Airtunes Skips, Client Mode Stinks

I live in a building with free wireless internet (a white Netgear WG602 54Mbps) and I have my Airport Express in Client Mode and connecting to the Netgear network. Airtunes is unusable! It skips constantly and I don't know what to do.
I want to use the internet through the Netgear router and stream to Airtunes directly! Is there any way to do that? What does the Express have to go through the Netgear router and back? That seems silly.
Any tips?
Thanks in advance!

Hi,
This is what I did in your situation:
1. Disconnect AE from the power plug.
2. Restart my wireless modem (dsl).
3. Reset AE (factory default - http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=108044).
4. Use 'Airport Setup Assistant' to join AE with my wireless network (client mode). I choose a 40-bit password for the AE.
5. Use 'Airport Admin Utility' to change the wireless option to "Use Interference Robustness". I also used this option with my airport. I have heard that using interference robustness may or may not help with the audio dropouts. You may choose whatever suits you best.
6. I downloaded the Airport Express firmware version 6.3 even though the AE already had that version.
7. Restart AE from 'Airport Admin Utility' whenever airtunes skips (once in a week or two).
(I hope you have the latest software update.)
Good Luck.
MacBook Pro Mac OS X (10.4.8) Power Mac G4, iBook G3

Similar Messages

Airport Express - Airtunes Audio Dropouts in client mode

The last week I spend trying many tips from this and other forums to get my Itunes running without dropouts, without any results. Heres a list what I did:
Firmware downgrade to 6.1.1.
Disabled IPv6
Increased Buffer Size in Itunes to BIG
Let OnyX runover
Disabled Dashboard
I works fine in Network Mode, but I cannot connect to Internet, and I would like to listen and surf...
My config: Netgear Wireless router, Airport Express and MacBook 2Ghz Intel Core Duo.
Sometimes it seems that playing directly from CD causes less dropouts - allthough the amount of data is much higher.
I also noticed that my windows XP laptop produces much less dropouts than MacBook, it reconizes even the remote speakers in Itunes, allthough there is no Airtunes software installed. I tried to install Airtunes there, but it didnt recognize AE, allthough it found the new network, well..
The system itself is rather new and with 1,5 GB of Ram it should be running like a rocket...
I think the problem is either that there is not enough bandwith, maybe Airport reserves an amount for netsurfing, or there is a hardware problem with the build in Aiport, that cannot stream continously audio in client mode.
No neighbor networks here, no microwave however there is a satelite dish cable, but this must disturb Aiport even when running in Single Mode, do I think wrong ?
Some users report that the dropouts occured when updating Itunes...what should I do ?
Send back to apple or wait for an update ?
Will apple take care for the few MacBook Core Duo Users or invest more in the newer series ( Core 2 Duo ) ?
Any help much appreciated. Greetings, Walter
Mac Book Intel Core Duo 2Ghz 1,5 GB Mac OS X (10.4.8)

After further testing it figures out that the problem seems to be at the Hardware of the Airport Express.
When running in client mode, the green light is flashing always, so data seems to be sent correctly from MacBook - also from a PC Laptop. So MacBook´s Airport is OK. The dropouts appear, allthough the light is continously flashing.
When running the seperate Network MAC and PC stream perfectly.
Now I´m sitting here, listen to music from PC and surfing with my MacBook...
I also tried to connect the second Network via WDS and configure the Internet Connection to my existing Network via WDS and use the AE as a remote Base Station - doesnt work, because it doesnt like the dynamic IP Adress of my Netgear Router, I think AE needs a fixed one, I wonder why AE could not handle a dynamic IP...
The other question is, if configuring Internet with WDS would solve the problem ? - I think that is the same problem just from another side, Airtunes and Internet on one AE, and the AE could not handle that...what do you think ?
If the Internetconnection breaks for 1 second it doesnt matter, but you hear that when airtuning music...
Thanks for any statements.
Mac Book Intel Core Duo 2Ghz 1,5 GB Mac OS X (10.4.8)

How to Connect Airport Express to Existing Wireless Network (Client Mode)

