Extending wireless network - airport express

Hi - just unwrapped my new airport express and trying to set-up an extended wireless network. My understanding is that the AX will extend my existing network, but I am getting the same error each time I try - amber status on extended network. Does the extended network function not work if the existing router is non apple ? I have a talk talk router and I can join a wireless network no issue. However the point of buying the AX was to extend the network as I get bad reception on the back of the house.
thanks

Does the extended network function not work if the existing router is non apple ?
Apple uses proprietary technology in their "extend" feature that.....as far as we know.....will only work with another Apple router.....if you are trying to "extend" using wireless only.
It would be extremely unlikely that it would work with a router from another manufacturer for this purpose.

Similar Messages

Best way to extend wireless via airport express and time capsule

best way to extend wireless via airport express and time capsule
i live in a two storey house where i use my airport express to create a wireless network in the main floor, and time capsule to extend it in the upper floor, where my room is. i have like 16 mbps in the main floor, and 2-3 mbps in the upper floor after having speediest.
i used time capsule in the upper floor because i use wireless backup daily and don't want to put internet down while i im doin it and consequently my parent can have internet access in the main floor, am i right? or do i have make just the opposite in order to have a good internet speed?
secondly, while checking airport express wireless mode on airport utility, there is like 4 different type of radio mode(802 11n bg comp, 802 11n 2.4, 802 11n a comp, 802 11n 5ghz) which i have no idea what they mean
what do you recommend?
we have like iphone4, iphone 3g, mbookpro, ipad, ipad 2, samsung tv and a sony vaio laptop in the wireless network
thank you

What you have would appear to be working but I can comment how I would redefine your setup. Note that both Airport Express and Time Capsule can function as wireless base stations so you do have wireless everywhere and at all times — using the Time Capsules for backups doesn’t mean your parents won’t have internet access regardless of the where the base stations are located.
You appear to have devices to connect to your network that use the 2.4 GHz band with 802.11g such as the iPhone 3G and perhaps the 5 GHz band with 802.11n such as likely the Macbook Pro if it’s a recent model. The iPhone 4 can use 5 GHz and 802.11n. Can’t comment on the Sony and Samsung but you can check their specs.
Now the Time Capsule (if it’s a recent version), can simultaneously supply 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band signals, but the Airport Express (if it’s recent) can only use one of those bands at one time. Likely the lowest common denominator for your devices is going to be the 2.4 GHz band since the devices that are capable of using 5 GHZ also support 2.4 GHz. If you don’t use 5 GHz, you won’t lose much in a two-storey home because likely it’s the 2.4 GHz band is better signal anyway because 5 GHz signals drop off quickly with several walls/floors to penetrate.
You also didn’t mention if the Airport Express is used to support a printer and/or AirPlay (using iTunes to play on remote speakers via the Airport Express connection) but that might also be a factor in the best location to place the Airport Express. Although the printer could be switched between the Time Capsule and the Airport Express if needed, only the Airport Express will support your remote speakers.
Recommend you use the Time Capsule as the Base station. When using Airport Utility to define the network, after you name your network, etc., select the Wireless tab, check the box “Allow this network to be extended” and set the Radio Mode to "802.11n (802.11b/g compatible)”.
Using the Airport Utility, click on the Airport Express; after you define the device and network name, select the Wireless tab, define the Wireless Mode as “Extend a Wireless Network” and check the box “Allow wireless clients”.
Hope that helps.

How to extend wireless with airport express and time capsule

So, I have a time capsule & because of the thick walls in my apartment, I can barely use my ipad and iphone at night in my bedroom! (my macbookPRO stays at 3 bars however!)
I bought an airport express thinking I could plug it closer to or inside my bedroom to boost the signal - but it doesn't seem to work that way - any tips on how to set this up?
TWO ADDITIONAL Qs:
Does connecting directly to my time capsule (which i'm assuming i'd need another ethernet cable) help with the boost? (then negates the other great uses for the airport express it seems)
Isn't there a way to do the boost with the express wirelessly? I'd really love to get wireless speakers, use airplay AND be able to use my devices just two rooms away .... HELP!
thanks so much (when did apple phone support start to be closed on Sundays?)
cheers.

