Anyone used Airport Express as bridge w. wireless router other than Apples?

I have my QS 867 hardwired to my highspeed modem and a Netgear 624GT wireless router attached. My PB has been having trouble with the signal in certain spots due to all the jazz about the alum interfering w. the antenna. When I try to setup the Airport Express with my Netgear network and use the Airport as a bridge/range extender, it does not recogize the Netgear router. It seems to specify in the instructions that you MUST use an Airport Extreme Base Station. Is this true? Has anyone used the Express as a bridge with a wireless router other than the Base Station?

At one point in time I did have an Airport Express working in WDS over WEP with the Belkin F5D7230-4 and F5D7130. It's unsupported and difficult to get setup. It tends to causes them to lock up and need to be rebooted.
We ended up just dropping the Belkins and getting more Airport Expresses as the Belkins couldn't support doing WDS over WPA (which we've since moved too).

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How do I use airport express to extend my wireless network?

How vcan I extend the range of my wireless network using Airport Express?

It appears that you may have "join a wireless network" and "extend a wireless network" mixed up a bit.
The Express can "join" virtually any wireless network produced by any manufacturer's router if it is provided with the correct settings:
name of the wireless network
the correct wireless security settings
and correct password.
"Join" is normally used for AirTunes or to connect a USB printer to the Express for remote printing.
But, the Express does not provide any additional wirless coverage when it "joins" another wireless network.
Apple's "Extend a wireless network" feature, which was introduced about 5 years ago, allows the Express to connect to another Apple "n" wireless router and then "repeat" or "extend" the wireless signal....providing more wireless coverage in the area where the Express is located.
This is a proprietary setting. Apple says it will not work with devices from other manufacturers. To our knowledge, this is correct.
Prior to 2007, Apple used a setting called WDS to allow the Express to be configured to provide more wireless coverage. Attempts were made by a number of manufacturers to standardize the WDS settings, but things were never finalized.
The result is that Apple's older "b/g" routers were sometimes compatible with WDS settings from another manufacturer. There were a handful of products....5 or 6, as I recall....that were said to work. Some did, some didn't. Linksys had a couple of models, Netgear had one, SMC another, etc. Extremely limited.
Since WDS was never adopted as an industry standard, manufacturers developed their own WDS settings. Compatibility was extemely limited and unreliable. That continues to this day with WDS.
Bottom line....It is always best to stick with the same manufacturer throughout your network as far as routing is concerned.
If you have an newer "n" Apple router like an AirPort Extreme, the Express can extend the wireless as can along Extreme. If your Extreme is dual band, and you want to extend both bands, then you need another Extreme.
Another responder suggested to someone that they could connect the AirPort Express to a router via Ethernet. What exactly would that achieve?
That is a completely different subject since this discussion is about extending a wireless network using wireless only.

Using Airport Express to extend my wireless network

I recently purchased a Time Capsule but found that I could not see the wireless signal from my bedroom. To solve this I purchased an Airport Express to extend the range. I plugged the AE into an outlet in my bed room and set it up to join my existing network. Everything looked fine from the point of view of the Airport Utility. Unfortunately my iPod Touch still can not see my wireless network from my bedroom. I new iPad can see it but the signal is very weak, even when I hold it right next to the AE. Is there a setting I missed?

Rick, welcome to the discussion area!
I plugged the AE into an outlet in my bed room and set it up to join my existing network.
You need to configure the AirPort Express to "Extend a wireless network". The AX does not provide any additional wireless coverage when it is set to "join".
First, you need to check a setting on your Time Capsule as follows:
AirPort Utility > Manual Setup > Wireless tab (below the icons)
Make sure there is a check mark next to "Allow this network to be extended"
Update to save any changes
On the AirPort Express move it close to the Time Capsule for configuration:
AirPort Utility > Manual Setup > Wireless tab
Wireless Mode = Extend a wireless network" (Hold down the option key on your Mac if you do not see this choice appear when you click the selection box).
Wireless Network Name = Same name as your Time Capsule Network
Check mark next to "Allow wireless clients"
Security = Same setting as your Time Capsule
Password = Same password as your Time Capsule
Confirm Password
Update to save settings
The AirPort Express can only "extend" what it "receives". Most users position it too far away from the main router and consequently, the Express extends a weak signal. Try a location that is about 1/2 to 2/3 the distance between the Time Capsule and the area that needs move coverage. Then experiment a bit to find the best signal.
Post back on your results.