I am posting this for everyone tearing their hair out trying to connect the Airport Express to your own existing home wireless network. After spending 2 hours last night installing this on my father-in-law's home network, I hope to be able to save someone else the agony we went through.
So here's the situation:
Say you already have your own home network set up, and all you want is to be able to use AirTunes to play music off iTunes into your speaker system. And, you don't need the printer sharing capability nor creation of another wireless network (2 of the features of Airport Express). Then this solution is for you - read on.
Unfortunately, Apple's user manual is very unclear how to connect Airport Express to your own network. When you look at the picture diagram they provide, they show Airport Express picking up its signal from another Apple-oriented base. This can make you think you need to buy another piece of hardware to make it work. DON'T If you read through the manual, the Support section here, etc., you will hear lots of talk about "Client Mode" - and that this is the only way to get it to work. Nice - but no one really tells you how to set up the Airport in client mode.
Do yourself a favor, toss that user manual aside and run these steps.
(Note: These directions assume your DSL/Cable Modem is hooked up to a wireless router or acts as its own wireless router)
1. Get a cat5 Ethernet cable (anything but an orange cable - that's a crossover cable) like you would use to connect your PC to your router to pick up the Internet.
2. Connect the Ethernet cable to the router on one end, and to the Airport Express unit on the other end.
3. Plug in your Airport Express unit to the wall (this will not necessarily become its permanent location - you will be able to move it later). The light will glow solid Amber for about 30-45 seconds while it starts up, then blink Amber. At this point, the unit is ready to operate.
4. Install the CD to the PC where your iTunes music is stored. This should be painless. Once you open the program, it should detect the Airport unit.
5. At this point, the on-screen wizard will present you with your options, and walk you through the setup. This is much like the user manual describes - and you should be good to go form here forward.
Some pointers:
- When asked if you want to create a new network, join an existing network, or connect via Ethernet, choose the middle option for joining an existing network. You will need to know the name of your network, the password to connect to the network (if present), and the type of encryption used on the network (e.g. WEP, WPA, etc.). Side note, WPA is recommended, as it is a higher level of security than WEP. You will be able to configure the Airport Express unit to automatically login to your network.
- I would recommend, when creating a password for the Airport Express unit, use the same password as your network, to avoid confusion.
6. The very last step will ask you to save the settings to the Airport Express. Here's the kicker - when you save the settings, you are TRICKING the Airport Express into no longer acting as a network broadcaster, but instead being a "slave" to your own network. What do I mean? You will lose the connection from your PC to the Airport Express - an error message will pop up telling you the unit can no longer be found. While you might think you did something wrong, you actually were successful!
7. Unplug your Airport Express, and disconnect the Ethernet cable from your router and the Airport unit. This will no longer be needed.
8. Go to your desired location where you want to plug in your Airport Express unit. Before plugging it in, connect your Audio cable from the Airport Express to your audio receiver. Once that is connected, then plug in the Airport Express unit. The light will glow solid Amber for 30-45 seconds while it loads, and then will blink Amber for a brief period of time before turning solid GREEN. When this happens, you have successfully connected the Airport Express to your home network!
9. Go back to your PC with iTunes. Open the Airport software - you should now have a listing for your Airport Express unit in the upper left. Click on this, and the wizard will guide you through connecting - you will need the password you created for the unit. You only need to go through this wizard once, and when finished, the software will tell you that can now use iTunes with your Airport unit.
10. Open iTunes. On the lower right, you will see a dropdown for Speakers, and it should be defaulted to My Computer. Click on that drop-down, and you will see the name of your Airport unit. Click on that name, and now your music will broadcast to the Airport unit!
11. Play a song in iTunes. Go to your audio receiver, and connect it to the channel for your external connection to the Airport Express unit. You should hear your music from iTunes. CONGRATULATIONS! =)
I hope these instructions were helpful - I am happy to answer any questions, so feel free to contact me, *******************@*****.**.
<Edited by Moderator>

Thanks for the detailed directions. You are absolutely correct in stating that people should toss the user manual; it's pretty worthless. I have had a problem setting up my new Airport Express as I have described in an earlier post - http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1839873&tstart=45
One quick question - does using your setup process set the AE up as part of a distributed network where the AE is acting as a wireless router where it is extending the range of your network? Or, is it simply a wireless connection to your stereo for iTunes? I am interested in having both, since my AE will be at the other end of the house from the main wireless router.
Thanks