Suggest that you check your setup again to make sure that the settings are correct on both the Time Capsule and AirPort Express.
Open AirPort Utility, select the Time Capsule and click Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab below the row of icons
Make sure that a check mark is entered next to "Allow this network to be extended".( If the box is not checked, the Time Capsule will not extend to the AirPort Express)
Click Update to save your settings and close AirPort Utility
Next, open AirPort Utility again, select the AirPort Express and click Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab
Settings should look like this:
Wireless Mode = Extend a wireless network
Wireless Network Name = Same name as the Time Capsule network
Check mark entered next to "Allow wireless clients"
Wireless Security = Same setting as the Time Capsule
Wireless Password = Same password as the Time Capsule network
Confirm Password
Update to save settings and close AirPort Utility
Locate the AirPort Express approximately half way between the Time Capsule and area that needs more wireless coverage. You may need to experiment on placement to find the best compomise.
Post back on your results.

Extending my Network- Airport express?

Hi,
I currently have a Netgear DG834G Router providing wifi for two macs. This works fine. I now have a new mac in another part of my house, and the wifi does not reach to it.
I am looking for a device which will increase the range so it can reach the new mac.
There are NO ethernet or phone sockets anywhere near the new mac.
Will the Airport Express do what i want?
I just want something with no wires that can receive the existing signal, and then boost it out further
Any help is appreciated,
Thank You

Hello robinotter. Welcome to the Apple Discussions!
There are NO ethernet or phone sockets anywhere near the new mac.
Will the Airport Express do what i want?
Possibly, but not without additional equipment, especially if your goal is to extend the wireless range of your Netgear. Basically, the AirPort Express Base Station (AX) will not be able to extend the wireless range of non-AirPort router ... so you are left with a few other choices: 1) See if Netgear offers a solution, 2) Configure the AX to join the Netgear's wireless network and share its connection by Ethernet, or 3) Invest in a pair of PowerLine adapters to take advantage of your home's electrical circuit to create a psuedo Ethernet network between the Netgear and where you want to put in a wireless at the other part of your house.

Extending wireless network with Express

Hi all
We recently renovated and got the house wired with ethernet to almost every room. Currently the signal comes through a Motorola router/modem and connects to the ethernet network.
I am broadcasting a wireless signal via the Airport Extreme, and everything works great except that the range does not cover one end of the house. I have an Airport Express that I'd like to set up in order to extend the range of the signal. My understanding is that simply doing this wirelessly (where the express picks up the existing signal and rebroadcasts) isn't all that effective. I'd like to connect the Express to the ethernet network and broadcast the same wireless network as the Extreme.
Will that work?
So basically both the Extreme and the Express will be connected directly to the Motorola modem. Can they both broadcast the "same" network? or does the Extreme have to be connected directly to a port on the Express for this to work?

My understanding is that simply doing this wirelessly (where the express picks up the existing signal and rebroadcasts) isn't all that effective
Correct.
I'd like to connect the Express to the ethernet network and broadcast the same wireless network as the Extreme.
Good plan.
So basically both the Extreme and the Express will be connected directly to the Motorola modem
A true "modem" has only one Ethernet port, so that would not work. Better to connect from the WAN "O" port on the Express to a LAN <-> port on the AirPort Extreme.....even if the "modem" is a modem/router or gateway with more than one Ethernet port.
Can they both broadcast the "same" network?
Yes, this is known as a "roaming network".
Your next question might be how to set this up. The answer depends on the AirPort models that you have and what operating system you are using on your computer.
Check on the bottom of the AirPort Extreme for the model number....starts with an "A" followed by four numbers. The model number on the Express is on the side or bottom of the device. It also will read "Axxxx".
If you have a Mac and are not sure what operating system it is using.....click the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen, then click About This Mac. Post back with the OS X Version number that you see there.

Extend a network Airport express and Airport Extreme

A very straight forward setup. I simply want to extend my Airport Extreme network with the Express. I use the airport utility. It finds the express and says that it has extended the network. However, later when I check the wireless options of the express, it is setup as a Create a Network.
The two are connected via ethernet. Not sure why its saying that. If I mannually then change it to extend a network, it doesn't show me the home network. I enter it mannualy and update it. It doesn't behave nicely.
Am I doing something wrong here ?
Thanks.

I use the airport utility. It finds the express and says that it has extended the network. However, later when I check the wireless options of the express, it is setup as a Create a Network.
"Create a wireless network" is the correct setting to extend the network when the AirPort is connected to the main router using a wired Ethernet connection.
"Extend a wireless network" would be the correct setting only if the AirPort Express is connected to the main router using wireless only, not Ethernet.

