Extending a network - "Join network" or "participate in WDS"?

Struggling with adding a new APE to my network, and trying different settings out. (OSX10.5.2)
I initially set up the remote APE as "join existing network". This allowed it to join the network, but it isn't being accessed by my Macs.
Working through the Help files, I decided to try setting it up as a WDS remote.I put all the settings in (including the ID of the base station), and updated the settings. Now the light on the APE is flashing amber, and not showing up in the network, so I guess that's the wrong approach.
Or is it? Which is the best approach for extending a network using a 2nd APE - join existing network, or become a WDS remote station?
thanks
David

To extend the range of your wifi, set up WDS or set it up to 'extend the wireless network'. Setting it to "join a network" just lets the APE join the network like any other wireless device (laptop, phone etc) it doesn't actually extend anything. It does let you use it to stream tunes to it, but it doesn't boost the range. If you set it to 'extend the wireless network' you can get it to boost the signal AND stream music to it. If you use WDS it extends your network by adding a second hotspot to your network. (So say your network name is "network", and you add a WDS point in another room, you'll see "network" and "network 2" as access points)

Similar Messages

Joining a network or Extending a network

I have purchased a 500Gb TC and need the following setup....
TC is based upstairs, Main router is downstairs (and contains modem).
So I set up TC and said extend a network but it won't work, keeps giving me a problem. I turn off all security, then it works fine except my network is now unsecured (with the exception of Mac Address access control).
Does anyone know why this might occur?
I did notice I had somehow got a setting to Extend a network, but also a setting to Join a wireless network but this does not always appear? Any idea?
I assume I need to set up TC with the same wireless access settings as my main router?
I do not want to use TC as my main router, I have nothing that can use the N as all devices I have are B or G. Ive tried copying a couple of files across and they all seem a good speed.
So basically...
1. If I have a main router and I choose to extend a wireless network, what security settings should I use, same as WiFi router?
2. As I am basically using my TC as a wireless hard disk and I'll also plug in a printer, can I select the Join network option? Will that make my life easier?
Any help appreciated.

What brand of "Main" router do you have?
Most (if not all) Non Apple routers will not allow you to extend the network with other Apple base stations.
You may be able to "Join" your existing network (router) but that is about it.
Joseph Kriz

Extend Wireless Network using a Telstra technicolor Gateway wireless Router to Airpot extreme but Airport will only except join not extend and I can not get a network on the Airpor Extreme ethernet ports but can ping Airport extreme from Technicolor Rout/

Extend Wireless Network using a Telstra technicolor Gateway wireless Router to Airpot extreme but Airport will only except "join a wireless network (which it does) not "extend a wireless network" (Led turns yellow and I can not get a network working on the Airpor Extreme ethernet ports but can ping Airport extreme from Technicolor Router.
Airport gets it address DHCP.

Funny how I can ping the Extreme but the Hard Ethernet ports dont seem to work correctly.
When the AirPort Extreme is configured to "Join" a wireless network, the Ethernet ports are not enabled.
Oddly, the AirPort Express has a special feature that will allow it to to "Join" virtually any wireless network.....and the Ethernet port can be enabled. So, an Express would work for your purpose to provide an Ethernet connection to the media player. This assumes that the Express is located where it can receive a strong wireless signal from your main router.
Note that the Express will not provide any additional wireless coverage when it "Joins".

Help me clarify: Difference between Joining and Extending Wireless Network

I've eventually figured out how to get my AirPort Express to allow my Mac Pro access to the internet Via Ethernet cable by joining an existing wireless network. What's the difference between that and extending it? By extending it I loose my ability to use the ethernet to connect to internet on my Mac Pro. Odd thing is though when I initially used AirPort Utility to set up my AirPort Express, I went through all the options to get it configured to access my existing network and I checked option to allow internet access through ethernet. All is well, but then I still don't have access to the internet through the ethernet and I noticed that the setting is on Extended. Just curious why it would give me the option to use the ethernet, set it on extended and not even work.

