How do I use airport express to extend my wireless network?

How vcan I extend the range of my wireless network using Airport Express?

It appears that you may have "join a wireless network" and "extend a wireless network" mixed up a bit.
The Express can "join" virtually any wireless network produced by any manufacturer's router if it is provided with the correct settings:
name of the wireless network
the correct wireless security settings
and correct password.
"Join" is normally used for AirTunes or to connect a USB printer to the Express for remote printing.
But, the Express does not provide any additional wirless coverage when it "joins" another wireless network.
Apple's "Extend a wireless network" feature, which was introduced about 5 years ago, allows the Express to connect to another Apple "n" wireless router and then "repeat" or "extend" the wireless signal....providing more wireless coverage in the area where the Express is located.
This is a proprietary setting. Apple says it will not work with devices from other manufacturers. To our knowledge, this is correct.
Prior to 2007, Apple used a setting called WDS to allow the Express to be configured to provide more wireless coverage. Attempts were made by a number of manufacturers to standardize the WDS settings, but things were never finalized.
The result is that Apple's older "b/g" routers were sometimes compatible with WDS settings from another manufacturer. There were a handful of products....5 or 6, as I recall....that were said to work. Some did, some didn't. Linksys had a couple of models, Netgear had one, SMC another, etc. Extremely limited.
Since WDS was never adopted as an industry standard, manufacturers developed their own WDS settings. Compatibility was extemely limited and unreliable. That continues to this day with WDS.
Bottom line....It is always best to stick with the same manufacturer throughout your network as far as routing is concerned.
If you have an newer "n" Apple router like an AirPort Extreme, the Express can extend the wireless as can along Extreme. If your Extreme is dual band, and you want to extend both bands, then you need another Extreme.
Another responder suggested to someone that they could connect the AirPort Express to a router via Ethernet. What exactly would that achieve?
That is a completely different subject since this discussion is about extending a wireless network using wireless only.

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Using Airport Express to extend my wireless network

I recently purchased a Time Capsule but found that I could not see the wireless signal from my bedroom. To solve this I purchased an Airport Express to extend the range. I plugged the AE into an outlet in my bed room and set it up to join my existing network. Everything looked fine from the point of view of the Airport Utility. Unfortunately my iPod Touch still can not see my wireless network from my bedroom. I new iPad can see it but the signal is very weak, even when I hold it right next to the AE. Is there a setting I missed?

Rick, welcome to the discussion area!
I plugged the AE into an outlet in my bed room and set it up to join my existing network.
You need to configure the AirPort Express to "Extend a wireless network". The AX does not provide any additional wireless coverage when it is set to "join".
First, you need to check a setting on your Time Capsule as follows:
AirPort Utility > Manual Setup > Wireless tab (below the icons)
Make sure there is a check mark next to "Allow this network to be extended"
Update to save any changes
On the AirPort Express move it close to the Time Capsule for configuration:
AirPort Utility > Manual Setup > Wireless tab
Wireless Mode = Extend a wireless network" (Hold down the option key on your Mac if you do not see this choice appear when you click the selection box).
Wireless Network Name = Same name as your Time Capsule Network
Check mark next to "Allow wireless clients"
Security = Same setting as your Time Capsule
Password = Same password as your Time Capsule
Confirm Password
Update to save settings
The AirPort Express can only "extend" what it "receives". Most users position it too far away from the main router and consequently, the Express extends a weak signal. Try a location that is about 1/2 to 2/3 the distance between the Time Capsule and the area that needs move coverage. Then experiment a bit to find the best signal.
Post back on your results.

How do I use Airport Express to extend my current network.

I am now using an Airport Extreme and want to use my old Airport Express to extend my network. How do I do this? Thanks!

Linc44, welcome to the discussions!
I am now using an Airport Extreme and want to use my old Airport Express to extend my network. How do I do this?
By "old AirPort Express", I take it that you have a "b/g" version of the device, which is model number A 1084. Is that correct?

How does one use airport express to extend a non-Apple wifi network?

