Can't establish ethernet connection

Question

Current wireless set up:
I have two networks:
1) Internet connectivity via Linksys WRK54G router. The Linksys is connected to my Westell modem via Ethernet connection.
2) The second network has two Airport Express Base Stations. Each is connected to a stereo amp to support Airtunes.
To date I simply switch between the two networks depending on whether I’m connecting to the internet or playing iTunes.
My problem:
I’m trying to replace my Linksys router with an additional Airport Express Base Station. This base station would provide internet access as well as support a network printer for the connected Macs & PCs (iMAc, Macmini, Windows PC, 2 Windows laptops). Hopefully, accomplishing all my task with one network.
I connected the Ethernet line and printer to the new AX base station and began the set up (adding it to my existing Airport network). Once the set up process was completed my iMac indicated that I was connected to the web. However, I was not able to access any live pages. I also noticed that the Ethernet light on my Westell modem was not on (which it is when connected to the Linksys router). During this process I successfully knocked out the connection to my two existing AX base stations. That left me with no connectivity.
However, once I reconnected the Ethernet cable to the Linksys modem (and changed the iMac back to the old network) I had instant Ethernet connectivity (the two stereo base stations were still off line). I tried to powering everything down (modem overnight) but I don’t seem to be able to disconnect the Westell from the Linksys router. I’m in the process of contacting Bellsouth to see how I reset the modem. I figured if I could establish the Ethernet connection, I could then work on reconnecting to the remaining two AX base stations (stereos).
Am I on target? I’m missing something, but I have no idea were to turn.
iMac 17, 1.83   Mac OS X (10.4.8)   Mac Mini, 3 Windows PCs

Answer 1

it sounds like a configuration with your AX. Try setting one of your AXs to function as a wireless router/home network. this should enable the ethernet port on the AX and you can still use it for printing and airtunes. (You're getting the wireless signal from the AX, but your ethernet is disabled.)
for the second AX, try setting that as a client - this will disable the ethernet but keep your printing and airtunes.
There is a doc on setting the AX to client mode.
http://www.info.apple.com/kbnum/n108040
hope this helps
Powerbook G4   Mac OS X (10.4.9)