Airport express (802.11n) in client mode: works fine but problem

Hi,
I use the airport express in client mode on my existing wireless network (router netgear dg834n and macbook pro).
The client mode works fine: I have connected it to my existing network with WPA2 security system and also mac adress filtering in the router.
I also have connected the Airport express via ethernet to my satellite receiver and it is always connected without interruption, and always green.
BUT
i always lose the possibility to use airtunes. I mean: When I go to itunes or if I try to connect to the airport interface, I can't. I have to plug it off from electricity, and plug it on again, wait the connection, and I can have access and use itunes. Then, If my Mac goes into sleep mode and then wake up again, I lose the airtunes connection and the connection to the interface. Meanwhile, the light is still green and my sat receiver connected.
Please help me!
Thanks
Moda

Instead of using WDS, you should take advantage of the "Allow this network to be extended" option that is available for the 802.11n AirPorts including the TC. WDS only operates in the 802.11g radio mode.
Here's the basic setup:
o If practical, place the base stations in near proximity to each other during the setup phase. Once done, move them to their desired locations.
o Open AirPort Utility and select the base station that will connect to the Internet.
o Choose Manual Setup from the Base Station menu, or double-click the base station to open the configuration in a separate window. Enter the base station password if necessary.
o Click AirPort in the toolbar, and then click Wireless.
o Choose “Create a wireless network” from the Wireless Mode pop-up menu, and then select the “Allow this network to be extended” checkbox.
o Next, select the base station that will extend this network, and choose Manual Setup from the Base Station menu, or double-click the base station to open its configuration in a separate window. Enter the base station password if necessary.
o Choose “Extend a wireless network” from the Wireless Mode pop-up menu, and then choose the network you want to extend from the Network Name pop-up menu.
o Enter the base station network and base station password is necessary.
o Click Update to update the base station with new network settings.
(ref: Page 46 of "Designing AirPort Networks Using AirPort Utility).

AirPort Express in client mode with WEP

I just bought an AirPort Express that I'd like to use in client mode so I can stream music from my laptop to my stereo. I have an existing wireless G network supported by a Netgear WGR614v4 router, using 64-bit WEP encryption. My laptop is a Dell Studio 15 running Vista Home Premium, and it has a Dell Wireless 1387 card.
I know there are some reported issues with AE and WEP encryption, but for whatever reason my laptop doesn't connect to WPA networks, so I'm stuck on WEP. I've been using WEP 64-bit, so I attempted to setup the AE to work with that. The AE was connected directly to my Netgear router, and I installed the AirPort Utility software on my Dell laptop. Went through the setup, entered my WEP passkey, and then got to a screen where I clicked "update AE" or something of that sort. It then showed a windows with some upload bars on it that made it look like it was doing something, but it finally resulted in an error message saying the AE could not be found following the update. After looking for help, I stumbled across the following thread:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1765010&tstart=0
which in Step 6 he mentions this "error" is normal. That gave me hope, so I disconnected the AE from the router and moved it to the other room where my stereo is. Plugged in the mini cable, then plugged the AE into the wall and allowed it to run its setup sequence. Eventually I had a solid green light, so I figured I was in good shape.
Problem is that I then opened the AirPort Utility software on the Dell laptop to complete the setup and activate AirTunes, but the AirPort Utility doesn't show the AE connected. If I log into my router utility though, it does show the AE as one of the devices on my network, so somewhere there is a disconnect. After reading some more, I realized I could manually connect via AirPort Utility by entering the AE IP address and password. Tried this and it seemed to work because it showed the info for my AE, but when I closed that window it was gone. I figured maybe that's just a bug with AirPort Utility, so I closed it out and went to iTunes, hoping to see the option for selecting AE as the audio output, but it's not there.
I've tried almost everything I can think of, but I'm having no luck. At times I feel like I'm even making negative progress because I'll start everything from scratch and it will get hung up at a step earlier in the process. For instance, right now I've just restarted from scratch and the AirPort Utility can't even connect to the AE to do the initial setup. For some reason, following a Factory Default Reset, and with the AE connected directly to the router, it now boots up to a solid green light, shows up in AirPort Utility under a default base station name, yet the AirPort Utility can't connect to modify my wireless settings.
Does anyone have any advice?