I've eventually figured out how to get my AirPort Express to allow my Mac Pro access to the internet Via Ethernet cable by joining an existing wireless network. What's the difference between that and extending it?
When "joining a network," the AirPort Express Base Station (AX) acts just like any other wireless client (laptop, desktop, printer, etc.) You would want to configure the AX to join a network when you only want to use it to share a USB printer and/or stream iTunes.
When "extending a network," the AX can perform as either a main, relay, or remote base station in a Wireless Distribution System (WDS). A WDS is primarily used to extend a network wirelessly.
By extending it I loose my ability to use the ethernet to connect to internet on my Mac Pro.
If the AX is configured as either a relay/remote base station in a WDS, you actually can use it's Ethernet port for Internet access. Of course, this relay/remote must be connected to a main base station, that itself, has Internet access.

Airport express - extend a network or join a network?

I have a Time Capsule as my base station and a number of Airport Expresses installed ( one with a USB printer). All the Express are connected wirelessly. When setting up you are allowed to configure the Express to join a network or to Extend a Network. What is the best choice. My goal is to make sure my printer works, but also ensure the signal is decent throughout the house.
Apple tech when I called gave two conflicting answers. One said it should be Extend the Network. When I called back the next tech said that that was in fact incorrect. He said it should be Connect. He told me that Extend only works where you are hooking up the extra Expresses to an Ethernet cable which is not the case. Who is right?

Hi Bob,
After searching all over the internet, I found your answers to be the most informative
Would appreciate if you can comment on my situation:
Room Outlay:
I have a single-story 3,000 square-foot house with the Study on one end of the house and two other key areas of the house, the Family Room and the Master Bedroom, at the other ends of a "triangle" (Note: the Master Bedroom is a little closer to the Study than the Family Room is to the Study).
Original Environment:
1. in the Study: Cable Modem (Comcast)
2. in the Study: Time Capsule (MB276LL/A 500GB) ethernet connection to Cable Modem
3. in the Study: iMac ethernet connection to Time Capsule
4. in the Family Room: iPhone, iPad, and Laptop wireless usage
5. in the Master Bedroom: iPhone, iPad, and Laptop wireless usage
Original Issues:
Particularly in the Family Room (the most important of my remote areas), the devices (iPhone, etc.) seemed to drop in and out of the wireless network connection. I measured the wireless signal strength to be between 30-40% (Note: it was 45-50% in the Master Bedroom).
New Environment (additions)
6. in the Family Room: AirPort Express (MB321LL/A) Unit 1
7. in the Master Bedroom: AirPort Express (MB321LL/A) Unit 2
Impulsively reacting to various internet posts regarding extending wireless range with the AirPort Express, I went out and bought 2 units with the hope of improving the wireless signal strength in the Family Room and the Master Bedroom. I followed the instructions to have them "extend" the existing wireless network, and I now measure the wireless signal strength to be between 55-70% (vs. 30-40%) in the Family Room and 60-65% (vs. 45-50%) in the Master Bedroom.
Concerns/questions:
Further research turned up a bunch of posts that claim "extending" a wireless network the way I have significantly reduces the overall wireless network performance (cuts the throughput in half for each extender?).
Q1. Is this true? How does this relate to the improved signal strengths I measured.
Q2. If so, if I scrap the unit in the Master Bedroom, will I get better throughput in the Family Room?
Q3. In general, is there a better way to configure my network (e.g., not using "extend", etc.) to get better coverage in the Family Room (and ideally the Master Bedroom) without compromising throughput?
Q4. Although it appears the Time Capsule does not easily support a booster antenna, I did see some convoluted "do-it-yourself" kits that seem to have positive results for people. Is this something I should consider?
Thanks in advance,
Steve

Doubly extended Airport network has become unstable

I have an ethernet-wired Airport Extreme generating a wireless network, extended twice by Airport Express units, with a TiVo wireless adapter getting feed from the 2nd AXpress. TiVo is located about 120' from AXtreme; that's the full length of the network. TiVo currently is receiving an IP address most of the time but is not receiving TiVo information, reporting "Gateway not found" (it has connected reliably in the past). All the Apple equipment is glowing green, both on the equipment itself and on the Airport Utility. All AX are running v7.6.3, my OS is 10.6.8 on a 2008 Mac Pro.
All stations are n-capable. AXtreme is currently set up to "Create a wireless network"; "Allow this network to be extended" is checked, Wireless security is WPA2 Personal.
Relay AXpress is set up to "Extend a wireless network." Should it be "Join a wireless network" or "Participate in a WDS network" instead? "Allow wireless clients" is checked. Security is WPA/WPA2 Personal.
Remote AXpress is set up identically to Relay; should it be different?

