on the IPhone through both Airport Express and Apple TV? Whenever I click either/or it just changes the speakers rather play through both? Cheers

Hi.
Does anyone know ifs it possible to play Spotify on the IPhone through both Airport Express and Apple TV?
Whenever I click either/or it just changes the speakers rather play through both?
Cheers

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Airport Extreme + Airport Express and Max Speed. Does my solution work?

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