1) are both the LAN and WAN ethernet ports available or only one of them, the LAN port presumeably?
Both ports operate as LAN ports in this type of setup, since the Express will be configured in Bridge Mode automatically.
2) If you unplug the ethernet cable momentarily to connect a different device, does the AX drop the wireless connection or is it maintained?
Wireless will be maintained, but you may need to power off and restart the Express.
Better practice would be to power off the Express before you disconnect the cable(s), connect the cable(s) again, then power up the AirPort Express.

Airport Express disconnects every 5mins (Client Mode)

Hi all,
I recently bought an Airport Express (n) so I could stream music to my Hi-Fi and bridge my Xbox 360.
I have configured the AX to connect to my existing wireless network which is served up by a Billion 7800n router (G+N mode).
However, every 5 minutes it disconnects from the network, here are sample of the logs..
Dec 16 06:29:45 Severity:5 Installed unicast CCMP key for authenticator 00:04:ed:9b:bf:39
Dec 16 06:34:59 Severity:5 Disconnected from network.
Dec 16 06:35:05 Severity:5 Joined BSS 00:04:ed:9b:bf:39
Dec 16 06:35:05 Severity:5 Installed unicast CCMP key for authenticator 00:04:ed:9b:bf:39
Dec 16 06:40:10 Severity:5 Disconnected from network.
Dec 16 06:40:16 Severity:5 Joined BSS 00:04:ed:9b:bf:39
Dec 16 06:40:16 Severity:5 Installed unicast CCMP key for authenticator 00:04:ed:9b:bf:39
Dec 16 06:45:21 Severity:5 Disconnected from network.
Dec 16 06:45:27 Severity:5 Joined BSS 00:04:ed:9b:bf:39
Dec 16 06:45:27 Severity:5 Installed unicast CCMP key for authenticator 00:04:ed:9b:bf:39
Dec 16 06:50:33 Severity:5 Disconnected from network.
Dec 16 06:50:38 Severity:5 Joined BSS 00:04:ed:9b:bf:39
Dec 16 06:50:39 Severity:5 Installed unicast CCMP key for authenticator 00:04:ed:9b:bf:39
Dec 16 06:55:44 Severity:5 Disconnected from network.
Dec 16 06:55:49 Severity:5 Joined BSS 00:04:ed:9b:bf:39
I'm using WPA2 AES encryption, wireless is on a non-competing channel and the airport is only 2-3 meters away from the router in the same room.
Things I've tried are upgrading Router firmware to latest (1.6), switching Wi-Fi channels, enabling B mode on the router (BGN) but nothing seems to work.
I don't think it's interference as it disconnects almost every 5 minutes which suggests some config/hardware issue.
Anyone have any ideas? I've hit a brick wall.
Thanks...

Update:
This appears to be by design? - connection doesn't drop when using AirTunes/Airfoil which is what I bought it for.
However I thought the Ethernet port wouldn't work when used in Client mode (according to the FAQ). I was able to connect my Xbox 360 to the AX when in Client mode using a network cable and it is able to connect to Xbox Live. When doing this it drops off on the 5 minute intervals when the AX disconnects and reconnects.
I guess if I used AirTunes at the same time as the X360 it would work.
Would be nice if it worked as a stable bridge in client mode as I could bin off my other wireless bridges. Never mind - I ain't forking out for another AX so I can use "Apple's" WDS.
Message was edited by: MonkeeBoy_UK

Airport Express- Client Mode- No Audio out to speakers

I have configured the Airport Express (AE)to Client mode to connect to my existing wireless network, including configuring WPA security. The AE powers up (eventually showing a steady green light) and attaches to the wireless network and I can see its two MAC addresses on the Netgear router/access point to which the AE is attached. I can ping the AE and receive replies. Thus, I conclude the AE is in fact attached to the network.
When I start iTunes 6.0.1.03 and try to select the speakers associated with the AE, no audio output is available on the AE. Audio can be played frm iTunes to the laptop speakers and/external speakers attached to the laptop docking station. I have been able to briefly send audio from iTunes via the AE to my stereo. However, I cannot consistently activate the audio feed (via wireless or wired Ethernet) to the AE and obtain audio line output.
After some online research, I noticed iTunes/Airtunes audio streaming can only be directed to the computer speakers or the powered speakers attached to the AE, not both. I have tried turning the laptop speakers off, but still no audio output is received from the AE.
Suggestions appreciated.
Don

