Connect Airport Express to existing Wireless

I have a USR5461 feeding DSL broadband wireless and wired to 3xMac and 2xPC. I want to feed iTunes to my stereo and from what I read this is possible using the Airport Express. I am a bit wary though since the manual does not state this particular configuration and has the caveat on WDS.
My question is, can the Airport Express be connected to an existing non-apple wireless to use AirTunes? I know I can't use it for extending my network. I only want the AirTunes function and possibly the print function.
Thanks
iBook G4 1.33 1.5Gb / iMac C2D 20" Mac OS X (10.4.8) Dell Latitude 600 Windows XP Pro

My question is, can the Airport Express be connected to an existing non-apple wireless to use AirTunes?
Yes, you configure the AirPort Express (AX) to join the wireless network as a client. The instructions are in KB 302153, AirPort Express: How to join an existing wireless network in client mode.

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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

Can't connect Airport Express to existing wireless network!

I just got my new A Express. i try to wirelessly join an my existing network but when it restarts it doesn't see the device. It's i'm trying to set it up so that I can use it as a wireless printer connection for my two macbooks, but all i end up with is the flashing amber light. I've tried a hard reset and that's clearly not solving the problem.
i'd welcome some help as well.

for some reason i had a problem with my airport in my laptop and it couldnt find networks that are hidden.. so that might be the problem the encryption.

Can't Connect AirPort Express to existing WPA network

I just bought an AirPort Express and I can't connect it to my existing Wireless network where I use WPA based security.
I've both tried to use the Configuration guide and done it manually with the Admin tool but it just will not connect to my Wireless network.
Less of changing form WPA-PSk to WEP128 I think I have tried "everything".
Any ideas?

Can you changed your router to use WPA:TKIP as opposed to WPA:AES?
When I changed my router to WPA:TKIP, my airport express connected, but with AES it doesn't!
This is not good, since according to Wikipedia, AES is superior and considered part of WPA2, which Apple claim they support (and yes I am using firmware V6.3)!
Hope this helps!

Cannot connect airport express to existing Verizon DSL Network

Hi all,
I have just purchased a 802.11n Airport Express. The purpose was to extend my current wireless network and to rock tunes. I currently have a wireless DSL modem connected to Verizon via ethernet. The modem is a GT704WG verizon dsl wireless modem. When I try to use the airport utility and go through the set up I am told that the AE cannot connect to the network. During the setup it does see my current wireless network and asks for the password which I provided. But still it doesn't work. Is there a compatibility issue here? Will a 802.11n AE work with an existing modem?

Hello ferrjerr. Welcome to the Apple Discussions!
Which wireless encryption standard are you using on the Actiontec GT704-WG Gateway? WEP or WPA? If using WEP, I strongly suggest switching to WPA as WEP is no longer considered secure. If you are already using WPA, please try temporarily disabling it to see if the AirPort Express Base Station (AX) can now join the Actiontec's wireless network.

Connect Airport Express to existing network

How do I connect an Airport Express to an existing network router?

The "Extend a wireless network" setting mentioned in other posts in this thread will not work unless you are connecting to another Apple wireless network.
Download and install AirPort Utility 5.6 for Mac OS X Lion . You can keep both AirPort Utility 6.x and 5.6 on your Mac and use the version that you need.
Perform a Factory Default Reset on the AirPort Express as follows:
Power off the Express and wait a minute or two
Hold in the reset button on the Express and keep holding it for an additional 9-10 seconds while you simultaneously plug the Express back in to power
Release the reset button and allow 40-45 seconds for the Express to restart
Temporarily, connect an Ethernet cable from your Mac to the Express
Open AirPort Utility 5.6, select the Express, and click Manual Setup
Click the Base Station tab below the row of icons to assign a name and device password to the Express and adjust Time Zone settings
Click the Wireless tab and adjust as follows:
Wireless Mode = "Join a wireless network". You may need to hold down the option key on your Mac while you click on the Wireless Mode selection box to locate the "Join" setting.
Wireless Network Name = Same name as your main wireless network
Enter a check mark if you want to be able to connect an Ethernet device to the Express
Wireless Security = Exact same setting that your main wireless router is using
Wireless Password = Same password as the main wireless network
Verify Password
Click the Update button.
As soon as you see the message that the settings have been stored on the Express, close AirPort Utility and disconnect the Ethernet cable
Wait 40-45 seconds for the Express to restart. If your settings are correct, you will have a green light on the Express. You can now locate it where it will be needed, assuming that it will be able to receive a good wireless signal at that location.

