Does a second airport express extend the wireless signal from the first?

After a long search on his forum and not finding an answer, this is my question:
I have a Time Capsule connected to a Speedtouch router/modem. The Time Capsule has its own network. Because of the distances in my house, I use an Airport Express to extend the wireless range for my MBP. This doesn't seem to be enough to cover the whole distance (app. 35 meter) there is poor or no connection. So, my question is: can I use a second AE to extend the range even further? Will it pick up the signal from the first AE or do all the AE's in use need to connect with the Time Capsule?
The first AE is app. 12 meter from the TC.
many thanks,
Inge

Welcome to the discussions!
The answer is yes and no.
No, if you are using the "extend a wireless network" feature because each AirPort Express communicates directly to the Time Capsule, not to another AirPort Express. It's like the hub and spokes on a wheel. The Time Capsule is the hub and the Express devices are at the ends of the spokes. The devices at the ends of the spokes communicate directly to the hub, not to another spoke.
Yes, if you are using the "WDS" feature because this type of setup allows a "main", "relay", and "remote" device to be configured. But, there is a big penalty with this type of system:
o The network will operate at "g" wireless speeds only
o The bandwidth on the network will drop 50% for each "relay" or "remote" device. So, with two devices, the first cuts half of the bandwidth. The second devices cuts half again. So, you are down to only 25% of the original bandwidth.

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Iphone will not recognize an Airport Express extending a wireless network

Hi. I asked elsewhere in the support community and someone suggested I also ask here. I have two Airport Expresses, one in my living room that is creating a wireless network, and another in the back of my house, extending a wireless network so it will reach in to the back yard. The one in the living room is the new 2012 model, and the one in back is the pre-2012 model. They both have the latest firmware, and I configured them both using the Airport Utility, and can confirm they are working as configured, to create and extend a wireless network.
My mid-2010 Macbook with Lion shifts between devices effortlessly, switching to the stronger signal when I move between the house and the back yard. I can verify this by selecting Option+Click on the wireless widget in the menu bar and checking the BSSID against the Airport Utility. But the signal from the living room unit still reaches in to the back yard, and as far as I can tell, and the iPhone 4S cannot recognize the existence of the extending unit (outside of the Airport Utility). I know the former is a well-known problem, the iPhone is unique in that it will annoyingly hold on to the existing connection for dear life, even when a stronger one is available. I thought I could work around that by power cycling or disabling/reenabling Wi-Fi when out of range of the living room unit to get around that problem but even that doesn't work.
When I go some place out of range of the living room unit but still within line of sight of the back yard unit, say the neighboring field, the laptop can connect to the back yard unit with about -75 RSSI, but the iPhone does not even see the wireless network. Even after a power cycle at that location. If I approach my back yard from the field while constantly scanning Wi-Fi (switching between the front pane in the Settings app and the Wi-Fi pane), the iPhone does not see my network until it sees the living room unit, at which point it tries to connect, and the Airport Utility shows the iPhone is connected to the living room unit, not the back yard unit. This is in contrast to the Macbook which both sees the extending Airport and happily connects to it when it has better signal than the living room unit.
Any idea why the iPhone cannot see the extending Airport Express but the Macbook can?

Anyone? Has anyone had experience with this problem? I've reset the extending Airport and reapplied the settings and still have the same problem.

Can I use a second Airport Express on the 1st floor to boost the signal from the 2nd floor Airport Express?

We have a wiFi network with on Airport Express on the upper floor. Watching NetFlix via AppleTV on the television downstairs is annoying since it stops to buffer the video every few minutes (NetFlix works smoothly upstairs, closer to the Airport Express). Can I use a 2nd Airport Express downstairs to boost the signal? If so, how do I configure it?

