Does Airport Express Require Airport Extreme to Extend?

I have an SMC wireless router, and it has WDS as a feature, but I can't figure out how to get the AX to extend my network. Can someone give me a little help? I have a few questions, but feel free to interject anything I might be missing.
1. Same channel for both wireless?
2. Same SSID name?
3. Does the base station name matter?
Thanks for any help.

Unfortunately all WDS implementations are not equal. Most 3rd party devices are not compatible with Apple's WDS. One model of SMC has been reported to be compatible. Unfortunately I don't know the model.
1. Same channel for both wireless?
Yes
2. Same SSID name?
Yes
3. Does the base station name matter?
You want them to be different.

Similar Messages

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.

Does an Airport Express require a wired connection to boost a Wi-Fi signal if I already have a wired Airport Time Capsule on the Network?

I want to boost the Wi-Fi signal around my house. I have a 3TB Airport Time Capsule connected to my Virgin Media modem via a WLAN connection but wonder if an Airport Express device can be used at a remote location purely wirelessly - apart from a power connection obviously?

Does AirPort Express require a wired connection.......if I already have a wired AirPort Time Capsule on the Network?
No, but you will have much better network performance if you do wire the AirPort Express.
The reason for this is that when you try to extend a network using wireless, you will typically lose about a half of the potential speed capability on the network.
There is no network speed loss when you wire the Express.
Here is what Apple's support document says about this:
In the case of a wirelessly extended network, throughput may be reduced to less than 60 percent of that of a single device. The general rule is to keep the Wi-Fi network as simple as possible. You can accomplish this by using the minimum number of Wi-Fi base stations required to service the physical network area and by using Ethernet wherever possible.
Extending the range of your Wi-Fi network by connecting Wi-Fi base stations together using Ethernet is always the best option, and will provide the best throughput

Hi Everyone, I am Sreedhar , I need to extend the Wireless Network which is connected through cable in Airport Express, Without Airport Extreme Base Station is there any way to extend my WIFI

Need Help

Let's see if I can get this straight.
You have an Airport Extreme base station that is set to "Create a wireless network" and you have the box checked for "allow this network to be extended"....
Then you have an Airport Express that is set to "Extend a wireless network" which you selected the name of your network in the box...
Correct?
See this Apple document:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4259?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US
The wireless unit on the right of the diagram can be either of the newer Apple base stations.
Extreme, Express, Time Capsule

Extend Wifi with Airport Express when Airport Extreme is in Bridge Mode

Hello,
I'm trying to make my Wifi network easier at home but Im having some trouble.
My Internet Provider installed a Router at home. So I had to connect my Airport Extreme to the IP Router via cable and setup in Bridge Mode.
In my Airport Extreme I created a Wifi Network called WIFI HOME.
Than I connected two Airport Express into my Airport Extreme via cable and created two new wifi networks: WIFI HOME 2 and WIFI HOME 3.
But, in my opinion, this is not cleaver way to have my Wifi Network setup, since I have to change networks all the time.
The problem is that every time I tried to extend my current WIFI HOME setup into one of the Airport Express, the Airport Express crashes during the setup reset and my network starts to behave wrongly.
I'm starting to think that is something related to the Bridge Mode in my Airport Extreme. but I want to check with you guys if that makes any sense.
Thanks a lot!

Power off both of the AirPort Express devices
Disconnect the Ethernet cables
Wait a minute
Power up one of the AirPort Express devices for a few minutes
Hold in the reset button on the Express for 10 seconds and release
Allow a full minute for the AirPort Express to restart to a slow, blinking amber light
Connect the Ethernet cable to the WAN "O" port on the AirPort Express if it is a two port version
Click the AirPort icon at the top of the Mac's screen
Look for a listing of New AirPort Bsee Station
Click on AirPort Express
The setup utility will open up automatically and take a minute to analyze the network. Then, it will suggest that the Express be configured to Extend the AirPort Extreme network.
Type in a name that you want to call the AirPort Express. Example........Express1
Click Next
Then, the screen message will change to indicate that the AirPort Express is being configured to extend using Ethernet.
When you see the message of Setup Complete, click Done.
The first Express is now set up and working correctly.
Set up the second Express exactly the same way........except give it a different name to avoid confusion.....Example......Express2.