I have an ethernet-wired Airport Extreme generating a wireless network, extended twice by Airport Express units, with a TiVo wireless adapter getting feed from the 2nd AXpress.
You cannot extend twice. Apple's "extend a wireless network" function works like the hub and spokes of a wheel.
Your AirPort Extreme is the "hub" and each AirPort Express resides at the end of a "spoke". The devices at the end of a "spoke" communicate directly to the "hub".....not to another device at the end of another "spoke".
You can have multiple devices extending, but each one resides at the end of a separate spoke, since it must communicate directly to the hub.
In your case, the 2nd AirPort Express cannot "extend", but it can "join" the network. It provides no additional wireless coverage when it joins, but the Ethernet port is enabled if you clicked that option in AirPort Utility.
The Express that is "joining" is going to have a tough time unless it is quite close the 1st AirPort Express so that it can get a good signal. If you think about it, you will realize that the wireless signal has to make two separate "hops" to get to the 2nd AirPort Express. Not good.
If you want the 2nd AirPort Express to "extend" the network, it must be physically located closer to the AirPort Exteme than it is to the 1st AirPort Express.
Never use the WDS option, (which Apple tries to hide for good reason) as it only operates at slower "g" wireless speeds and each relay or remote on the network cuts the bandwidth on the entire network in half. So, with a base station, relay and remote in a WDS setup, your network runs at about 14 Mbps. That's about where wireless "b" operates....very, very slow....about 10 times slower than a basic "n" network.

Problems wirelessly extending 5Ghz network with Time Capsule

Summary:
My Time Capsule wirelessly extends a 5Ghz "n" network provided by my Airport Extreme, but the Time Capsule frequently fails and stops providing Internet access to connected computers. I'm not sure if the problem is with the Time Capsule or with the Airport Extreme it's connecting to.
Setup:
Airport Extreme (dual band) connected to cable modem. It provides a 5Ghz "n" network and a 2.5Ghz "b-g-n" network. This is in the bedroom.
Time Capsule (non-dual band) joins the 5Ghz network and extends it. This is in the office, maybe 40 feet away, line-of-sight. There is a laser printer connected to the Time Capsule via ethernet.
My MacBook is set to join the 5 Ghz network, and since it's in the office, it ends up joining via the Time Capsule. This is the desired behavior, as connecting through the Time Capsule seems to result in the fastest possible backup speed.
There are no wireless devices, such as cordless phones, in the house. The microwave is NOT in use when the problems arise.
*The Problem:*
Frequently, the MacBook loses its Internet connection, though it is still connected to the 5Ghz network through the Time Capsule. When this happens, it can only see the Time Capsule it's connected through (and other devices that are connected to it) but no other devices on the network.
When this happens, other devices that are connecting to the 5Ghz network through the Airport Extreme can no longer see the Time Capsule or any devices connected to it, such as the laser printer or my MacBook. This includes the living room computer, which has never been able to complete a backup due to this problem.
The Time Capsule's and the Airport Extreme's indicator lights both stay green.
If I change the Macbook's connection to the 2.5Ghz network, it can see the devices connected to the Airport Extreme, but can no longer reach the Time Capsule.
*Unsuccessful Solutions:*
This was happening in a previous incarnation of the network, when I had a non-dual band Airport Extreme providing the main network, the Time Capsule connected via 5Ghz, and an Airport Express connected via ethernet to the Time Capsule to provide a b-g network.
I replaced the Airport Extreme with a new dual-band unit to simplify the setup, but it did not solve the problem.
Since the Time Capsule seemed to be the weak link in the network, I reported the problem and got the unit replaced, but the problem still persists.
I've reset both the Airport Extreme and the Time Capsule to their factory settings numerous times, and set them up again from scratch (no imported settings). I've gone in and made sure that there were no WDS settings leftover from the earlier configuration, as the 5Ghz network does not need it to extend itself.
*Plea for help:*
Is anyone else experiencing a similar problem?