Airport Express with Belkin N1 Wireless Router

I saw Airport Express and am very interested to buy this. However, before I proceed to buy, it would want to see if it can work with my Belkin N1 Wireless Router and how.
Preferred setup is
DSL Modem <-> Airport Express <-> Belkin N1 Wireless <-> Laptop
Can anyone advise
1. Can Airport work with Belkin N1 Wireless Router?
2. How do i setup the above configuration?
If this can work, I'm going to get one immediately!! =D

Welcome to the discussions, Richard!
Preferred setup is
DSL Modem <-> Airport Express <-> Belkin N1 Wireless <-> Laptop
The <-> is normally a display for an ethernet connection. The AirPort Express only has one ethernet port, and it will be used to connect to the DSL modem in your example.
So, it would not be possible to connect the Belkin device the AirPort Express using <-> ethernet.

Can I use airport express without connecting to a router?

I hate trailing a long wire across my room just to listen to music through my (old but still fantastic) stereo system. I share a house with friends and our router is in the living room.. does the airport express need the router to work? sorry if this is a dumb question, there just doesn't seem to be an answer anywhere!

You do not need the AirPort Express to connect to a router in order to stream iTunes. In its default mode, the AX provides a standalone wireless network. You would just need to connect to this network to stream. The drawback, of course, is if your are getting your Internet access via another wireless network, you would have to switch networks to perform either.

Anyone used Airport Express to use hotel wired connection for iphone wifi?

I'm thinking of getting a Airport Express to take overseas. It appears a lot of hotels offer free wired internet access but charge for wireless.
Anyone done this?

Yes. You connect Airport Express to the hotel room's ethernet connection. You have the Airport Express distribute IP addresses (NAT). You can then connect computers and devices to your Airport's wireless network.
Some hotels don't have wireless but charge for wired. Using an Airport Express in this manner allows you to connect more that one device for the one charge.

How do you set up streaming music using airport express ethernet cable vice wireless function

I have successfully connected my home stereo system to both my music library and my wife's library and I am using the remote app on an ipad. It works great. However, I would like to disable the wireless function of the airport express and use ethernet cable to stream the music. Can this be done, and if so, how. I have found the instructions for the old airport admin untility, but the options are not the same using the newer airport utility.

I have the "n" type. The AX is hard wired to a router that comes off the cable modem. The iMac is also wired to the router so I believe I have solid ethernet continuity between the iMac and the AS. I have the AX connected to the stereo now. The wireless works great, just wanted to see if there was a noticeable difference in sound quality if I run the sound wired vice wirelessly.

Airport express and the existing wireless router problem.......

Ok,
I have a wireless router working fine in my house in fact i'm using it right now with my old
12" G4 power book to send this message, but i have recently bought a mac pro and totally forgot to put an airport card in it when configuring it. (oops) so i have bought an airport express to link the mother ship up to the internet and network but with no joy so far!!!
can anyone help,i understand to do this the airport is set to "Bridge Mode" but i still can't get the bugger to work.
Please help.
(step by step instructions would be great)
Message was edited by: alphasonic

alphasonic, Welcome to the discussion area!
Is your "wireless router" an AirPort Extreme base station (AEBS) or another AirPort Express (AX)? If not, you probably will not be able to do this.
The Ethernet port on the AX is active ONLY when the AX uses WDS to wirelessly connect to a network. Unfortunately most (nearly all) are NOT compatible with Apple's WDS and therefore this is not possible.

Airport express to conect to wireless router

Hi I'm try to use my airport express on an imac with no in-build wireless which I want to use as a 'surf and write' for my daughters. The imac is running 10.3.9, and I've connected the Airport express via the ethernet cable. I used the airport admin utility to set the Airport express to connect to a network, and I've been trying to use Network set up assistant to link it into to my 2Wire homeportal. Can anyone help with this? Is the possible? If so, where do I find all the right settings?
Cheers.

