Extend Netgear CG3100 Router network with Airport Express A1088

Question

I have a Netgear router (CG3100) which is in my office and the base of our wireless network. A few rooms to the back of the apartment we have an Apple TV but the wireless connection here is flaky and keeps dropping out so I want to extend it.
I found an old AE base station (A1088) which is good and working - I understand though that this can't extend the Netgear wirelessly as you need all Apple products for that, but it can extend the network when connected by Ethernet.
Been searching for how to do this but can't find any info.. can anyone point me in the direction of some resources/how-to for this or let me know how to do it?
Cheers!

Answer 1

I assume that you know the name of the wireless network (called the SSID) that the Netgear router is producing....and that the Netgear is using industry standard WPA2 Personal wireless security settings.
If you are not sure, you will need to check the settings on the Netgear to verify.
Power off the AirPort Express (AX) for a minute or two
Then, hold in the reset button on the AX first, and keep holding it in for an additional 10 seconds while you simultaneously plug the AX back into power
Release the reset button after the hold period, and allow a full minute for the AX to restart to a slow, blinking amber light status
Connect the Ethernet cable from the Netgear router to the Ethernet port on the AX. Here, I assume that you have already tested the cable to make sure that it is working correctly.
Open up AirPort Utility 5.6.1, click on the AX, and click Manual Setup
Click the Base Station tab below the row of icons
Type in a device name that you want to use for the AX
Type in a device password and verify
Adjust time settings
No other settings need to be adjusted
Click the Wireless tab next to the Base Station tab
Wireless Mode = Create a wireless network
Wireless Network Name = Exact same name as the Netgear wireless network
Radio Mode = Automatic or 802.11b/g
Wireless Security = WPA2 Personal
Wireless Password = Same password as the Netgear wireless network
Verify Password
Click the Internet icon at the top of the window
Click the Internet Connect tab just below the icon
Connect Using = Ethernet or it might read DHCP
Connection Sharing = Off (Bridge Mode)
Click the Update button at the lower right of the screen and wait about a minute for the AX to restart with the new settings and a green light.  You should be all set.