Update
The other day, I modified the setup so that the Time Capsule doesn't extend the wireless network wirelessly, only through Ethernet (so the attached printer will work, but the computers will connect directly to the AEBS. The Time Capsule stayed connected long enough for me to do a full backup (125GB) from the downstairs computer.
I thought I had it "solved" (though extending the 5Ghz network would be preferable so the office computers can have faster backup speeds.)
But yesterday, I went to print to the Ethernet-attached printer, and it got only one page out before it disappeared off the network again, and the print job failed. I noticed it did it again, today.
So the problem is not tied to wirelessly extending the network.

I have an airport extreme for my main internet connection, an express to listen to music on my home theatre, another express to extend the network upstairs, and one more express for my wireless printer. whats the best way to setup the express stations?

So basically I would like to know if its best to have them setup on "join a wireless network" or "extend a wireless network"
Obviously the one I use to extend the network is setup that way, the other 2 are set on "join a network"
is this the optimal configuration? or should I have them all on "extend a wireless network" ?

There is really no "best" setting here for the AirPort Express devices. If you need more wireless coverage in the area where an Express is located, then it makes sense to configure the Express to "extend" a wireless network.
If you already have good coverage in an area where an Express is located, then the "join" configuration makes sense.
I've yet to meet the first user who felt that he/she had too much wireless signal coverage in their home, but you never know.

How do I extend a network with an AirPort Extreme from an Arris TG862?

I'm using Comcast as my ISP, and after some issues with a previous Motorola modem, they supplied me with an Arris TG862 Router/Modem combo tower. I have two AirPort Extremes, one of which was previously connected to the old Motorola modem to send wireless into the house, but it only reached halfway, so I had the other AirPort Extreme in the middle of the house to "catch" the signal and then broadcast it out to the rest of the house. This worked fine for a while.
But with the new TG862, it doesn't seem to be an option. From what I've read, if I have the TG862 in one room (connected to the cable), AirPort Extreme #1 in the middle of the house, trying to join the existing network (or extend it?), and AirPort Extreme #2 in the far end of the house (to extend from AirPort #1), it won't work. Apple's "extension" technology isn't compatible with all other modems or routers, and even if it was, I'd have to somehow configure the TG862 to "allow to be extended."
So my question is, IF there is a desktop utilizing the TG862 as a direct connection (because it has no built-in Wi-Fi), is it possible to put the TG862 into bridge mode, connect one of the AirPort Extremes and have it act as the router so I can use AirPort Extreme #2 to extend that network out to the rest of the house? I want to ensure the desktop still has a connection, but there's Wi-Fi that actually goes out through the whole house.
The connected-to-the-cable-desktop is a PC; we have multiple iPhones, iPads, and anywhere from 1 Mac laptop to 1 iMac in the house at any given time.

pcbjr wrote:
Topic title pretty well sums up the question.
I have a TimeCapsule Base Station with two Expresses for extending the network through the house.
We're doing a 3 room addition, and there is not a convenient place to put an Express in a wall outlet in the middle room of the addition, but there's a perfect place to put an Extreme on top of a piece of furniture.
So, can the Extreme act as an "extender" only, in lieu of using an Express?
Hiya.
You can absolutely extend a network with an Extreme. I've got a 5th gen. Extreme extending a network created with a 3rd gen. Time Capsule. On the Extreme, you'll have the option to allow (or not) WiFi clients. I recommend having all units updated to the current firmware (7.6.1 as of this writing). Note that extending doesn't work in daisy-chain fashion, meaning that your Expresses or Extremes will each connect to and extend from the TC. As such, you'll want the TC to be in as central a location as possible to offer the best coverage.

SOLUTION TO Time Capsule and extend wireless network using AEBS, Printers..

