Cannot add Airport Express to Airport Extreme network

I keep getting the message "There was an error setting up this Apple wireless device for WDS. Quit Airport Utility and try again." So I've tried a few times with different reset/reboot/configuration changes all to end up with the same message at the end. This problem seems to almost exactly coincide with my update to 10.5.8. At least the Extreme is finally playing nice after I restored it to the factory settings and updated it to v.5.7. This is really frustrating since I pipe my music downstairs through this Express and feed the TiVo.

I'm trying to do the same thing - extend my wireless network from my Airport Extreme to 2 more Airport Expresses. I don't have a solution yet but hopefully between us both and the help of others we can get it.
First thing I realized - I needed to go to settings on Airport Extreme and in the 'Wireless' tab check 'Allow this network to be extended'.
Instead of WDS, I plugged in the new Express and in the 'Wireless' tab chose 'Extend my wireless network' and then chose my Airport Extreme network. Still not there, as for some reason Airport Utility no longer picks up the extremes even though I've got them plugged in right here. Perhaps a reboot after this post and we'll see what happens.
One question to all - does it matter if any/all of these wireless base stations have encryption set to WPA or WEP? Would it affect the Extreme's ability to connect to the Express'?

Similar Messages

I'm trying to activate my Airport Express to a wireless network powered by an Airport Extreme. I get an error message that says I need to Use Airport Utility 5.6. My system is currently running Airport Utility 6.1

'm trying to activate my Airport Express to a wireless network powered by an Airport Extreme. I get an error message that says I need to Use Airport Utility 5.6. My system is currently running Airport Utility 6.1

Is your AirPort Express an older 802.11g model? If so, you will need to install v5.6 if you are running OS X Lion or 5.6.1 if running OS X Leopard or Snow Leopard. Unfortunately, the iOS version of the AirPort Utility cannot administer these older base stations.

After the Airport update today, Airport Utility no longer sees my new Extreme or my 2 new Airport Express relay stations (same network); however, my internet is working and all Airports are green?

After the Airport update today, Airport Utility 6.0 no longer sees my new Extreme or my 2 new Airport Express relay stations (same network); however, my internet is working and all Airports are green? I'm running Lion on my iMac and updated when Airport Utility prompted me to do so a few hours ago. After applying the updates is when Airport Utility stopped seeing my routers. But they are working? Thoughts?

Did you remember to completely power cycle the entire network?
You would want to do this after any update or change to the network.
If you did not do this yet......things are out of sequence.
Power off everything on the network.....all devices.....power down order is not important
Wait a few minutes
Start the modem first and let it run a minute or two by itself
Start the next device connected to the modem the same way
Work your way out on the network starting each device about a minute apart
Check the network

I have an AirPort Extreme time capsule . I need to extend my wifi network range. Which devise is better ?? Airport express or AirPort Extreme ??

I have an AirPort Extreme time capsule . I need to extend my wifi network range. Which devise is better ?? Airport express or AirPort Extreme ??

Since you have the new Time Capsule, then you will need a new AirPort Extreme to match the performance capabilities of the Time Capsule.
If best quality is preferred, you will need to connect the Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme using a wired Ethernet connection between the devices. The advantage of doing it this way is that you can locate the AirPort Extreme exactly where it is needed...and there will be no loss of signal through the Ethernet cable.
A wireless connection will result in a significant drop in performance, but it might be OK for your uses, if you want to try it that way first to see if the performance is acceptable.
It is really important that the AirPort Extreme be located where it can receive a strong wireless signal from the Time Capsule.
A line-of-sight relationship between the Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme would be the goal, with the AirPort Extreme located about half way between the Time Capsule and the general area where you need more wireless signal coverage.

I am trying to hook up my Airport Express to my current network and AirPort Extreme but keep getting the same error message: "This version of AirPort Utility doesn't support this base station. Go to AirPort Service and Support for more information."

I am trying to hook up my Airport Express to my current network and AirPort Extreme but keep getting the same error message: "This version of AirPort Utility doesn’t support this base station. Go to AirPort Service and Support for more information." Any thoughts?

This sounds as if you have an older AirPort Express that is no longer supported by the newer Mavericks operating system.
To check and see if that might be the case, locate the model number on the side of the AirPort Express. It will start with an "A" followed by four numbers. Hard to see in the faint print.....so you may need reading glasses or a magnifying class to see the model number clearly.
Model numbers A1084 and A1088 of the AirPort Express are no longer supported by AirPort Utility in Mavericks.
You will need to use a Mac running Leopard, Snow Leopard, or a PC to be able to administer the older AirPort Express.