Duane,
thanks very much for explaining the relationship between wds and the AEX ethernet port. I just switched to att uverse which provides a 2wire DSL router. My old ist gen iMacG4 was connected to the old network via an AEX (airport express) wirelessly connected to an ABS (airport base station). If I connect the ABS via ethernet cable to the 2wire router, can I bridge to the AEX and my G4 at the same time extending my wireless coverage?
Thanks
David - Dallas

"no valid IP address" error airport express as bridge with Dlink router

Hi there
I've read through many many posts and am unable to find the answer to my issue. I am trying to use my DLink DR 615 router as my main wireless router and then connect my airport express (brand new - n connection) wirelessly as a bridge. I would then connect my WD Live box to the ethernet port and connect the stereo connection to my receiver for itunes. at least, that's the theory.
Right now, I can't even connect. when I go through the manual process, I selected "connect through wireless network" and left the "configure IPv4" as "using DHCP".
problem is that it comes up as my wireless device does not have a valid IP address. Can someone help me step through how to make this work?
thanks so much!

Suggest that you start over by holding in the reset button until the amber light blinks quickly. Hold another second or two and release.
Temporarily, connect an ethernet cable from your computer to the AirPort Express (AX) to help with the configuration. You can disconnect the cable when you have the AX configured.
Open AirPort Utility, click Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab below the row of icons
Set Wireless Mode to "Join a wireless network"
(If you don't see this choice, hold down the option key on your computer as you click the selection box)
Wireless Network Name...the name of the wireless network created by your DLink should appear as a choice. Click to select.
Put a check mark in the box to Allow Ethernet Clients
Wireless Security...must exactly match the security settings of your DLink network
Wireless Password...must exactly match the settings of your DLinkk network
Click Update and AX will restart in 15-20 seconds.
You can move the AX to the desired location and hook up the ethernet cable. If your DLink is compatible with the ProxySTA function, you will connect.

Using Airport Express with an ATT DSL router

July 10, 2012
Hi All! The following thoughts are for
     1) those of you who use ATT DSL as your internet service-provider, and
     2) who wish to stream iTunes songs from your computer to speakers in other rooms via AIRPORT EXPRESSes, and
     3) are wondering whether you have to purchase a separate Apple Airport Extreme base-station, or can simply use your exisiting ATT router.
Having just spent several days and many hours on the phone before Apple's tech "Dan" was finally able to get my system up and running, I thought some of you might appreciate my sharing the following info while it's still fresh in my mind.
1. You may need to update your ATT router to the latest version, in order for it to properly communicate with your AIRPORT EXPRESS(es) (henceforth shortened to "AEs"). The AEs use 802.11n speed. My original ATT router (a 2Wire 2701HG-B) was no faster than "-h," and this might have been part of the problem as to why my system wouldn't work. I went to my local AT&T store, and got their latest router: as of this writing, a Netgear "Westell" Model B90-755025-15, which can run at both the slower speeds as well as the faster "-n." To find out some of the specs of my router, an Apple tech had me type in the 10 digits of my Gateway IP Address into the address-bar (no need for the "https://www") and "Presto!", up popped several pages of info on my router.
2. When first setting up your AE, it needs to be back in "default mode." If it's right out of the box, you don't need to do anything. But if, like me, you've already made several attempts to get it running, then you need to reset it to its pre-configured state, You do that by taking a bent paper-clip, and inserting one end into the little hole on the ports-side of your AE (near where the mini-plug of a speaker-cable is inserted). While the device is plugged in, gently press the paper-clip into the hole until the light on top blinks amber QUICKLY, the flashes coming in rapid succession. Then remove the paper-clip, and the AE will glow solid amber--meaning it's waiting to be re-programmed.