Hello. The wifi signal reaching my room shows good on my macbook but weak on my ipod touch. Therefore I want to pick it up on my airport express and extend/boost it.
I have tried everything in the auto and manual methods of setup to do this, but the only thing I can manage to do is to join a wireless network wirelessly and then then connect to it through a ethernet cable from my airport express. I want to pick it up wirelessly and extend it wirelessly - is this possible? This is the reason why I bought it!
thanks a lot, JJ

Thanks for that info. So, I have been trying to use my airport express n to extend an airport n network (for greater distance of coverage) and cannot get this to work either. I can join the other apple airport's network and then connect to the airport express by cable. I have tried all the help available here but that seems to be the only way to extend a network. But I cannot see any point in that! JJ

Can I use my airport express to extend a wireless network with a non-apple router?

I have been trying to extend my wireless network in my house. Right now I have a dsl modem/router provided by Century Link and an older AirPort express (not sure how old but it uses AirPort utility v5.6). I want to be able to share my printer and use AirTunes. Currently I have the AirPort plugged into the router and setup to create a new wireless network. I would like to combine them so I don't have to switch between to print and play music. I am not really sure where to start or if it even possible. Any info would be great!

If you keep the Express connected using Ethernet and configure the Express to "Create a wireless network" using exactly the same wireless network name, exact same wireless security and same wireless password as the Century Link network.....everything will behave as one "big" network, and you will have additional wireless coverage near the Express.
If you do not need extra wireless coverage, you can turn off the wireless on the Express.
The Express must be in Bridge Mode.
Most users know the name of their wireless network and password, so the really tricky part of doing this is that you must know exactly what type of wireless security settings the Century Link router is using....and then match up the same settings on the AirPort Express.
If the settings do not match up exactly, then you wind up with two separate networks that will each require their own log on.
If you can check the setting for wireless security on the Century Link router and provide that information to us, we can tell you how to set things up the way that you would like.

Using Airport Express to Extend a wired network using Belkin N Router

I have an ethernet/wired network in my home office and am using the Belkin N Router which is connected to the upstairs by ethernet also. I have a wireless network that the Belkin router uses to let me connect to the internet wirelessly if needed and I use it for my MacBook Pro inside the house but can't outside [the Belkin is connected to cablemodem].
I am trying to use my Airport Express to 'extend' the network from my home office out to my back deck by having it wirelessly be available [it is connected to main router/cable by ethernet/wired]. I have 5 bars on the Belkin Router wireless signal but very low unreliable bars from the Airport - either because it is not relaying the wirelss network of the Belkin router or it's not able to send its wifi signal from its ehternet/wired connection to the main router/cable modem, not sure which --
Short of pulling an ethernet wire outside to the back deck or getting an antenna to hang on my MacBookPro to better receive the home office wireless signal, is there a way to set up the AX soit can become an internet transmitter wirelessly of the wired network it is hooked to???
I read http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=108040
but that didn't seem to help == and it appears the AX won't extend a non Apple wireless signal and I don't have one [tried the Extreme but it didn't work = the Belkin has been perfect = I can wirelessly connect in the room above the home office but would love to be able to use the AX to extend its power or at least use the wired linkage to then extend the power wirelessly....

Hey
in the following thread one of those top users posted a list of wireless routers AEXP is able to extend wireless network with via WDS
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1492474&tstart=195
maybe that belkin is your modell?
and here:
http://ryanschwartz.net/2004/08/05/airtunes-airport-express-and-the-wrt54g
also here:
http://www.beatnikpad.com/archives/2004/10/19/airportexpresswds
are descriptions of how to connect to 3rd party routers (not belkin but the way to connect of both is quite similar so it might possiby help you too.
Not using wep, wpa/ wpa2 during installation and connecting the AEXP to Mac or Lan Port of your router should help.

Why can't one of my Airport express stations extend my wireless network?

Background:
I have an Airport Extreme cabled to my Comcast router.
I have three Airport Express units scattered around my house.
All have worked fine for many months and all are running version 7.6.4.
Problem:
Recently, one of the Airport Express stations had a yellow, flashing LED and a status of "Extended Network - This Airport base station was unable to extend the wireless network..."
Using Airport Utility, this station displays a connection quality status of "good."
This unit also has the exact same settings as my other two Airport Express units.
Using Airport Utility I instructed the unit to "Ignore" the status, and the LED turned green. But the status of "Extended Network" continues to display.
I've tried a hard reboot of the unit, but nothing changed.
Any suggestions as to how to correct this status?