Airport Extreme and Airport Express on Ethernet Wired Network

I recently did work on my house and now have the house hard-wired for ethernet. I have an AirPort Extreme in my home office. That signal does not reach past the old part of the house (brick apparently blocks some of the signal). So I want to use my Airport Express in the new part of the house to have wireless in the new part as well.
Currently, I have the Airport Extreme plugged into the network, with the Airport Express plugged into the network in the new room. I get wireless connection in the office, but not in the new room.
I am not sure how to configure the base stations.
-- Do I need to use WDS? I am not currently, because each wireless router has its own independent wired link to the network.
-- Do I need to call the wireless networks by different names? Currently I have them both called the same thing.
-- Do I need to set the Airports for a different channel? Currently I have one on 10 and one on 11.
This should be very simple. Unfortunately, my experience has been that the Express base station is very difficult to configure, very quirky and not for the average user.
BTW, the Express is hooked up to the stereo and iTunes plays through that-- but remember it is a hard wired connection. Also both Airports show up in the Admin Utility, so no problem there.
Thanks.
~aviduser
1. Macintosh SE (1988)
2. PowerBook 180 (1993)
3. PowerMacintosh 7600 (1996)
4. PowerMacintosh G4 (2001)
5. PowerBook G4 12" (2003)
(Oh yeah, and there was the Newton MP2k)
G4 867 Quicksilver Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Do you have another router?
If not:
Connecting them together via Ethernet should be done like this:
Internet -> [WAN] AEBS [LAN] --> AirPort Express
The AirPort Express should so that the option to distribute IP addresses is disabled. The AEBS and Express should have the same network name and encryption configuration. The AEBS and Express should be on different channels.
This configuration will put all the computers on the same subnet. All of the computers will get IP addresses from the AirPort Extreme base station (AEBS).
OR connecting them via wireless should be done through WDS. The hardware connection should be done like this:
Internet -> [WAN] AEBS
The AirPort Express should not be connected to Ethernet.
See KB 107454, AirPort Extreme and Express: Using WDS to create a network from multiple base stations.
If you do have a router, then both AEBS and Express should be configured so that the option to distribute IP addresses is disabled. The hardware connections should be set up like this:
Internet -> router -+-> [WAN] AEBS [LAN]
....................|-> AirPort Express
The AEBS and Express should have the same network name and encryption configuration. The AEBS and Express should be on different channels.
This configuration will put all the computers on the same subnet. All of the computers will get IP addresses from the router.

I just changed the channel on my Airport Extreme and now can't get the Airport Express to recognize the network. What do?

I changed the channel on Airport Extreme to get away from interference. Now I can't get my airport express to recognize the network. What do I do?

I would suggest that you perform a "hard" reset on the AirPort Express Base Station (AX), and then, using the AirPort Utility, reconfigure it "join" or "extend" the AirPort Extreme as appropriate for your networking requirements.

M trying to add a printer to my extreme network however i only get the basic airport utility screen when I click on airport utility ??? Am I going crazy

m trying to add a printer to my extreme network however i only get the basic airport utility screen when I click on airport utility ??? Am I going crazy

OS X Mountain Lion: Set up a printer to print wirelessly
OS X: Connecting a Wi-Fi printer to your Wi-Fi network

Airport express connect to existing network problems

Hello everyone, my thanks in advance for any help you can provide. I know this issue has been raised in various forms both on this forum and elsewhere on the net, however no solution so far has worked for me.
I have been trying to add my airport express to my existing wireless network in order to extend wireless connectivity in my lounge room and provide airplay functionality to my stereo. Previously, with my last router and ISP i had the same setup working fine but now i cannot for the life of me get it working again.
I have BT infinty internet and am using a TPLink WR1043ND router in place of the home hub that BT supplies. My wireless internet connection is fully functionning and everything service-wise is fine.
I have tried to connect my airport express (n) to my network and all seems to go well but despite everything i try i always end up with an express with solid green light that is not recognised wirelessly by airport utility 6.0 or as an output option in itunes. If i connect the express to my MBP via ethernet i can access the express to configure manually but modifying the settings have thus far had no effect. The express is listed in the device list of the router menu and in the express settings has the correct ip issued via dhcp from router, as well as subnet mask and router address. Primary and secondary DNS have been copied from my router settings. Network mode is set to join existing network, correct wpa/wpa2 key is input, and airplay is enabled.
Despite all this seemingly being correct, when i disconnect ethernet connection betwein express and mbp - airport looses the express from ethernet connected devices (obvs) but when i select wifi connected devices it states no configured base stations can be found. The express remains listed in the dhcp client list of the router though and the express green light is there!
I have tried factory reset of the express a number of times and gone through the setup process and receive the same result. I have reset the modem, router, express and powered down the mac a number of times, still to be faced with same result.
I am at a loss and hope that you can help