Hello GUYS
I find the solution: at least I have extended wireless using TC and old AEBS.
: well everybody have same problems to initialize second AEBS, and set it up.
OK follow this steps:
put next to each other TC (time capsule) and AEBS (airport extreme) -> switch AEBS off
If you followed installation TC correctly it should work without any problem.
SETING UP TC PART 1
pres in finder Command + Shift + U =then click Airport utility
set your TC with manual.
On piece of paper record Airport ID:
Click on TIME CAPSULE
I recommend change name not to use deffault long name for TC. Simply call it TC if you want. Set password.
In wireless. Write a name of your Network, keep it simple TC627 what ever. Write it down on paper. security WPA2 personal and password.
Update. and close utility
End of part 1
Part 2:
AEBS setup.
Switch AEBS on: No need to switch off TC
Press reset button for more than 5 sec. so everything is restore to factory settings.
-> in the bar top click wireless and select AEBS. You have to do this otherwise Airport utility will not recognise AEBS.
When you are done. Command shift U
Click airport utility. and manual setup.
-> write down the Airport ID.
Set up your AEBS, name something simple so you know what it is. Password and security.
Here do yourself favor use the same passwords as on TC and security.
NOW ->
click Wireless.
*Wireless network has to be same as on TC.*( it is on the paper)
Select Participate in wireless network
Radio mode b,g compatible or only N it is up to you.
I setup WPA2Personal again with the same password( same on TC)
Click WDS
Select WDS remote
select Allow wireless clients
and now write the TC airport ID into WDS main: number (it is on your paper)
Update.
switch off utility.
no go to right top and change airport back to TC.
Go to manual
Click Wireless:
Select Participate in WDS Network
Click WDS: wds mode to Main
allow wireless clients: and write into WDS remotes AEBS ID, (it is on the paper).
and update.
both airports will restart.
and you are extended.
You made it. Go to Utility Cmd,shift, U and you should be able to see both airports.
Now what you have to do is to take AEBS to different place.
Put it somewhere in second room. Go back to your computer. Leave it for couple of minutes. 10 -15 is ok.
to make sure your TC can find AEBS. If not TC will indicate by flashing green and orange. = >AEBS has to be closer.
correct is that TC has still green light.
Before you start with time machine: read what files to include
hope it helps.

instructions

No matter what i do i cant extend my network??

Okay so i brought an Apple Express basestation brandnew from Apple about 4 months ago that I am using as my basestation. I have been able to acess my internet etc all without an issue via various devices in the house such as my 10.6.8 iMac, 10.5.? Mac Mini, and my iPad, as well as other devices like the PS3, my Acer phone and an Asus Vista desktop (the latter with a wireless card)
I brought another express second hand but only about a year old to extend the range of the network and no matter what setting I use it will not extend the range. I have ensured that the express I am using as the main gateway have the extend this network box checked. I have also tried setting up the secondary express to "join my existing network" (which does everything you would expect this setting to do) and also "extend my current network" which is where issues arise such as it slipping in and out of visibility on the Airport Utility.
I even tried setting it up using the WDS system and that yeilded no results at all, this was the only time that none of the computers/devices would connect.
The only reasons that I can think of that would make it not work are these questions:
Does the gateway to the modem have to be an airport extreme/time capsule, or is the express fine for this?
Does the secondary express have to have to be hardwired to the gateway express? Which obvioulsy isnt going to happen
Do you have any other ideas? Would swapping the two expresses around so the one that i want to be the secondary is actually the primary gateway and viseversa or is that a wasted exercise? I am familiar with all of those posters that comment here a lot and thank you for your tips. Have tried all of the stuff you have mentioned time and time again! I spent about 3 hours trying and retrying various configurations last night and again this morning after switching off every device in the household over night.
the original express runs seamlessly, and if i bring the devices closer to the original they work perfectly. the secondary one is just like a washed out bridge, its there and does part of what you need, but not completely usefull without all of it!
Thanks!

Ok, here's another set of step-by-step instructions for configuring an extended network. Please give them a try to be sure you didn't miss anything.
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.