IMac G5 not connecting to wireless network (Airport Express)

Hello. I recently made a shift to working-from-home and I have my iMac G5 to replace an older iBook. My internet connection repeatedly gets cut off during the course of the day. I actually called my ISP and ask them to run some tests and they told me all is fine from their end. I have 2 iBooks who can access our network without any glitches. It just happens to be my iMac who is suffering from this pesky little problem. The admin computer is actually my husband's iBook G4, which he leaves in his home office. I already made updates and ensured that software is current. Please, help!
THANKS,
funkymum of 'shwa

If his Mac is set up for Internet Sharing, then it might be possible that every time it goes into "sleep" mode is when you are losing the Internet connection.
I suggest that you double-check the settings on his Mac for Internet Sharing.
To setup for Internet Sharing (Wired to Wireless):
Enable Software Firewall
System Preferences > Sharing > Firewall
- Click Stop to start the software firewall
Setup the Network
Cable Modem > (Ethernet cable) > [Ethernet port] Mac_#1 > (wireless) > Mac_#2
Setup Port Order
System Preferences > Network > Show > Network Port Configurations
- Verify that "AirPort" and "Built-In Ethernet" are enabled.
- Verify that "Built-In Ethernet" is at the top of the list, followed by "AirPort".
- Click "Apply Now."
Configure the Internet Connection
System Preferences > Network > Show > Built-In Ethernet > TCP/IP
- Configure IPv4: Using DHCP
- Configure IPv6: Automatically or Off
Enable Internet Sharing
System Preferences > Sharing > Internet
- Share your connection from: Built-in Ethernet
- To computers using: AirPort (checked) (Note: Uncheck all other entries in the list.)
- AirPort Options
-- Network Name: <anything you want>
-- Channel: Automatic
-- Enable encryption (using WEP) (optional)
-- Password: (optional)
-- Confirm Password: (optional)
-- WEP Key Length: (optional)
-- Click OK
- Click Start

How do I know "Roaming Network" is working with Airport Express and Airport Extreme and should I use extended wireless network for third Express?

Attempting to eliminate a dead spot in Wifi coverage [and implement AirPlay] have one Airport Extreme 802.11n and two Airport Express 802.11n's.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4145
The Airport Extreme is of course connected to cable modem and Ethernet switch, and one Airport Express is connected to the Ethernet network. As per instructions for creating a "Roaming Network", Airport Express is set to same SSID, security type, and Password.
Questions:
1. How does the client device know which Airport to connect to? In other words, will it switch to the closer WiFi transmitter automatically? The WiFi reception problem is intermittent in the fringe areas so what I do not want it for it to stick with the more distant Airport Extreme in the basement when the Airport Express which is closer will work better.
2. How can I tell which of the Airports the attached client device is using?
The third Airport Express will be in a third location - I was planning on using it also for expanding coverage but after reading the warnings about performance suffering when purely using WiFi for the expansion in this location ("Wireless Extended Network" without an ethernet connection) I have figured that the single wired Airport Express will be adequate and will use the third Express to do Airplay only.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4259
Question: Can I use this second Airport Express to extend the wireless network via "Extended Wireless Network" while the other two are in "Roaming Netowrk" configuration? Without bogging down??
Mitch

1. How does the client device know which Airport to connect to?
The Mac computer will automatically connect to the wireless access point with the strongest signal...which is probably the closest AirPort. An iPhone or iPad may not do this and will tend to stay connected to one AirPort.
2. How can I tell which of the Airports the attached client device is using?
On a Mac, open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility. Click on one of AirPorts. In the area to the right, locate the AirPort ID and jot that down. Then do the same for your other AirPort.
Move your Mac near one of the AirPorts and log on to the wireless. Hold down the option key on the Mac while you click the fan shaped AirPort icon at the top of the screen. Look for the BSSID. That is the AirPort ID of the device to which you are connected.
If you are close to the "remote" AirPort, and you see the AIrPort ID of the "main" router when you are testing, then you know that the network is not configured correctly.
Can I use this second Airport Express to extend the wireless network via "Extended Wireless Network" while the other two are in "Roaming Netowrk" configuration? Without bogging down??
There will be a modest 10-15% bandwidth loss with the "extend" setup, assuming that the Express is located where it can receive a strong wireless signal from the AirPort to which it is associated. You can avoid the bandwidth loss if the Express is also connected via Ethernet as part of the roaming configuration.