Thanks for the suggestion, but apparently the culprit was my Airport Extreme.
I swapped the locations of two of my Airport Expresses and the problem replicated. Both had the "Extended Network" status and both showed a red number 1, indicating that a firmware upgrade was available (but no update button appeared). I returned the two Expresses to their original locations. Same situation after they booted.
Then I performed a hard reset of my Airport Extreme. After the reset, all three Airport Expresses now have no special status messages in Airport Utility and all have a connection of "good" or "excellent." Plus, no red number 1's appear (which should only appear if a firmware update was available).
So, problem solved.

HT4259 Trying to set up airport express to extend my wireless network. Primary base station is a time capsule. Even when I plug in the airport express to mac it cannot find it.

Trying to set up airport express to extend my Wi-Fi network. Primary base station is a time capsule. Tried searching for airport express using Wi-Fi status, no luck. Even tried plugging airport express into iMac, still no luck. Airport express showing solid amber light. Thanks for any help.

Airport express showing solid amber light
Unfortunately, this can mean one of two things:
1) The Express is locked up and will need a Factory Default Reset procedure to try to return the device back to its original default settings so that it can be reconfigured again.
2) The Express is defective. If you cannot get the Express back to a slow, blinking amber light after a Factory Default Reset, the Express will need to be replaced.
Try the Factory Default Reset a few times and report back on your progress.
Resetting an AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule FAQ

How do I use AirPort Extreme to extend my wifi network - have BT HomeHub 5

AirPort Extreme is plugged into my HomeHub 5 and I have set it up as extending a network using the Airport Utility, but it isn't finding the network - the light is orange
Please can someone help me.
Thanks
Joanna

Please check out the following Apple Support article on how to configure both devices for a roaming network. The "Extend a network" mode on the AirPort Extreme will NOT work in your setup.

How do I setup Airport Express to extend my CISCO router's wifi range?

Hi,
I am using CISCO EA4500 router for internet connection via wifi. I have Airport Express with me, which I want to use as extender of the wifi network. I setup the Airport Express as "Extend the wireless network", provided same base station name (CISCO), network name (JKS) and passwords.
However, I am not able to get it to work. Its gives me error saying network: unknown.
I have just 1 BHK flat, and even then the range is not enough to reach from my DR to BR. I tried using Airport Express as the base station as well. But the problem is again the range.
Help me please.
Jayesh

Can I do it other way around? I mean setup Airport as Base station and use Cisco to extend the wireless network?
I doubt that the Cisco router would be able to to wirelessly extend the AirPort network, since Apple uses proprietary settings that are designed to work with other Apple routers.
Also, when I am trying to use just Airport, I am not able to connect multiple devices at the same time
Sorry, but I don't know whether you have the AirPort connected to the Cisco router using an Ethernet cable....or.....whether you are saying that you have the AirPort connected directly to your modem using an Ethernet cable.
If the AirPort is connected directly to your modem.....what is the make and model number of this device?
Since you know that the Cisco router is working OK when you have it connected to your modem, things would be much simpler if you connect the AirPort to the Cisco router using an Ethernet cable. Can you do this?

Tried to use my two airport express to extend my wifi network on a windows pc but no success

Tried to use my two airport express to extend my wifi network on a windows pc but no success

My two airport express base stations are 802.11n and i am triying to use them extend my wireless network which is using a D link wirless router as supplied my my ISP connected to TalkTalk network.
Unless the D-Link wireless router has Ethernet ports for each of the 802.11n AirPort Express Base Stations (AXn) to connect to, they will NOT be able to extend the wireless range of the D-Link.
Instead, when directly connected and reconfigured for a roaming network, these base stations CAN extend the range.
Please check out this Apple Support article on how to use AirPorts to extend a wireless network.
The key is to have both AXns configured as follows:
As a bridge.
Each having a unique Base Station Name.
Both using the same Network Name (or SSID), wireless security type and password as the D-Link.
Each AXn to use a channel at least 3-5 channels apart both from each other and that of the D-Link.