Airport express for airplay only, not extending network

I have just bought an airport extreme and airport express.
The extreme is plugged into modem, and the express is in my living room, plugged into some older speakers. The point of the express is to airplay-enable these speakers, not to extend the network.
I've got both set up and they're working, except that the audio drops out of the airplay every so often, in light of which a couple of questions:
1. Even though I the point of the express is not to extend my network coverage, I guess it is doing that by default anyway?
2. Isn't a downside of that that accessing the network via the express will be slower than accessing it via the extreme directly?
3. Also, might the reason the express drops the audio be that other devices are using it to access the network? If so, and this is the BIG QUESTION: is there a way of continuing to use the express to airplay-enable my speakers, but not allow devices to use it for anything other than airplay?
thanks lots
d

is your point that devices near the Express but far from the Extreme will tend to receive a weaker signal since they're not permitted to use the Express (which in Join mode is restricted to communicating with the device that's streaming music to it) hence must communicate with the Extreme, which is some distance away?
Yes
had thought that communicating with the Extreme rather than the Express might be faster (provided the Extreme is close enough for an adequate signal) since the Extreme is simply a faster bit of kit, but you've already said that might not be right -- I'll do a speed test.
You can make the argument either way that you want, but you won't know what the actual results will be in any given situation until you try things out in your own particular installation. In other words, there is no one "right" way to do things that will be correct in every situation.
I get five bars indicating good wifi signal strength but sometimes (as now) very very sluggish internet connection. I thought the Extreme/Express combo might solve that but not really.
There are so many things that can affect wireless performance at any given time, that it is almost impossible to list them all. And, things are changing all the time.....cordless phones, other wireless networks, radio and TV broadcasts, wireless security systems.
As far as the AirPort Express is concerned, remember that it can only "extend" the quality of signal that it receives from the AirPort Extreme. In other words, if you have an AirPort Extreme at one end of the house and an AirPort Express at the other end, the Express will receive a poor signal to extend.
In this example, the correct location of the Express would be a point that is about half way between the AirPort Extreme and the other end of the house.
The way to solve the wireless strength issue with an AirPort Extreme and AirPort Express.......is connect both devices together using a wired Ethernet cable connection. Then, you can locate the Express exactly where it is needed, since there is no signal loss in a wire......and a lot of signal loss whenever a wireless signal must pass through a wall or other obstruction.

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 - Can not connect to "extended" AirPort Express

Two trips to the Genius Bar tell me that I should be able to Extend my network from a new AirPort Express (n/g/b) to an older AirPort Express (b/g) using the "extend network feature". The two devices are communicating (both lights are green and the wireless channel will change on the remote device if I change it at the base station), but my MBP Core Duo 15" seems to only be connecting to the AirPort Express Base Station (n/g/b) and not to the Remote "extended" AirPort Express (b/g).
This forum seems to indicate that you can only use WDS between the newer AEX (n) and the older AEX (b/g) but the folks at the Apple Store have told me twice now not to use WDS. They said that as long as the two devices have green lights that it is working, but when I click on the Airport Symbol up in the menu bar w/the Option key it tells me the MAC address of the base station only - and when I get very far from the base station, the signal drops out even though the remote AEX is near by.
I did try setting it up using WDS and that works fine, just very slow.
Anyone know if there's a way to be sure that my MBP connects to the remote (extended) AirPort Express?

This forum seems to indicate that you can only use WDS between the newer AEX (n) and the older AEX (b/g)
This is correct....since the older b/g Express does not even have a setting to "extend a wireless network".
If you require confirmation, open AirPort Utility, select the b/g Express, click Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab below the row of icons
Now look at the available settings for Wireless Mode.
"Extend a wireless network" is not there.
but the folks at the Apple Store have told me twice now not to use WDS.
They are likely telling you not to use it because the performance on your network will drop dramatically if you do use WDS. Or, they mean well, but they are just wrong on this subject. Here's why:
The only way that you can use an older "g" and newer "n" device together to provide more wireless coverage is to configure both devices for WDS. It's a Catch 22.
WDS operates only at "g" wireless levels. So when you configure the newer "n" Express to operate as part of the WDS (which you must), it becomes a "g" wireless device. You lose any "n" capability on the network
Worse still, every "remote" or "relay" in a WDS setup cuts the bandwidth of the entire network in half...50%. That's huge. In effect, with WDS, you may have a bit more wireless coverage, but you will have a "g" wireless network that operates at half speed.
but when I click on the Airport Symbol w/the Option key it tells me the MAC address of the base station only - and when I get very far from the base station, the signal drops out even though the remote AEX is near by.
The remote AX is not providing any additional wireless coverage.
They said that as long as the two devices have green lights that it is working
Nope, as you can tell by the fact that your "remote" is not providing any additonal wireless coverage.
Anyone know if there's a way to be sure that my MBP connects to the remote (extended) AirPort Express?
Your only option, (unless you add more hardware):
Configure both AX devices to "Participate in a WDS network" setting one up as a "main" and the other a "remote" . The big downside, as mentioned previously, is that you will have a "g" wireless network running at half speed.