3. When first setting up your AE, do NOT attach an ETHERNET CABLE from the router. The only cable that needs to be attached is the mini-plug cable running to some sort of portable, powered speaker. For myself, to make things easier, I brought my AE and my new Sony RDP-M5iP speaker/dock into the same room as my Imac & router. That way, I'd know immediately if the AE was working correctly.
4. After you've clicked on your Airport Utility App (hard drive TO Applications TO Utilities folder), you'll soon come to a page that asks you to name your AE (this page calls it a "base station"). Before you do that, you should see a button in the lower left-hand corner that says, "Other Options." Click on it. You'll then be given a choice of "Creating a New Network" or "Choosing an Existing Network." You want this 2nd choice--because you indeed are planning to use your ATT router's exisitng wireless network.
5. Shortly, you'll come to the page asking you to name your AE. Call it, for instance, "Family Room Speaker." As for password, at first I--as well as virtually all of the techs with whom I spoke--thought I should type in the multi-digit ATT router-password (called a "Wireless Network Key"). But finally, "Dan" told me to simply type in, "express1" (or, for my 2nd AE, "express2"). That did the trick!
6. Your AE should now be glowing green on top. Plus, on the 10x6" dark-grey rectangular box displaying the globe (i.e., your main internet connection), the globe should have a now-green glowing circle to its left. And underneath, it should be displaying a rectangle named "Family Room Speaker" (or whatever name you've given your Airport Express).
7. When you now open iTunes, you should see a little blue rectangle (with a triangle in its middle) in the lower right-hand corner of your iTunes box. Click on it, and it should show listed both your computer-speaker as well as your AE speaker(s), plus a heading called "multiple speakers." Click on "multiple," and it will bring up a box displaying all your now-current speakers. Check the small square next to any speakers that are unchecked, and a volume-slider will appear. Bring them all up to a comfortable level. Then click on an iTunes track you'd like to play and, viola!, you should hear music playing both from your computer and from the portable speaker to which your AE is attached.
8. Now close iTunes. Then unplug your Airport Express and--if you have a 2nd AE-- plug them both back into your power-strip. Go thru the set-up steps in your Airport Utility App for this 2nd AE. At the end of it, both AEs should be glowing green on top, and both should be displayed on your computer-screen.
Now re-open iTunes, and start a song playing. (Don't forget to click on the blue rectangle at the R-hand bottom, and activate the new AE speaker.) By inserting your speaker cable alternately into each of the AEs, you should be able to verify that, yes, both are now working.
9. Unplug both AEs, and bring them to whatever room you want to use them in. Plug them in to a wall outlet, and run your mini-cable from the AE to the speaker. Give the AEs a few minutes to pick up the signal once again from your ATT router; when they do, their lights will change from amber back to green. Tech Dan warned me to keep them away from too much metal, to avoid interference. As soon as they turn green, you should now be hearing your iTunes track playing thruout your house! (If not, you may have to first close iTunes on your computer, then re-open it, and start a new track playing.)
The BOTTOM LINE: no, you don't have to purchase a separate Apple Extreme to be your base-station. Your ATT router--if it's running at the 802.11n standard--should be able to work with your Airport Express(es)!
My thanks to Sean and Cameron and Chris and, most especially, Dan, the Apple techs who patiently worked with me to get this system online.