Yes, you can use a second 802.11n AirPort Express Base Station (AXn) to extend the range of the first one.
Here are the basic steps to do so:
Dynamic WDS - Extending a Wireless Network Setup
If practical, place the base stations in near proximity to each other during the setup phase. Once done, move them to their desired locations.
Open AirPort Utility, and then, select the base station that will connect to the Internet.
Choose Manual Setup from the Base Station menu, or double-click the base station to open the configuration in a separate window. Enter the base station password if necessary.
Click AirPort in the toolbar, and then, click Wireless.
Choose “Create a wireless network” from the Wireless Mode pop-up menu, and then, select the “Allow this network to be extended” checkbox.
Next, select the base station that will extend this network, and then, choose Manual Setup from the Base Station menu, or double-click the base station to open its configuration in a separate window. Enter the base station password if necessary.
Choose “Extend a wireless network” from the Wireless Mode pop-up menu, and then, choose the network you want to extend from the Network Name pop-up menu.
Enter the base station network and base station password if necessary.
Click Update to update the base station with new network settings.
(ref: Pages 43-44 of Apple AirPort Networks.)

Airport Express extending the range of my network HELP!

Greetings!
I know there are similar posts on this topic, but I can't seem to find a solution so I'll just ask again!
Equipment: AirPort Extreme and two Airport Expresses (all are N)
We live in a long house and the AirPort Extreme sits on one end with the cable modem and I'd like to place two AirPort Expresses in the middle and other end of the house so we can get wireless.
I've tried WDS and extended and I can't get them to configure! What can I do? I'm out of ideas and time spend trying to set up an extender!!
Help!!
Message was edited by: Scott Rowan

AE-----AX1-----AX2<---MacBookPro</div>
Ok, this can be done with a static WDS.
Here is the basic steps to do so:
Static WDS Setup
(Note: To facilitate the WDS set up, temporarily connect both 802.11n AirPort Express Base Stations (AXn) to any available LAN port on the 802.11n AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBSn). When setup is complete, you can then relocate them to the desired locations. Be sure to jot down the AirPort IDs (MAC addresses) for each of the base stations to be used in the WDS. The AirPort ID is printed on the label on the bottom/side of the base station.)
Main Base Station Setup - AEBSn
o Click the AirPort status menu in the menu bar and choose the wireless network created by the AEBSn.
o Open AirPort Utility.
o Select the AEBSn, and then, choose Manual Setup from the Base Station menu.
o Click Wireless in the toolbar, and then choose “Participate in a WDS network” from the Wireless Mode pop-up menu. (Note: You may have to hold down the Option key before clicking the menu for this option to appear on the 802.11n models.)
o Click WDS and then choose “WDS main” from the WDS Mode pop-up menu.
o Select the “Allow wireless clients” checkbox.
o Click the Add "+" button and enter the AirPort ID of AXn#1.
o Click Update to send the new settings to the base stations in the WDS.
Remote Base Station Setup - AXn#2
o Open AirPort Utility.
o Select AXn#2, and then, choose Manual Setup from the Base Station menu.
o Click AirPort in the toolbar and click Wireless. Choose “Participate in a WDS network” from the Wireless Mode pop-up menu, and choose the same channel as the main base station from the Channel pop-up menu.
o Click WDS and choose “WDS remote” from the pop-up menu.
o Enter the AirPort ID of the main base station in the WDS Main field.
o Click Update to transfer the settings to the base station.
Relay Base Station Setup - AXn#1
o Open AirPort Utility.
o Select AXn#1, and then, choose Manual Setup from the Base Station menu.
o Click AirPort in the toolbar and click Wireless. Choose “Participate in a WDS network” from the Wireless Mode pop-up menu, and choose the same channel as the main base station from the Channel pop-up menu.
o Click WDS and choose “WDS relay” from the WDS Mode pop-up menu.
o Enter the AirPort ID of the main base station in the Main AirPort ID field.
o Click the Add "+" button and enter the AirPort ID of the remote base station this relay base station will connect to.
o Click Update to transfer the new WDS settings to the relay and remote base stations.
(ref: Pages 42-46 of "Designing AirPort Networks.)