Okay so i've fixed it....
Decided to bite the bullet and engage Apple support and although the agent i spoke to tried very hard he was as baffled as i was. In the end (after nearly an hour) i was put on to a support manager who simply told me that the Airport Express joining non-apple router hardware is just not supported. A very very disapointing cop out of an answer and a bit of a let down from Apple. So i expressed (no pun intended) my disatisfaction and left the conversation.
Determined not to be beaten i had one final go and lo and behold got it running. Problem was with the firmware on my router! After i updated to the very latest there now seems no problem with the Express.
It was an elementary mistake, i was trying so hard to fix the problem i forgot to check the basics!!!
Hope this helps anyone else who may be having the same difficulty

Error when trying to extend network from airport express to airport express

I have an airport express in my house.
I am trying to connect another airport express to extend the network.
I am following the instructions but keep getting an error when it is resetting itself. I have done a hard reset on the airport express so it is in its default settings.
I see both airports in the left window of the Airport Utility Application.
I select the New Base Station and select Switch to switch the networks.
I then rename and add a password to the new airport express. (continue)
I then select "I want Airport Express to join my current network" (continue)
I then select "Extend the range of my Airport Extreme or Airport Express network" so I can extend the internet connection (Continue)
It then asks me to choose the Airport Express network I want to extend - I get a choice of my "Cameron Network" or "Apple Network xox##xo" which is my new Airport Express. I'm selecting "Cameron Network" - my current wireless internet connection. (Continue)
I am then asked to select the Apple wireless device I want to join from the list.
The only option is "Cameron Airport Express" (OK)
I then get a message "Configuring main network for a new WDS remote"
I then get an error "There was an error setting up this Apple Wireless Device for WDS. Quit AirPort Utility and try again"
I've tried 10 times.
What am I doing wrong??
Thank you in advance for your help!

It sounds like you have an older "b/g" Airport Express (AX) and you have configured the device to "join" your wireless network. When the "b/g" AX is configured this way, the ethernet port is not active.
Follow the instructions to setup a WDS arrangement with both of your AX devices. One must be configured as a WDS "main" and the other as a WDS "remote".
Apple's step by step instructions to do this are found on pages 42-44 in the Designing AirPort Networks Guide
If both of your AX devices are newer 802.11"n" devices, you can use a different type of setup. Post back to confirm if that is the case.

Airport express stopped extending the network

Hi all,
I have had working an Airport Extreme acting as a wifi base plus an Airport Express to extend the network for more than one year and could receive an excellent wifi coverage all over the appartment.
Recently, I decided to update my laptop OS version (an old Leopard) first to Snow Leopard and immediately after to Lion. After lots of software updates, at some point I begun receiving warnings to update the Extreme firmware. I did so and that same day I realized that the Express was not working as network extender any more. I further got frustrated to see that the latest Airport Utility didn't even "like" my Express and I had to downgrade to Airport Utility 5.6 in order to be able to configure the Express.
This was almost one month ago and I have spent many hours and tried all kind of combinations since then. For instance, I checked that the express was ok by creating with it a new network. This worked perfectly. I also reseted the Express to manufaturing defaults several times. I have even created a full new network from the beginning. Nothing works.
Both devices show green lights, but when I'm close to the Express, the BSSID I get is that of the Extreme, not the Express BSSID. I can see the Express in Airport Utility 6 but it is shown as connected to the Extreme with a dashed line.
I don't know what else to try. The worse thing is that even by buying a new Express I don't get any guarantee that the problem won't persist, since the network extension has worked perfectly in the past and doesn't work any more.
Any ideas are welcome.
Best,
Pedro.