I have installed Airport Extreme on my iMac, but want to extend the wireless network with Airport Express. Everything is fine until I try to select Extend the wireless network. I select Extend Wireless network but have no success. Ideas?

I have installed Airport Extreme on my iMac, but want to extend the wireless to rooms with a weak signal. The internet connection is fine with the basic setup. As soon as I go into Airport Utility to select Extend Wireless Network and fill in what I believe is proper information, I get an error message that Airport Extreme no longer has an IP address, the internet connection is broken, and under Wireless, that there is a wireless network in existence that can't be found. Rebooting the modem only brings the Airport Extreme back to the starting gate so that the internet is once again available. I assumed (naively) that with the All Mac All-the-Time context, adding Airport Express would truly be Plug and Play. I got the plug, but no play. I asked a Comcast technical specialist about it and he said that I needed to reset the Airport Express settings back to their default, factory status. I looked that process up online and found out that the way to do that was to hold down the reset button, then plug Airport Express into the socket and wait for the green light to flash four times. Then wait 45 seconds and the default settings will return. I did all that, only to find out that after the initial flash of green, green never appeared again. I got a fast flashing yellow light, followed by the light going off. Apparently this didn't reset it properly. So, after hours trying to get this system to work, I appeal to someone who can see through this mess and provide the key to success!
highFly376

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

AirPort Express Extend Wireless Networks (Multiple)

I've got an AirPort Extreme with these wireless networks:
AirPort Network
AirPort Network 5GHz
AirPort Guest Network
I've also got an AirPort Express which I would like to extend these wireless networks with (at least the first two), however the settings only allow me to select one of these wireless network.
I considered connecting the two AirPorts via ethernet, but then thought the two wireless networks would likely clash?
If anyone could advice me as to what I should do, that would be perfect, many thanks.

I've also got an AirPort Express which I would like to extend these wireless networks with (at least the first two), however the settings only allow me to select one of these wireless network.
If you have a "new" AirPort Express with dual band wireless capability, it will both bands using wireless only if you use the same wireless network name for both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network on the main AirPort Extreme.
The Guest Network cannot be extended.
If you do have the option to connect the AirPort Express using Ethernet, it can certainly be configured to provide more wireless coverage that way. The networks will not "clash".

Airport Express as very slow in "extend wireless network" mode

Hi!
I am using a Airport Extreme (fourth generation) as a wireless router and a Airport Express 802.11n in "extend wireless network" mode.
I've set the Airport Extreme mode to 802.11n only - and all devices connect to the Airport Extreme as 802.11n Clients properly.
But as soon as they connect to the Airport Express, they only work in 802.11b/g mode (although they are capable of n)
and the connection is very slow - around 1Mb/s:
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/804/bildschirmfoto20111211u.png/
Can i force the Airport Express station to accept only "n" connections to speed up my file tranfers?
Thanks for any help!
matt

Where is the AirPort Express located in relation to the area that needs more wireless coverage?
Ideally, it would be at a point that is about half the distance between the AirPort Extreme and the area that needs more wireless coverage....and....there would be no obstructions like walls and/or ceilings in the signal path....tough to do in most homes, so do the best that you can.
Avoid placing the Express down low on the wall and use an extension cord to get it up as high as possible with a free look into the room.
The Express will normally "extend" what it receives, but you could try the following to see if it helps:
Temporarily, change the Wireless Mode setting on the AirPort Express to "Create a wireless network" and change the Radio Mode to "802.11n only".
(You may have to hold down the option key on your Mac while you click on the Radio Mode selection box to see the "802.11n only" choice). Then change the Wireless Mode back to "Extend a wireless network" and Update.

Airport Express wouldn't extend wireless network

Am posting this in case it helps someone else. I have an Airport Extreme set up as a base station and couldn't get an Airport Express to "extend wireless network". I finally found a checkbox in the "Wireless" tab of the "Manually Configure" dialog box for the Extreme that says: "Allow this network to be extended". I could not find this referenced anywhere in Apple documentation, so you have to know to go and check this box. Apologies to the techies if this is a no-brainer, but I only found it by accident. Apple should include a brief paragraph in their wireless troubleshooting guide on extending your network.