No, I am not running any firewall, VPN or Internet monitoring software. Yes, I can see the Airport Express using the Airport Admin Utility. I can open the AE settings and all appears to operate as described in the documentation. I have even tried to reset and re-configure the AE, but the results have not changed.
The only observation I have of operation contrary to the documentation is when selecting the "speakers" button" at the bottom right of the iTunes window. The button changes to indicate selection of the stereo and speakers connected to the AE, however there is no audio output from the AE. I also connected iPod headphones to the AE line out port- same result, no audio.
Don

Existing wireless network in client mode

Hi,
I' m trying to join my existing wireless network in client mode. I' ve followed the directions of "AirPort Express: How to join an existing wireless network in client mode"(http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302153) with success, but when i try to play a song, itunes can' t join the network. I' ve try to configure it again but airport admin utility can' t scan it.
Thanks

Hey I am having the same problem.
I have a home network with a netgear router I am following the instructions to join the existing network. After I join I can play music over airtunes but I do not have Internet access. I restart the Airport Express and then my computer and now I get Internet access but I can see there is a base station connected but it timesout when I try to connect to it.
What did you do to fix it?

How can I set up an AirPort wirelessly in client mode on a roaming network?

I recently set up a roaming network within my office using a RADIUS server for access control. I have multiple airports connected to our broadband via ethernetcable providing a seamless network over a large space. It works great.
However, now that I've done this, I can't get one of my airort expresses to work as a wireless music box with speakers plugged in. This airport is in a location that has no ethernet nearby, which is fine because I just want to use it to play music, not extend the network. It's MAC address is configured in the RADIUS server as an authorized device.
I've tried this "client mode" setup, and a variety of other combinations of settings like making it part of the roaming network as an extender, with no avail:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1731
Everything I've tried gives me the "AirPort Utility was unable to find your AirPort wireless device after restarting" message, and my AirPort has only a yellow light.
It seems the AirPort Express is totally incompatible with a roaming network. Is there any way to make this work?
Thanks,
Rob

Before we get into details here, do you understand that the Express will not be be able to "extend" the Xfinity wireless network wirelessly?
The Express can only extend a network wirelessly from another Apple AirPort router. Another way of saying the same thing is that if you want to "extend" wirelessly, you will need two Apple AirPort routers.
The Express will need to be permanently connected to the modem/router using an Ethernet cable if you want it to extend the Xfinity network.

Join AirPort Express to D-Link DGL4300 router in client mode not working

I only want to be able to stream iTunes to my AirPort Express via my existing network which is controlled by my D-Link DGL-4300 router.
My AirPort Express works as an iTunes streamer because I tested it running its own network (ignoring the existing D-Link network). I am trying to connect in client mode (I think), but my D-Link router just can't see the AirPort Express which seems to disappear off the radar after it restarts with the new settings.
This is what happens...
1. AirPort Express Hard Reset
2. Connect to Airport Express wireless network (which disconnects me from my D-Link DGL4300 wireless network “K1000578”)
3. Run AirPort Utility and enter “Assist Me” mode.
4. Set AirPort Express name and password then click continue.
5. Select “I have a wireless network and want to add AirPort Express or replace an existing device on my network” then click continue.
6. Select “I want AirPort Express to join my current network”
7. Select the name of my D-Link DGL4300 network “K1000578” from the drop down box, select WPA/WPA2 Personal wireless security type and enter the DGL4300 password, then click continue.
8. Click Update in the summary screen.
What happens then is...
MESSAGE BOX “Apple wireless device restarting. Please wait...”
MESSAGE BOX “Connecting to network ‘K1000578’. Please wait...”
AirPort Utility returns with a message advising that although the device was successfully updated, AirPort utility was unable to find it after restarting. It also suggests that I made need to reselect my network for the AirPort menu and try again.
My computer is now unable to even see the AirPort express device.
When I try to reconnect to my existing DGL4300 network “K1000578”, it says that the settings saved on this computer for the network do not match the requirements of the network. !! ***!!
I can fix the last part above by deleting the connection information for my DGL4300 and searching for it again. BUT HOW ON EARTH DO I CONNECT MY AIRPORT EXPRESS TO MY NETWORK?!!
I am able to connect my PC directly to the AirPort Express (if I set it up as its own network) and successfully stream iTunes, but this means I have to disconnect from my DGL4300 network also which means I won’t get internet on that machine and I can’t use my iPhone Remote App.
This is my second experience with Apples “it just works” philosophy. MobileMe was my first. Guess how I’m feeling!
Any help at all is kindly appreciated.