I am starting to think that I have a non-functional device.
That is looking like a possibility.
Try a Factory Default Reset if you have not done so already.
Leave the Express powered off for 15-20 minutes
Hold in the reset button first, and keep holding it for an additional 9-10 seconds while you simultaneously plug the power back into the Express
Release the reset button after the hold period and allow a full minute for the Express to restart to a slow, blinking amber light
Try to configure the Express in the same room as the main router. Restart the main router before you try to configure the Express. If it works, then move it further away....but do not reset it....to see if it will connect and behave.
If you still cannot configure the Express after the Factory Default Reset, I think you have a defective Express.

Airport Express Won't Extend Network

I have an AirPort Extreme and I am trying to use my AirPort Express to extend its network. For quite a while, it was working fine. Then, due to some interference issues, I had to change the channels on my AirPort Extreme. Since then, the AirPort Express flashes Amber. I have tried restoring it to its default settings from AirPort Utility, as well as the reset button while plugging it in. My computer detects it, renames it, and automatically chooses to extend the network from the Extreme, but when setup is finished, it just flashes Amber. What can I do?

Ii suggest that you run a few quick tests to try to begin to troubleshoot the issue.
Move the AirPort Express to the same room as the AirPort Extreme to reset and reconfigure the device again.
Do you get a green light that way?
If yes, then unplug and move the Express to a location that is no more than half the distance between the AirPort Extreme and the general are that needs more wireless coverage and test to see if the Express will work reliably at that location.
However, if you cannot get the AirPort Express to work when you configure it in the same room as the Airport Extreme.....and you have reset the AirPort Express several times, then it is time to start thinking about the possibilty that the Express is defective.
Please post back on your results, as it still may be necessary to use a good utility like WiFi Explorer to help analzye your wireless network connection quality and take a look at other sources that may be introducing wireless interference that is affecting your network.

Adding a 2nd Airport Express to extend the network using WDS

I am a bit of a novice, but after I installed an airport express with my d-link wireless router to play itunes on my home stero, the music kept breaking up and stopping. I tried to change the channel, but it said mine was set on automatic and I cannot figure out how to change manually.
So reading apple's suggestions, they said to get another aiport express and extend the network with WDS. I purchased my 2nd express today and have been trying to install it using the airport express assistant. I have had to reset the 2nd express and the original several times. However, what i keep running into is after it gets through all the steps, it asks me for a password for "this basestation". I have read several help topics and it looks like i need to use "public" for this new airport express. I get through that step and then it gives me an unknown error (-6753). Does anyone know what this is? Or is there a way to set-up the 2nd airport express manually? Do I even need a 2nd one? Should I just get an airport extreme? Will that extend the range of my wireless network? Any help is greatly appreciated. I have been at this for about 6 hours now. My wife is going to kill me.

Will the manual for D-Link describe how to set up the
first airport express as a roaming network
No
do that via the apple settings once its connected via
ethernet cable?
Yes
Different channel.
Same network name, same security.
Ensure that distribute IP addresses (under Network) is unchecked.
When this is done, will I still be able to play
itunes through the first airport express?
Yes
Also, then once I do that with the first, then do I
just do the regular set-up for the second as a
network extender via the airport express assistant?
Yes
iFelix

Airport Express no longer joins network

Greetings, I have a cable modem internet connection; I use an older Airport Extreme (802.11n, without Time Capsule) to make a local wifi network with WPA2 Personal security, and an older Airport Express (802.11 b/g, firmware 6.3) to connect a laser printer in a different room.
All was working well until two days ago when access to the internet disappeared. I reset the modem, confirmed that the cable connection was working by plugging a laptop directly into the modem by ethernet, determining that the problem was the Airport Extreme. I discovered the 7.5.2 firmware update which I uploaded, and all seemed well.
However, the 27" iMac upstairs only connected to Airport intermittently; it appeared to have been duplicated in name, as well as only recognized the Airport Express. I've since been able to correct that problem, however, now the Airport Express no longer connects to the Airport Extreme network.
I've tried soft resets (unplugging then plugging back in) and hard resets (pressing the reset button with a paperclip until the amber light flashes, then reconfiguring the device). I've tried setting the Airport Express both just to join the network (printer sharing) as well as extend the network; I also reverted the Airport Extreme's firmware to 7.4.2 which works perfectly well. However, now after each successive attempt to reconfigure the Airport Express to join the network, Airport Utility says that the Airport Express has been successfully updated and will restart, which it never does - it simply flashes an amber light, and Airport Utility eventually times out and says that it was unable to find the Airport Express after restarting, noting that the settings have been successfully updated, but that there is a problem re-joining the wireless network/finding the device. Notably, the Airport Express no longer appears in the left hand list of wireless devices in Airport Utility.
Help!!