When you configure the Express to "join a wireless network" it becomes part of the network so that you can stream AirTunes to the device or use a remote printer connected to the USB port, but it does not provide any additional wireless coverage in this type of configuration.
"Extend a wireless network" does the same thing as above, except the Express will also provide more wireless coverage in the area where it is located.

Airport express can't extend wireless network

Airport express(A1264) can't extend wireless network. It seems that Airport express can't find my home Wi-Fi network. Amber light is blinking, and AirPort Utility of MacBook also can't find Airport express.
If AE is connected with TC via LAN cable, amber light is blinking with message "Wireless Network" (This Airport base station is set up to join a specific wireless network that can't be found...)
It was successful only once, but all failed after that.
Is there solution for this problem?
[My system]
Time capsule 4th generation
Airport express 1st generation (A1264)
[Settings]
Time capsule (ethernet connected)
- Create a wireless network
- 802.11a/n - 802.11b/g/n (Automatic)
- 2.4GHz / 5GHz Channel (Autmatic)
- WPA2 Personal
Airport express
- Extend a wireless network
- WPA2 Personal
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network name and Password is set up

If AE is connected with TC via LAN cable, amber light is blinking with message "Wireless Network" (This Airport base station is set up to join a specific wireless network that can't be found...)
Sorry, I misunderstood what you wanted to do.
Since you did tell us that you had the Express connected with an Ethernet cable, I assumed that was how you wanted to configure the Express.
But I want to extend a wireless network (not using ethernet)
Because Airport Express and Time Capsule cannot be connect via ethernet cable.
Follow the same setup as above....and do not connect an Ethernet cable.
Keep the Express near the Time Capsule for the setup. Once you have a green light, move the Express to a point that is about half way between the Time Capsule and area that needs more wireless coverage.
If you reset the Express several times and try the setup several times without success, I think you have to suspect a defective Express.

Extending Wireless Network with Airport Express / DLink Wireless

I have a DLink wireless router WBR-1310. I own two Airport Express 802.11n's. Can anyone help me out with how I can properly set-up an extended network with these products? All help is greatly appreciated.

You would need one AirPort Express located near the D-Link router and connected to the D-Link with an ethernet cable. This Express would be configured to "create a wireless network" and "allow this network to be extended"
If you have two areas that need more wireless coverage, you would locate an AirPort Express approximately 1/2 the distance between the "main" AirPort Express and the area that needs more wireless coverage.
Then do the same with the second area that needs more coverage.
Without knowing your room layout, I can't honestly tell you whether you need only one "extending" Express or more than that.
It will help to remember that the "extend" setup works like the hub and spokes of a wheel. Your "main" Express connected to the D-Link would be the "hub". Each of the "extending" Express devices would be at the end of a spoke. The Express devices at the ends of the spokes communicate directly to the hub, not to another Express at the end of another spoke.
So, to work well, hopefully your D-Link router and Express will be located in a central area of your home so the extending devices will work around the perimeter.
I would recommend that you study Apple's support document on extending wireless networks before you make a final decision on what to do.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4145
Finally, consider if you can connect the two Express devices you have now back to the D-Link using ethernet cables. This would provide much better performance than a wireless only situation.

Wired airport express to extend wireless network and connect network printer?

Is it possible to configure and connect an Airport Express via ethernet cable to an Airport Extreme base station in order to extend wireless network AND connect a network printer to it? Here's the deal...The Airport Extreme is directly connected to my DSL modem and the wireless network is working fine in my house, but, the signal does not reach my detached studio/office. I have a Cat5e cable (and phone line, more on this later) run between the two locations and trimmed out. I would like to have wireless access and connect my network printer (Brother HL-2170W, wireless or wired) in my studio, be able to use printer from house also, and still have wireless access in house.
So, ethernet connection from Extreme to Express, USB from Express to Printer, wireless access for all users. Can anyone talk me through how to (re)configure the Express to do this? Do I need to make changes to Extreme configuration also?
JS

Is it possible to configure and connect an Airport Express via ethernet cable to an Airport Extreme base station in order to extend wireless network AND connect a network printer to it?
Yes. Apple's instructions for this are here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4260
Instead of a second AirPort Extreme as illustrated, you will be using the AirPort Express.

Extending wireless network - airport express

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for