Can AirPort Express extend the range of my Dlink

Hi,
Wonder if Airport Express would extend the wifi range of my Dlink wifi gateway and would actually work properly with it?
Apreciate help ASAP!
Dlink router: DVG-N5402SP Wifi Gateway ( Provided by ISP )

The answer to the question is.....
Yes, if you plan to connect the AirPort Express to the D-Link router permanently using an Ethernet cable.
No, if you plan to have the AirPort Express connect wirelessly to the D-Link router.

Can Airport Express extend the private and guest networks simultaneously?

Can the Airport Express be used to extend the private and guest WiFi networks coming from the base station simultaneously, or can it only be an extension for one of the two at a given time?
Joe

Can the Airport Express be used to extend the private and guest WiFi networks coming from the base station simultaneously
Yes, either by a wireless connection or Ethernet connection to the base station.....assuming that both the base station and extender are using firmware 7.6.3 or higher and AirPort Utility 6.3 is used to configure both AirPorts, which must be dual band models.

Will airport express extend the range of our wifi?

We have wifi through Comcast in our home. The range, however, is at about 20 yds. I exchanged the router that was supplied (monthly rental from) from Comcast without any change. We have an Airport Express device, 802.11n, purchased in the last year in an effor to improve this, but was never connected as the instructions are beyond me. I just tried to research it again, and I don't have a clue if it will help, and how to hook it up. Help!

An Apple AirPort Base Station can only "wirelessly extend" a wireless network created by another Apple AirPort Base Station.
You can add the Express to your network as an additional wireless access point, as long as you connect it directly to the Comcast router with an Ethernet cable.
This Apple Support document explains how to do that: Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring a roaming network (802.11 a/b/g/n)
The AirPort Utility screenshots are outdated, but the wiring information shows the general arrangement you would require.
Otherwise, you would need to purchase an additional Apple AirPort Base Station, connect it to the Comcast router, and use your Express to "wirelessly extend" the wireless network created by the new Apple AirPort.

Hooking up Airport Express for the first time

Hi -
Like many others, I just can't seem to figure out how to hook up my AirPort Express (802.11n). Here is how I am currently set up ...
In the basement I have a Mac Mini hooked up to an ActionTec GT701-WG wireless router (from Qwest), but I am usually working on my MacBook Pro (2.5 GHz running OS 10.5.6) on the second floor. I get good signal strength in a few rooms of the second floor, but not the entirety.
I was thinking that by buying an Airport Express I could improve my connectivity to include the entire second floor of my house as well as wirelessly access a printer and speakers up here.
Here is what I have done ...
I added the Media Access Control number I pulled off the Express itself to the Access Control List on the ActionTec router.
Plugging in the Airport Express results in a blinking amber light (I do not have a printer or speakers plugged into the AirPort Express at this time). At this point, scanning for wireless devices in the AirPort Utility finds nothing. I then poke the reset button on the Express with a paperclip (while it is still plugged into the wall) until I get quick amber flashes and then it resets to the regular blinking amber, but the device is then discoverable by Airport Utility.
I am then able to walk through the subsequent set up steps ..
1. switch network;
2. enter a new password;
3. check "I have a wireless network and want to add AirPort Express or replace an existing device on my network";
4. check "I want AirPort Express to wirelessly join my current network";
5. type in name of network and select WEP security and input password (I am unsure what WEP I use, but have a ten digit alphanumeric password and have tried the configuration with all three WEP possibilities with the same result each time).
It then attempts to restart the AirPort Express, but results in the error message that it was unable to find the device.
I'm now stymied. I've been reading through other posts for a few days but never quite seem to find the solution to my problem ... or even the next thing to try. I would greatly appreciate any help anyone could offer.
Thanks in advance,
Tom Wirth