Which cable to use to connect airport express to existed wired network

Hi all, I just purchased the airport express base station to create a wireless network over my existed Verizon DSL wired network. Could anyone tell me which cable I need to set this up? Will 10/100 ethernet cable work?
Thanks a lot!

Hello njminnie. Welcome to the Apple Discussions!
I just purchased the airport express base station to create a wireless network over my existed Verizon DSL wired network. Could anyone tell me which cable I need to set this up? Will 10/100 ethernet cable work?
Yes.

Connect airport express to existing netgear wtg624

I'm trying to set up AE to use airtunes on existing netgear wtg624 security enabled 64-bit wireless network and it's NOT WORKING!
1. connect to the AE via ethernet cable
2. select 'connect to my current wireless network'
3. select 'join my wireless network' in order to play itunes thru my remote speakers.
4. select my wireless network name. I am prompted that the settings have been detected on my computer and it will be used for the AE setup. I select yes.
5. key in my wireless network password and verify, and name my AE
6. key in AE password and verify password
7. verify wireless network password and hit update.
I am prompted that the AE is being detected, written too, and then restarted. The AE restarts, turns flashing amber, and I am prompted with:
'The airport basestation is configured but is unable to reconnect to the network or detect if the base station is functioning correctly.'
The password is correct, the basestation restarted and I did not manually cancel the detection process.
NO WORKY...
Any ideas out there....

If your Netgear wireless router supports it, trying using WPA/WPA2 security rather than 64-bit WEP. That way you avoid the WEP key problems inherent with trying to get wireless networking equipment from two different manufacturers talking to each other.

Can you guide me step by step in setting up airport express as a wireless extender for an existing Airport extreme network

Can you guide me step by step in setting up airport express 802.11 as a wireless extender for an existing airport extreme network?

Also check out:
Re: Need Help Networking AirPort Exp to Existing AirPort Extreme
Re: How to connect AirPort Express to existing AirPort Extreme Network...

HT1126 how to join airport express to existing network with internet

How to connect wireless Airport Express to existing Wireless Network?

Hi - what kind of router do you have?

Can't connect Airport Express to my main wireless network, just my guest account.

I go to join my Airport Express to my wireless network so I can play music from Itunes to my sound system in my living room. That is all I want to use it for at this point. I pull up a list of the networks available, and my guest network shows up on the list, but my main network, which all my computers and Iphone is connected to, isn't on there. I have a Linksys E3000 with a guest account set up trhough it. Windows 7. I called tech support and they said something about a hidden setting. I went and checked and couldn't find anything about this. Also, when people come over they can access my main wireless account with my password.

Hi JWHITHAM and welcome to the forums!
Have you tried manually adding your wireless network to the iPod touch? Mine does the same too sometimes and I just add it manually. So far it works.

Trying to connect my wired PC to the wireless airport express via the wireless router.

Trying to connect my wired PC to the wireless airport express via the wireless router. TP-link wired/wireless router. Ultimate goal is to send music from iTunes on PC to wireless router, then to airport, then to reciever. The amber light is blinking. Thanks in advance for the help!

