Hooking up Airport Express for the first time

Question

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

Answer 1

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.