Is there something different than the process I described going through above?
Yes. As I mentioned in my earlier reply, you can use the AirPort Utility's "Assist Me" feature to have the AXn join your ActionTec router. Once configured the AXn will both share any USB printer connected to it and support streaming iTunes.
AirPort Utility was the only set up I was able to use. There is also an "AirPort Setup Assistant for Graphite and Snow" application, but when opened it says that the appropriate hardware was not found (which I don't understand, because I am using an AirPort Card to connect to the internet right now, aren't I?).
The AirPort Setup Assistant for Graphite and Snow was provided by Apple to replace the earlier AirPort Setup Assistant. This updated version only supports the earlier 802.11b Graphite & Snow base stations, NOT the newer 802.11n versions like your AXn. Instead, you must use the newer AirPort Utility to administer it. This newer utility has both a "automatic" and "manual" modes available for administration.
What might be confusing is that Apple also calls the built-in wireless card in its Macs an AirPort. This wireless card, like its PC equivalent, let's you access wireless network ... like the one created by the ActionTec ... and why you are connecting to the Internet now.
Sorry. I expected the AX to be a little more plug and play than it turned out to be and I don't relish the idea of paying somebody a lot of money to come install it for me.
Actually it would have been if your requirement was to have it be your only router, but since you already have an existing one, a bit of administration is required to get it working properly. Of course, familiarity with the AirPort Utility would have helped. That's why Apple provided the "Assist Me" mode to take you through the necessary set up steps.
Do you think I am better off trying to resell this and try something else?
If what you really need is to extend the wireless range of your ActionTec, then yes you would probably be better off with some other option, but if printer sharing/iTunes streaming will meet your needs, then I would say your best bet is to keep it.

Can an Airport Express convert a wireless signal to Ethernet?

I'm thinking this probably can't be done, but I figured I'd ask to verify. I know the manual says the Ethernet port on an Airport Express can only be used to connect to an existing network, but can it also convert the wireless signal to a wired one?
My Express is set to "Join a wireless network" so it essentially is extending my wireless network. I have a receiver that has an ethernet port for internet connectivity and I was hoping to use an ethernet cable between it and the Airport Express to join my network. Didn't appear to work.
I also have a Netgear WNCE2001 which is a WiFi Internet Adapter used for a different device. When I plugged that into the receiver, it was able to join the network. I was hoping to do the same with the Express. I have a 1st generation and it doesn't work. Wondering if later generations support that functionality? Thanks in advance!

but can it also convert the wireless signal to a wired one?
Yes, if you have an AirPort Express 802.11n and you configure it using manual setup to "Join a wireless network" and check mark the option to "enable Ethernet clients".
My Express is set to "Join a wireless network" so it essentially is extending my wireless network.
The "join" setting does not provide any additional wireless coverage in the area where the Express is located. But, you can connect a printer to the USB port and "enable" the Ethernet port with the 802.11n version of the Express.
I have a 1st generation and it doesn't work.
If by this, you mean that you have an older "b/g" AirPort Express....then it will not do what you want. Check the Model Number on the side of the device. If you have Model No A 1084 or A 1088, that is the older "b/g" wireless version of the Express.
The 802.11n version is Model No A 1264.

How to make 2nd Airport Express to broadcast wireless signal?

Hi im absolutely lost as to what to do. Currently I have an Airport Extreme which creates my network and two Air Port Express (APX 1 and 2) configured to extend my wireless network. The issue I have is that APX 2 will not broadcast the signal it gets from APX 1 and thus none of my wireless devices can connect to APX 2 even though the green light indicator shows on all the devices and in the Airport Utillity App. However if I move APX 2 within the signal range of the AE, only then will APX 2 broadcast a signal, and allowing my devices to connect to it. I would attempt to illustrate what I mean below, with Example A - showing APX 2 NOT broadcasting a signal and Example B- showing APX 2 broadcast a signal.
        Eg. A                                                      Eg. B
      Airport Extreme                                      Airport Extreme
        Airport X 1                                  APX1                     APX 2
        Airport X 2