I forgot to mention, I have turned off the MAC address filters on my router, so that's not the cause.

Airport Express Ethernet Port in Client Mode Please

Hi,
I am writing here as I can find anywhere to post feedback on Airport Express. I would really like to see the Ethernet port work in client mode. I am sure not the only one (a search on the net tells me so). If someone from apple could explain why this is not possible, I would be interested so that this subject can be put to rest.
Thanks.

Simple reason - Apple's engineers made a design decision not to support it. Speculation as to the reasons for that decision are not permitted in these forums. Apple won't tell us here either, since their employees don't post to these forums on matters of this nature.
As I suspect you are aware, the ethernet port is active when the Airport Express is configured as a remote base station in a wireless distribution system (WDS).

Does the WAN port in client mode on the Airport Express?

On an Airport Express (2012 version, 802.11n), has anyone tried the following configuration? Is the WAN port active in client mode? Do you have any suggestions on this or similar configurations?
I am trying to use Airplay to stream music to two Klipsch G-17 speakers. As I have discovered and also documented by Apple on their web page http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4587 in the section
"Connecting to an existing Wi-Fi network as part of a legacy WDS or Extended Network", this is true "Due to the overhead required for this configuration, you may expect AirPlay drop-outs such as intermittent loss of audio."
Configuration now:
All Airport Expresses are the 2012 802.11n version with a LAN and a WAN port.
There is one Airport Express in a home basement. It is connected to an Internet connection. This Internet connection goes into this home basement.
There is a second Airport Express on the second floor of this home.
Now, both Airport Expresses connect fine with the "extend network" option. There is wifi coverage throughout this home. All works fine until Airplay is used to stream music to these two Klipsch G-17 speakers. There are intermittent and persistent pauses. I am experiencing the what Apple documented in this kb article. I am not able to connect the two Airport Expresses with an ethernet cable. I cannot run a cable from the basement to the second floor.
Has anyone tried this following configuration? Or is there a different configuration that would work, and if so, could you provide the configuration details?
1. Connect the first Airport Express via client mode to the second, second floor Airport Express.
2. Set the network default gateway to the first, basement Airport Express.
The attempt is to eliminate the extended network, with its Airplay dropouts. And allow access to the Internet via the wifi network.
- end -

If the Express joins a wireless network wirelessly, in other words its WAN port isn't connected to anything, the correct way to connect a wired client to it is by using its LAN port.
I don't know what would happen if you were to connect a wired client to its WAN port instead — it's just not supposed to be used for that purpose. It won't permanently break anything if you were to try it though. If you were, the worst that would occur is that your network would become unresponsive as packets continuously traverse its WAN port in a circular fashion, which might require that you power down your router to reset your whole network.
If you are already using your Express's LAN port and you need another, the way to provide more ports is to purchase an inexpensive ($10 or so) switch. Connect it to the LAN port and as many other pieces of equipment as the switch's available number of ports.
You're correct about the first generation with the single Ethernet port. It could be used in either capacity depending on its configuration.

AirTunes (Multiple Speaker Mode)

AirTunes (Multiple Speaker Mode) does not show up.
AE firmware has been updated to 6.3
using Itunes 7.02
Mac osx 10.4.8
I just updated everything to what you see above, I have gone into system preferences, my firewall is off, and udp traffic blocking is unchecked.
I cannot see Multiple speaker mode, but it does list my computer and an external set of speakers, which I can connect to individually but cannot connect to both at the same time.
Any help would be appreciated.
mini mac Mac OS X (10.4.8) Itunes 7.02, firmware update 6.3 for AE

While running iTunes, the small button in the bottom right corner where you choose your output. Click on this and there is an option to connect to multiple speakers. I just updated all the same things as yourselves yestarday and that is how i found it to work.
Pinkster

Does the ethernet port work when the using airport express in client mode?