If I'm understanding right your need and your computer has wired access to your network/router, all you have to do is give your AX wireless or wired access to your network too.
Wired should be easier. Just use a network cable to connect to the router. Power up the AX and look for it on AirPort Utility, do so without changing any of your computer settings. If it's visible, then on iTunes your AX should be visible on the AirPlay icon at the bottom-right corner.
If you want to connect your AX to your router wirelessly I would suggest to reset your AX settings by pressing and holding for a few secs the reset button next to all the ports. Once it is reset, using your computer try to look for the wireless network it'll be creating, it should be something like Apple Network 4341eb. Join that network and, using the AirPort Utility, configure your AX as a network client. Go to Wireless > Wireless Mode: Join a wireless network.
Select your router wireless network from the drop-down menu, select the appropriate security and type in your password. Click update.
It'll restart and automatically join your network. Have your computer join back your router network and, again, in iTunes bottom right you should be able to see the AX speakers.
Let me know if this worked.
Jorge...

I have tryed to connect an AirPort Express to my wireless network. But I alwais get the errocode -4. Can anybody help. I have reset the AirPort Express and updated the software.

I have tryed to connect an AirPort Express to my wireless network. But I alwais get the errocode -4. Can anybody help. I have reset the AirPort Express and updated the software.

The ZyXEL P-2601HN-F1, as you know, is a combination DSL modem & 802.11n wireless router (or gateway device).
For your goal you will want to take a look at this Apple Support article for details on how to configure an AX for iTunes.
If you are still having difficulties with the AX joining the ZyXEL's wireless network, you can try the following:
Temporarily disable wireless encryption.
If you are hidding the SSID, disable that feature.
Change the Mode Select setting to: 802.11g Only
Change the Channel Selection from "Auto" to a set channel, like 1, 6, or 11

Can't connect Airport Express wirelessly to network so that AirTunes and internet are available simultaneously

I can't connect Airport Express wirelessly to network so that AirTunes and internet are available simultaneously. My old AE allowed this but can't make the new one work that way.

In your instructions, you say to use the same encryption type as the router has set up. well, I am using the WEP 64 bit encryption and the Airport Utility does not have this...it has 40 bit. Is this a problem, or do I have to be using a the same type of encrytion ?
WEP is available in either 40 or 104-bit, but is usually "advertised" as either 64- or 128-bit respectively. For example, 64-bit WEP uses a 40 bit key (also known as WEP-40), which is concatenated with a 24-bit initialization vector (IV) to form the 64-bit RC4 traffic key. So, WEP 64 on the Linksys & 40-bit is equivalent.
What concerns me more is the loss of bandwidth performance you are experiencing when connecting the AX. When the AX is configured as a wireless client it is acting just like any other wireless devices (computer, laptop, printer, etc.) and not like another router. This should cause little or no bandwidth loss. True the more secure the wireless encryption used WPA2 vs. WEP, the more overhead is required for security, but the differences you are seeing seem excessive.
It is very possible that you may have some form of Wi-Fi interference in the immediate area that is preventing your Linksys from providing a good clean signal.
I suggest you perform a simple site survey, using utilities like the following to determine potential areas of interference, and then, try to either eliminate or significantly reduce them where possible:
For Macs:
o MacStumbler
o iStumbler, or
For PCs:
o NetStumbler

Cannot connect Airport express wireless

Hello, cannot connect airport express wireless to linksys router. Connected now with ethernet cable but cannot figure wireless connection. My laptop cannot find the express while preforming setup scan, yet I'm connected to it. I can connect with my iphone but not wirelessly. Any suggestions?

....I was then told over the phone that airport express will not connect to third party routers.
This is NOT correct.
The AirPort Express will connect to a wireless network if you know the following:
1) The name of the wireless network
2) The exact setting for wireless security that the network is using
3) The wireless network password
Most users know 1) and 3), but very few know the exact type of wireless security settings that their wireless router is using. The Express will not connect to the wireless network unless it receives all of the information listed above.
So...we will assume that you know the name of the wireless network and the password for the network.
Do you know the exact type of wireless security setting that your wireless router is using? If not, the Express will not connect.
You may need to check the setup of your wireless router....or if the router was supplied to you by an Internet Service Provider, they may be able to tell you what type of wireless security setting is being used.
Post back when you have this info and we will proceed. There are still no guarantees that the Express will connect....but at least there may be a chance.

Connect Airport Express to existing Wireless

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