The bottom line here is that the wireless signal can only be extended one time from the AirPort Extreme.....if you are trying to extend using wireless only.
Apple's "extend" feature works like the hub and spokes of a wheel. In your case, the AirPort Extreme would be the "hub" and AX1 and AX2 are located at the ends of two separate "spokes".
AX1 and AX2 communicate directly to the "hub"....not to another device at the end of another "spoke".
Another way of saying the same thing is that AX1 and AX2 must both be located closer to the AirPort Extreme than they are to each other if you want AX1 and AX2 to both "extend" the wireless signal.

Airport Express Intermittent loss of signal from iTunes

My setup has been in place for some time and consists of a Windows machine w/iTunes and an Airport Express connected to my main stereo. Throughout mutliple iterations of iTunes S/W version and Aiport Express Firmware versions, it seems that there are certain versions that were very stable and others that were not. The current iTunes version seems to have this problem regularly and the problem is this - As I'm listening to music streaming from iTunes wirelessly to the Airport Express and to my stereo, it seems to lose connectivyt momentarily and then regain it. I have two Airport Expresses and they both react the same. This is very frustrating. Has anyone else encountered this and is there a solution?
Thanks,
Howard

Solved it!
I tried everything - re-installing Airport Firmware, Airfoil, Robustness Interference, passwords for the remote speakers....
It kept nagging at me that the drops were often regular at every 60 seconds and Windows Zero Configuration reportedly checks for a stronger signals every 60 seconds.
So today I tried installing the Manufacturer's Wireless Utility and disabling Microsoft's Windows Zero Configuration. This worked perfectly - no more dropouts.
As before iTunes7 never had the problem - it started with iTunes8 - I assume iTunes8 is less able to buffer network dropouts.
I have spent a lot of time on this - but I am very happy to have working music again.....

AirPort express not recognising internet signal from cable modem

my airport express is not recognising the internet connection. It is connected directly via a cable modem (which has full strength when connected directly to the PC) and when networked to the PC it shows in airport utility but when configuring it returns an error message saying it is not recognising an internet signal. the unit can't be faulty as I have just replaced this one with a brand new replacement and the problem is the same. Is there a setting i have missed which is not allowing the signal through from the modem ?

It is always a good idea to perform a complete power recycle of your networking gear whenever you change network hardware. Please check out the following AirPort User Tip for details on how to do so.

When doing a second "Organize Library" cuz the first was too big, will iTunes recognize what's already copied over?

I'm stuck with a large folder of music on my PC in My Music folder. And I used "Organize Library" in iTunes but it didn't copy everything over because the amount of music was too big. I've deleted the original copies of music outside of iTunes to open up more space and was wondering if I do a second "Organize Library" if it will recognize that some of the music has already been copied over.

I don't know what "restore the iPod" is
It's usually the second thing to do (after Reset) when the iPod is not working correctly.
Select the iPod in iTunes and click Restore.
See this -> Restoring iPod to factory settings
what about my main question? Can I go back to "sync all" but manually block certain albums?
No because sync all is just that.
Sycning specific playlists should work fine. And you can create more than one and sync which ones you want.

HT1515 how does the airport express make my wifi signal stronger?

i am thinking about buying an airporst express because the wifi signal in my room is so slow. so i was wondering if i bought the device, how it would work and how is it conected to my main internet source?

First, please understand that the AirPort Express will only "extend" a wireless signal from another Apple router. It will not work with a device from another manufacturer for this purpose.
The Express "extends" a wireless signal by receiving, amplifying and re-broadcasting the original signal from the "main" Apple router. The result is a much stronger wireless signal with better wireless coverage. Although the Express can make the signal stronger, it cannot make it go faster. So, the Express needs to be located where it can receive a very strong signal from the main Apple router.

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

Does a second airport express extend the wireless signal from the first?

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