Troubling extending wireless network with Time Capsule and Airport Extreme

I am trying to set up and extend a wireless network in my house, but it’s not working right. I have two Airport/Capsule units in the house:
2TB Time Capsule (Dual-Band II)
1 Airport Extreme (Dual Band)
I have the Verizon Fios router as my gateway to the internet, and also as my DHCP server. I have also tested the ethernet ports in my house to verify that they work, and that I can get a DHCP-issued IP address.
Now, my Verizon router has WiFI, and it’s still on. I am not using it though except to troubleshoot. So far as I understand, this should not cause a problem.
Base station setup
So I setup the TC to Create A New Wireless Network, on the ethernet network it’s on (Dlink switch plugged into Verizon router). I set it up in Bridge Mode (as opposed to having it dole out IPs, since the Verizon router does this already). The TC gets a valid IP, and my wireless device connect to it without a problem. I have checked “Allow this network to be expanded” under Wireless settings.
Extended station setup
The AE Dual-Band is plugged into the Ethernet, and is reset to Factory Settings. I name it “Airport Extreme 2” and I chose “I want Airport Extreme to join my current network.” The other two options are: “I want to create a new wireless network” and “I want to replace and existing base station or wireless router with Airport Extreme.”
I chose to “join,” I select “I want to connect Airport Extreme to my network using Ethernet to extend my existing wireless network.” The other options are to disable wireless entirely, or to “wirelessly join my current network.” On the next page it asks me to select the device or network that the Airport Extreme will connect to using the Ethernet. I set it to the Time Capsule.
Results:
Access near the Airport Extreme 2 is incredibly slow. Speedtest shows I am getting less than 1Mbps. Worse yet, my mail client won’t connect. It just times out.
What I had hoped was that the AE would connect via Ethernet to the network, and just bring the wireless network to the other side of the house. Instead it almost seems as though it is just re-amplifying the TC’s signal. Otherwise, why is performance so bad?
Thanks to anyone with some insight here!

Hello Kennuff. Welcome to the Apple Discussions!
Since you have the ability to connect all of the routers by Ethernet, there is no need to configure the Time Capsule (TC) & 802.11n AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBSn) for a dynamic WDS (aka, extending a network). This option is only when the routers do NOT have an Ethernet connection between them.
Instead, you want to configure the TC & AEBSn in a "roaming" network. I suggest starting by performing either a "hard" or "factory default" reset on both.
Next be sure that both the TC & AEBSn are on the same Ethernet subnet coming from the Verizon-supplied router.
Configure the TC & AEBSn as follows:
AirPort Utility > Select the TC or AEBSn > Manual Setup > AirPort > Wireless
o Wireless Mode = Create a wireless network
o Allow this network to be extended: <not checked>
o Radio Mode: <leave the default or if you require a specific mode make sure both routers are configured the same>
o Wireless Security: <configure both routers the same>
AirPort Utility > Select the TC or AEBSn > Manual Setup > Internet > Internet Connection
o Connection Sharing = Off (Bridge Mode)

Extending a network with Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme (via Belkin powerline)

Hello -
I've seen many topics about extending wireless networks here, but none seems to resolve the issue I'm having. I currently have a setup where a DSL cable modem is connected to a Time Capsule and I need to extend this network to another room using an AirPort Extreme.
I live in a very old apartment in Brazil and the walls seem to block the signal from one room to another, hence the need to extend it. Since wireless signal is very weak between rooms, I bought a Belkin powerline AV500 so I could connect both Time Capsule and AirPort using the electrical power at home (just installing a regular Ethernet cable between rooms is not an option).
I started with the basics: configure the Time Capsule + DSL as a standalone network, and it works perfectly within it's range. Then I connected the Belking powerline, plugged a MacBook via Ethernet on the other end and still got very good results (actually better speed than expected). Used it for a while with streaming and other network intensive tasks to make sure it could sustain the connection.
Finally, pluggned the AirPort Extreme on the Belking powerline and this is where the problems started. AirPort Utility 6.3.1 only gives me the option of extending a network wirelessly - it doesn't seem to give me the option of extending it via Etherenet (roaming), which is not good in my case. Luckly I had a copy of AirPort Utility 5.6 which seems to do the job (or I thought so), but it's still not working well.
Although I managed to configure both with the same name, it doesn't seem reliable and some devices (the iPhone 5, for example) are unable to connect and end up with a self-asigned IP address. I'm almost sure I'm doing something wrong on the setup, as I've seen a similar setup working before, so if anyone out there has any clue of what can be done, it will be much appreciated.
Attached the screenshots of both Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme configurations.
Thanks a lot,
-TM
AirPort Exteme:
Time Capsule:

Hello JuliaApple. Welcome to the Apple Discussions!
You have several ways to configure both base stations for what you are trying to do.
The simplest would be to configure the Time Capsule (TC) to "join" (AirPort Utility > Manual Setup > Wireless tab > Wireless Mode = Join a wireless network) your existing 802.11n AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBSn). In this type of configuration the TC would perform as any other wireless client and not perform as a router. It will; however, still allow for both backups and sharing USB devices attached to it.

How do I install a new airport express and link a second airport express to extend the network of the first airport express?

I currently have a linksys wireless router attached to the Internet. I have an A1264 Airport Express connected by Ethernet to the linksys router. I have two network names, one for each wireless network.
I purchased a new A1392 Airport Express to replace the linksys router and join to the A1264 Airport Express, and I want to have one network name as a result.
How do I do this? I realize that I have to reconfigure the A1264 device so that it is an extension of the A1392 device.

You have a fairly complicated set up, so I suggest that it would make sense to tackle things in stages, testing each stage as you go, before proceding to the next stage.
Stage 1 would be setting up the A1392 first to the cable modem, and then making sure that everything is working correctly on the A1392 Express
Stage 2 would be adding the Netgear switch and testing each port with a laptop connected via Ethernet to make sure that everything is operational on the switch
Stage 3 would be connecting the A1264 Express and testing to make sure that it is extending the network correctly
Stage 4 would be adding other Ethernet devices to the Netgear switch and testing each one at a time before adding the next device. There is some question about whether an iOS device can print to an Ethernet connected printer....even if the printer is AirPrint compatible. You may need to connect the HP using wireless...not Ethernet....to gain full AirPrint functionality, or use another application that will allow printing like Printopia or Print Central using the Ethernet connection on the HP.
Stage 5 would be adding the printer to the A1264 AirPort Express.
You do not mention how the printer will connect to the A1264 Express, but I assume that it will be USB from your description. Most printers will work, but you really will not know if your printer will work until you try.
Remember that only printing will be supported at the USB port of the Express. If you have an all-in-one type device, scan, maintenance, and other advanced features will not be operational whent the device is connected to the AirPort Express.
If you want to print from an iOS device like an iPad or iPhone, plan to add additonal software like Printopia or Print Central to possibly allow this function. There are no guarantees here as far as the iOS devices.

Do i need to use airport express to extend my network to use AirTunes?

I use an AEBS connected to my cable modem and just bought the Airport Express just to be able to stream my iTunes music to a set of powered speakers conncted to it.
When I got into Airport Utility, the only options it provides is to Set up a new network, add to an existing network or replace an existing network.
I just to add to an existing network and it says Airport Express will be used to extend my network.
Now - is that how it's supposed to work? Does it have to extend my network in order to use Air Tunes? The reason I ask is that I remember reading on the forums that extended your network can slow it down....

Bob Timmons wrote:
Version 6.0 will not allow you to configure the Express to "Join a wireless network" if you have another AirPort providing the wireless signal.
If you want the Express to "join" the network, you will need to download and install the much more functional AirPort Utility 5.6 for Mac OS X Lion , which was available on the same day as AirPort Utility 6.0.
Apparently, a number of users missed this.
Suggest that you keep both 5.6 and 6.0 on your Mac and use the one that is most useful.
That is NOT correct.
Version 6.0 will allow you to "Join a wireless network" if you have another Airport providing the wireless signal.
I have an Extreme provinding the wireless network and have 2 Express units Joining the network.
Here is a screen shot of version 6.0 and the Express settings.
You must have missed this in your settings.

Extending a network - "Join network" or "participate in WDS"?

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