Hi pslebow,
You make it sound like there was no change, then suddenly the Airport Express 802.11g lost connection to the wireless network and you can't get it back.
What network security is your wireless network using?
From the specification sheet, "…When joining an existing wireless network, AirPort Express only supports WPA-Personal."
AirPort Express - Technical Specifications
Please make sure your router security is set to match.
iOS and OS X: Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points - Apple Support
If you have older Wi-Fi devices on your network that don't support WPA2 Personal (AES), a good second choice is WPA/WPA2 Mode (often referred to as WPA Mixed Mode). This mode will allow newer devices to use the stronger WPA2 AES encryption, while still allowing older devices to connect with older WPA TKIP-level encryption. If your Wi-Fi router doesn't support WPA/WPA2 Mode, WPA Personal (TKIP) mode is the next best choice.
Best,
Nubz

Help? I keep getting "Unexpected Error" everytime I try to use my new Airport Express to extend my network from my 500GB Time Capsule.

I am trying to extend my network from my 500GB Time Capsule using the new Airport Express I just bought, but no matter what I try I keep getting "Unexpected Error. Try again". The Express is still flashing Amber. I cannot get it to turn green. What am I doing wrong here? Please help me.

Locate the AirPort Express in the same room as the Time Capsule for the setup.
Power off and restart the Time Capsule
Shut down and restart the Mac. Turn on the wireless on the Mac and temporarily disconnect the Ethernet cable from the Mac to the AirPort Express. In other words, you want to set up the AirPort Express using wireless, since that is the way that it will be used.
Hold in the reset button on the AirPort Express for 9-10 seconds and release. Allow a full minute for the Express to restart.
Click the AirPort icon at the top of the Mac's screen and wait a few seconds for a listing of New AirPort Base Station to appear. Just below that, click directly on AirPort Express.
AirPort Setup will open up and take a minute to analyze the network, then announce that the Express will be configured to extend the Time Capsule network.
Enter a device name that you want to use and click Next
Wait a minute while AirPort Setup configures everything, and hopefully announces a message of Setup Complete. Click Done.
Now move the AirPort Express to a location that is about half way between the Time Capsule and the area that needs more wireless coverage. Avoid obstructions in the signal path between the Time Capsule and AirPort Express as much as possible.
Walls, ceilings, mirrors, heavy furniture, etc. just kill the wireless signal quality. Keep any cordless phones as far away from either router as possible.
It would be much better if you could plan to connect the Time Capsule and AirPort Express using an Ethernet cable, as best case.....you will be losing about half of the network speed trying to use wireless to extend.

Is there any proof that Airport Express really extends a network?

I've been using various Airport Express devices since their inception, always on extended Extreme networks. Yet I've never been able to demonstrate with any certainty that the network is genuinely extended. I seem to get the same range with or without Express plugged in. Has anyone seen any objective evidence, any third party test, proving that Express really extends a network?
At this point I have an Express about 50 feet from the base in a frame house: no brick or concrete between. I get maximum bars in the room with Express, whether or not it is plugged in, and there is often considerable delay in web page loading, whether or not Express is plugged in. The device doesn't improve things appreciably.

Two quick things to check using AirPort Utility on both devices:
On your "main" base station
Open AirPort Utility - click Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab/label located just below the row of icons
There must be a check mark next to "Allow this network to be extended"
Click Update to save your changes.
If you don't see this option, you likely have an older AirPort Extreme that does not support the "extend" feature. Please clarify on the version that you have
On your AirPort Express
Open AirPort Utility - click Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab
Wireless Mode = Extend a wireless network
Wireless Name = Same name as your main network
Check mark next to "Allow wireless clients"
Wireless Security = Same setting as your main router
Wireless Password = Same password as your main network
Confirm Password
Click Update to save settings
If you do not see the "Extend a wireless network setting", you may have an older AirPort Express, or if you are sure that you have a newer 802.11n model, try holding down the option key while you click on the selection box to see if the "Extend" setting will appear.
Assuming no major obstructions between the main router and area that needs more wireless coverage, a good starting location for the Express would be a point that is approximately half the distance between the main router and the area that needs more coverage.
As I said, this feature works very well if major obstructions do not come into play.

Cannot add Airport Express to Airport Extreme network

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