Can I assign Airport Express to static IP Address?

Question

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

Answer 1

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