How do I setup airport express to extend my airport extreme

How do I setup airport express to extend the airport extreme

Unfortunately, you are getting incorrect advice here. Might be a good idea to start a new post, since the original thread is long out of date.
First, please confirm that you have a compatible Express with the AirPort Extreme. This would be either the current A1392 version.....or the previous A1264 version.
Next, we need to confirm "how' you want to extend, since you do not mention this in your post.
Are you planning to "extend" by connecting the AirPort Express to the AirPort Extreme using a permanent, wired Ethernet connection (highly recommended).....or.....are you trying to "extend" by having the Express try to connect wirelessly to the AirPort Extreme?

Can I use Airport Express to extend signal from my Airport Extreme and then run Ethernet from Express to my TV which requires ethernet to access internet?

As stated in title. I want to access Netflix but my TV requires ethernet connection. I would like to use Express to repeat Exreme sigal and then to TV via Ethernet. I only have one access point in house for cable modem so I'm using Extreme to broadcast though house. Will need to be able to input network key for Extreme secure network. Thank you.
Mike

Are both your AirPort Extreme and AirPort Express 802.11"n" devices?
If yes, you can configure the Express to "extend a wireless network" and it will provide more wireless coverage and the Etherent port will be enabled so that you can connect an Ethernet device.
This assumes that the Express is located where it can receive a strong signal from the AirPort Extreme.

Trying to use Airport Express to extend network created by Actiontec M1424WR (FiOS)

I would like to use two Airport Expresses to extend my home network which is created with my Actiontec M1424WR. My ISP is Verizon FiOS. I previously had TimeWarner and used one of my Expresses to create the WiFi and the second Express to extend it. Now that I have a modem/router provided by Verizon, I'd like to utilize both Airports as extenders. I have a two story house and the signal is "fair" upstairs. I would like to use my Roku player to access my home library via Plex. My problem(s):
I used a hard reset to restore my Expresses to the default settings because my Airport Utility could not find them and my old network is not active anymore. After the reset I was able to find them but I kept getting an "unexpected error occurred try again later" message. After this message my Macbook OS X 10.8.5 could not connect to the internet anymore. I had to go to System Preferences ---> Network ---> Assist Me.. ---> Assistant ---> and then found my network and reconnected. So my Macbook is connected again but my Airport Expresses sit unused..
My Network:
Modem/Router ->     1. PC
                               2. PC #2
                               3. Xbox
                               4. D-link 5 port gigabit switch -> a. Directv b. xbox #2 c. xbox #3   d. THIS IS WHERE I WANT MY AIRPORT
I would like one Airport, connected via ethernet and towards the back of the house, extending my network and the other, connected via wifi and upstairs, also extending my network.
If anyone has time on their hands to help me with my problem I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you,
Mike

I followed Kappy's advice and connected one AEX to my modem/router using a 50ft ethernet cable, creating a new network.   I connect my second AEX wirelessly to the first, extending the network. The first AEX was placed towards the back of the house and the 2nd AEX was placed upstairs. I was able to stream netflix on two devices upstairs while streaming a movie using plex from one pc downstairs to a roku player upstairs without any buffering at all. All three were in HD and my brother was playing multiplayer on his xbox (wired). It works! Thanks Kappy!

HT1515 How can I use Airport Express (1st generation) with OS X Mavricks?

How can I use Airport Express (1st Generation) with OS X Mavericks?

1st Generation AirPort Express will work fine with Mavericks.
Are you sure that you have a 1st Gen Express?
Check the model number on the side of the Express. 1st Gen is A1264.
If you see A1084 or A1088, these are much older versions of the Express that were sold long before Apple began to use the Generation naming with "n" wireless devices in 2007.
Mavericks will not support the A1084 or A1088. Use another Mac running Leopard, Snow Leopard, or a PC if you need to administer the older Express.

How do I use airport express to extend my wireless network?

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