Airport express won't work with Extend Network, only Create Network

My Airport Express when it is setup to extend my network while plugged into Ethernet will Create a network under settings. If I change this to Extend A Network it doesn't work properly. It keeps kicking me on and off WiFi, but the former way works with no foreseen issues. What is going on? I can't extend my guest network with the first option, I don't believe.
I have a 5th Generation AirPort Extreme and a 1st Gen AirPort Express.

My Airport Express when it is setup to extend my network while plugged into Ethernet will Create a network under settings
This is the correct setting to "extend" the network using an Ethernet connection. Technically, this is called a "roaming" network.
If I change this to Extend A Network it doesn't work properly.
This is because "Extend a wireless network" is used only when AirPort devices communicate with each other using wireless only......not Ethernet.
It would help if Apple used settings like "Extend a network using Ethernet" and "Extend a network using wireless only".....but they don't.
The AirPort Extreme will need to be configured as the main router if you want it to provide a Guest Network. It cannot do this if it is configured in Bridge Mode.

Airport Express or Airport Extreme Base for home wireless

I've read some of the comparisons between the Airport Express and Airport Extreme Base station to make an informed choice before purchasing. The Airport Express probably will suffice for my needs, plus having AirTunes is a bonus. Mobility is not such a concern (most hotels now offer wireless in any case, making the Express less appealing than when it first came out).
But my only concern with Airport Exress is durability and quality. Some postings on the Apple site note that these can go bad after a year or so. I realize that only those having problems are posting but wondered if there might be some issues with the Express that would make the Extreme Base station a better decision, especially since it's only $30 more now.
Thanks in advance.

Actually it really boils down to your needs.
Either one will work and work well, but if air tunes, and portability is important Express is the way to go. The Extreme is a very good choice as well.
I suggest you look over both of these links and decide the features you need.
http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/
http://www.apple.com/airportextreme/
Good Luck
Don

I use my ps3 online gaming, is the airport extreme or the airport express be compatible with ps3? Is it going to be a better connection compair to other router? Which one is a better choice for me, airport express or airport extreme??

I bought linksys EA3500 router. Its still in the box and before I open it I want to learn more about the apple airport router, is the apple going to work with my online games with ps3? I have iPad, 2 iPhones, apple tv and Mac mini. If the airport express or airport extreme is a lot better and will work for ps3 which one should I get?

Airport will work with PS3. From what you've stated, the Extreme is more than you need. Buy the Express.

Using AirPort Express as a WiFi Range Extender

I have a Westell Versalink 327 W combination DSL Modem and Wireless Router downstairs hooked up to an iMac via ethernet cable. Can I use the AirPort Express as a WiFi Range Extender upstairs? Any issues I should be aware of?

I suggest that you check with DLink on this as using the same manufacturer will always give you the best chance at compatibility.
Maybe this would do it:
http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=357

Is it neccessary to buy an AirPort Express or AirPort Extreme for my macbook pro to connect WI FI or wireless?

so I have a macbook pro, but i don't know whether i need to buy an AirPort Express or AirPort Extreme to connect to WI FI or wireless. or i only need to modem??
HELP!!! :'(

Airport Extreme is used by Apple for its wireless routers and the hardware inside your MacBook Pro that is used to connect to a wired or wireless router. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AirPort_Extreme#AirPort_Extreme_Base_Station
While Apple would like you to buy everything from them you can use any brand that will work with Macs. My setup is a Qwest DSL modem connected to a NetGear wireless router. The Airport Extreme card inside my MacBook recognizes them without any problems

What's the difference between airport express and airport extreme?

airport express and airport extreme? whats the difference??

http://store.apple.com/ca_epp_5000967/product/MC414/airport-express-base-station
http://store.apple.com/ca_epp_5000967/product/MD031AM/A/airport-extreme-base-sta tion

Airport Express and Airport Extreme

Hello,
I am trying to setup a wireless network. What is the difference btw Airport Express and Airport extreme. Do i need both? If yes then why?
Would appreciate a solution from layman's perspective.
Thanks

Hello Indian71. Welcome to the Apple Discussions!
Check out this excellent iFelix table to help show the differences (features-wise) between the AirPort base stations: AirPort base station differences

Does Airport Express Require Airport Extreme to Extend?

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