I am considering using an airport express to extend my existing wireless network to a room where I can't get a cable to.
I will need to connect a at least 3 devices to the airport express.
The questions are:
- is an airport express the right answer to this problem?
- if so, does the ethernet port work (AE on client mode) as a passthru into the main network?
- can I plug a hub to it?
Thanks
RFSF

Hi Tesserax,
Really appreciate you taking time to respond.
I stopped by the Apple store this weekend and one of their sales people ( not one of their genius bar people) told me NO to all questions. I tend to believe more answers from people in this forum but just realize that I have not mentioned one possibly important point:
the main AP to which I will be connecting the airport express is not an Airport Extreme/Express AP.
Thanks,
Ricardo.

AirPort Express cannot connect in client mode when encryption used

I'm trying to set up my brand new AirPort Express in client mode to stream my music wirelessly to my receiver, which is on another floor of my house. I can't get it to associate with my Linksys WRV200 wireless router when using any kind of encryption. It works fine with encryption disabled, but I really don't want to leave that kind of security hole in my network.
-Equipment-
AirPort Extreme - v6.3 firmware
AirPort Admin - v4.2
WRV200 - v1.0.12 firmware (latest version)
Dell desktop with Windows XP SP2 (Running iTunes 6.0.5.20)
Dell laptop with Windows XP SP2 (running AirPort Admin)
IBM laptop with Fedora Core 5 (for connection testing)
-Procedure-
Various encryption methods were set on the WRV200's primary SSID and matching settings were set on the AirPort. All changes to the AirPort Extreme were done wirelessly with AirPort Admin 4.2 on Windows XP SP2+latest updates. Here are the changes from default that I made on the AirPort:
AirPort Tab
-Name and password were changed
-Wireless mode was set to "Join an existing wireless network (wireless client)"
-Network name was changed but stayed consistent throughout the tests
-Security setting was changed for each test
Internet Tab
-DHCP or manual IP were specified depending on the test.
Music Tab
-"Enable Air Tunes" was checked
-A name was given to the share
-Results-
No Encryption - iTunes sees the AirPort Extreme and can stream music to it. This works in both DHCP and manual IP mode. Interestingly enough, when set to DHCP, it grabs the same address as the manual one I input, which isn't the next one in sequence for the DHCP server (192.168.1.250 instead of 192.168.1.103)
128 bit WEP - Flashing orange light on the AirPort, no DHCP lease, no connection. Still doesn't work when a manual IP address is provided.
WPA2 Personal - Solid green light for 10 seconds, then two amber flashes and back to solid green. I can see association requests in my router's log every 10 seconds or so while this is going on. The strange light pattern only happens when a manual IP is selected. I still see the association requests when DHCP is selected, but the light on the AirPort just flashes amber all the time.
I know that the router's working correctly as my Linux and Windows laptops can DHCP and connect to the Internet with WEP or WPA2, but for some reason I can't connect the AirPort Express to the wireless router when I use encryption. I'd switch out the Linksys box, but I don't know of any other consumer-level wireless routers that allow multiple simultaneous wireless SSIDs.
Does anyone have a suggestion of what to try next?
AirPort Express Other OS

One of the problems with WEP is that the actual standard relies on a 10 character HEX key for 40bit WEP and a 26 character HEX key for 128bit WEP.
In order to make things easier for people, vendors use certain algorithms to convert simple alphanumeric passwords (or passphrases) into HEX keys, thus enabling people to use simple memorable WEP password rather than lengthy HEX keys.
The problem is that different vendors use different algorithms to generate the HEX key and therefore a ASCII password on an AEBS will be hashed differently on a Netgear client and vice versa.
One thing is a 13 character 128 bit WEP password will be hashed by all vendors in the same way (if you use 40bit WEP then a 5 character password is required).
Though sometimes not even that works and the HEX key must be used regardless.
AirPort: Joining an encrypted wireless network
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106424
Choosing a password for networks that use Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=108058

Airtunes Skips, Client Mode Stinks

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