I am GREATLY appreciative of this overview. Even though I don't understand a lot of it. I will keep working through. I am-- have for 2 years-- had terrible connectivity with AT&T's service & 2Wire router. My MacBookPro keeps dropping the signal. I'm talking every few clicks at times. Husband's PC drops it, too, but not nearly as much as the Mac. I'm sure what you posted can help us get better connectivity.

Airport Express not working with wireless router

I just bought Airport Express to play music on my stereo. My PC running XP is connected to my wireless router (TeleWell TW-EA510v3) with ethernet cable and airport express wirelessly. Problem is that Airport Utility (and iTunes) can't find AE if it's not connected to router with ethernet cable.
I can connect to AE from Aiport Utility by "configure other" option so it's connected to my wireless network correctly.
Is this kind of set up even possible (pc wired to router and AE wireless)? I have tried tried WEP, WPA/WPA2 and no encryption on my wireless network and AE connects ok every time but Airport Utility still can't find it. I even tried to make a WDS network but AE was not compatible with my router. Now I can't come up with anything else to try.
Is there anything else to do? Should I buy WLAN adabter to my PC and would AE work then?
Why can't Apple make Airport Utility to recognise AE with given IP like with "configure other" option? Should not be too hard to program?!
Message was edited by: -MTL-

Follow the isntruction lisetd below...they work.
Actually, the ae is a slick device, once you get it to work.
Make sure that one (or both) checkboxes in Airport Utility > Airport Express tab
(middle of page) are not checked...if one or both are checked, they limit (hide) wireless connectivity options (e.g., WEP-64) to choose from.
P.S. You must have patience: it may take a couple of minutes to establish the connection and turn the led to solid green. So, give it a chance.
===============================================================================
OMG!!! You are da man!!!
I have this streaming perfectly now!! Here is what I did for others to see and use (it does work perfectly)
Step 1) Clear/Reset the Airport Express
Step 2) Connect the Airport Express directly to the Router/Modem via Ethernet to set up Wireless
Step 3) Do it via the Manual Set-up Effort Listed Below following:
AirPort > Base Station
o Base Station Name: <rename or leave default>
o Base Station Password: <enter desired password>
o Verify Password: <re-enter desired password>
o Remember this password in my keychain: (optional)
o Set time automatically: (unchecked)
AirPort > Wireless
o Wireless Mode: Join a wireless network
o Network Name: <existing Linksys wireless network>
o Wireless Security: <select the encryption type of the existing wireless network> I have 64bit WEP
(Same as 40bit on the drop down menu)
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)
Once it congratulates you, unplug the ethernet cable
Verify in Aitport Utility that it still recognizes (if not, repeat the above). Note this may take a few minutes, so be patient.
Now place the airport express with your stereo (or whatever) and again be patient as it tries to find the network
(mine took 4 minutes) then it turns green and you are off listening to music on your stereo downstairs in another room.
Frustrating when it does not work at first, but keep trying and it will work!!
Thanks everyone for your help!!
===============================================================================

HT1731 Help installing Airport Express with Netgear N150 wireless router? I hav

Hi,
I just purchased the newer Airport Express (new) and am having issues using it in client mode with my Netgear N150 wireless router. All I want to use it for is streaming itunes from my aluminum macbook to my home stereo system, wirelessly.
I have followed the instructions that came with the device. No luck. I have followed the instructions that describe plugging it into an ethernet cable here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1731
With the apple instructions linked above it would connect fine to my existing wireless network, using airport utility, with 'excellent' connection, but when I tried to switch in itunes to my device from my computer i get the pinning wheel and an 'unknown error' occurs.
I have setup a new wireless account and password on my router as desribed at this page, but do get confused when it tells me to use the hex key and $. Haven't worked that out yet. Any advice would be appreciated if this would help.
http://hints.macworld.com/article.php?story=20041017233832771
At best, after hard resetting the device several times, and following the instructions above at macworld, it now finds the device but only plays one blip second of a song, flashing amber from solid green, sometimes playing a second blip of a song, then pausing the song and switching to a flashing amber. By restarting my computer or opening AirPort utiliy I am able to find it again, but it either only plays one second of a song and drops again or turns green and is not able to be found at all by itunes (the button doesn't show up in the menu).
This is the second airport I have tried in 2 years. I purchased a used one and had nearly the exact same issues with a linksys router. Then it would play an album but reset if a song was paused.I had to hard reset it nearly every time i wanted to stream from itunes to my stereo. I assumed it was broken and sent it back. Figured I 'd give it a new go around with a new unit since i just moved into a new house and am now shocked at how difficult it is to set up. I have never had this many issues with an apple device.
My questions:
1) How can I set this up with my existing router? What am I doing wrong?! Why is it so difficult?
2) If not possible, what routers are compatible? I would gladly get a new router in order to stream music to my stereo from ITunes.
thank you for any assistance. i am pulling my hair out.

Try temporarily disabling the Windows 7 firewall, and then, try accessing the AirPort with the AirPort Utility again.

HT1126 Can I connect the Airport Express directly to my wireless router?

The old owner of my house set the Air port for my use, gave me a password ... when I tried it, the password never worked.
DO not want to lose my old wireless system as it allows me to do more than just the Air Port.
should I reset the system?

can i connect the airport express into an ethernet port in the wall
I assume you are asking about obtaining an Internet connection here.
First, temporarily turn off the wireless on a laptop and connect the laptop to the Ethernet wall jack with an Ethernet cable. Can you log on to the Internet this way?
If yes, then you can connect an AirPort Express to this Ethernet port and configure it to provide a wireless signal for multiple devices.
If no, then you can connect the Express, but you will not have an Internet connection.

Problem configuring Airport Express to AT&T wireless router

How do I connect my Airport Express to an existing AT&T wireless router to extend the range?

I was told by a Best Buy sales person that...
If only I had a nickel for every time I heard that.....
A long time ago Apple sent diplomatic mail to Best Buy informing them of this wrong information.... unfortunatley looks like Best Buy paid not much heed to it.
BTW, the reason Apple had to contact Best Buy on this, was because AppleCare was getting bogged down by clients calling wondering why their routers were faulty... since they could not extend third party routers.

Anyone used Airport Express as bridge w. wireless router other than Apples?

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