HT1731 Extending music range using 2 Airport Expresses.

Hello, I have an APE (airport express) connected to an amp which drives speakers in a remote location.  This location is too far away for the APE to broadcast to. With a 2nd APE am I able to extend the range and therefore control the music from the remote location? Any advice well received.

Next in line, about 35 feet away, Airport Express, FW Version 7.6.1
Last in chain, another 35 feet away, Airport Express, FW Verson 7.6.1
The "remote" devices in Apple's "Extend a wireless network" setup all connect directly to the main router...in this case, it would be the Time Capsule.
The setup works like the hub and spokes of a wheel. The Time Capsule would be the hub and each AirPort Express resides at the end of a spoke. A device at the end of a spoke cannot communicate with another device at the end of another spoke. It communicates directly to the Time Capsule.
Remember that an "extending" device can only extend the bandwidth (speed) of the signal that it receives. It can help provide more signal strength.....but it cannot make the signal that it receives go faster. Placement is critical. 
If you had only one Express, a good location might be approximately half the distance from the Time Capsule to the general area that needs more wireless coverage.
Chances are, the second Express is receiving such a weak (and slow) signal, that it cannot do anything to help. It is like a copy machine trying to copy a very poor image. You may well be better off eliminating the most distant Express and trying things that way.
Things get more complicated when you add in obstructions like walls. Even a typical interior sheetrock wall will absorb 15-20% of the signal or more, so after a few walls the signal has already lost approximately half of the strength...and speed.

Similar Messages

  • Extend wireless range with Airport Express?

    Hi,
    I am using a Time Warner internet wifi router and need to extend the range in my home.  Can anyone help me with how to extend the range using an Airport Express?
    Thanks
    Chris

    Chris, are you planning to connect the AirPort Express to the Time Warner router using a wired Ethernet connection?
    The reason we ask is that Apple's "extend a wireless network" feature to provide more wireless coverage....using wireless only.....works only with other Apple routers as far as we know.
    It is almost certainly not compatible with devices from other manufacturers.

  • I used Airport Base station and I was able to extend my network using airport express and connect my printers.  Now I am using Extreme and I can't extend the network (Express) or the printers nothing shows up.  I am using utility 6.3 and Mt Lion  What is

    I had an Aiport Base Station and extended using Airport Express, where I also connected my printers (network). Now using Airport Extreme off Mt Lion 10.8.4 and Utility 6.3.
    I can't extend the network (express) or connect my printers (USB) nor will it find my one wifi printer.
    What's up?

    For now, leave the AirPort Express powered off.
    Power off the entire network....all devices.....in any order that you want
    Wait a few minutes
    Power up the modem first, and let it run 2-3 minutes by itself
    Power up the AirPort Extreme next, and let it run a full minute
    Keep powering up devices one at a time about a minute apart until everything is powered up (leave the Express off for now)
    Open AirPort Utility and check to see if the AirPort Extreme is visible.
    If it's not, click the AirPort Utility menu at the upper left of the screen, then click About AirPort Utility. Post back with the version number of AirPort Utility that you see there....which should be AirPort Utility 5.6.1.
    Post back on your progress.

  • How to extend wifi range using Airport Extreme and Airport Express connected via ethernet cable

    Hello,
    I'm having an Airport Extreme fifth generation in my living room. I bought yesterday an Airport Express to extend the range of my WIFI in the house and I put in in my bed room. The two devices are connected together via an ethernet cable, from airport extreme (lan 1 port) to airport express to (wan port). Now from the airport utility what configuration I have to set to the airport express in order to extend my wifi range? Inside the wireless tab what i have to select in the network mode?
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    2. Join a wireless network
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    Thank you

    You are way overthinking this. The utility will literally configure everything for you automatically. All that you need to do is name the device and click Next during the setup.
    You can use your Mac using Mountain Lion or an iPhone or iPad.
    Post back if you need the steps.

  • How to extend wireless range with airport express

    I am using 10.6.8....I have a wireless connection and would like to use an airport express to extend my range....the unit model is A1084. I can't find out how to do this in assistant. Does anyone know?

    An Airport can extend only another Airport WiFi.  It can not extend non-Apple WiFi systems.
    I don't know the model numbers and I don't know when the extend capability was added.

  • Extending wireless network using airport express

    Greets all,
    I'm trying to extend a wireless network in a two-storey apartment using TC and Airport Extreme.
    The current setup is based on a Netgear N300 wireless router, which works fine upstairs but the signal is too weak to be useful downstairs. I have at my disposal a first-gen Time Capsule (TC) and a couple of Airport Express (AE) stations as well. I'd like to be able to extend the wireless network downstairs but of course the AEs won't talk directly to the Netgear router, so I'm guessing I need to use the TC somehow.
    So far I've tried using the TC in bridge mode as well as a separate network via ethernet from the Netgear router, both of which worked but didn't extend the range - nor did it allow me the option of extending the TC network. In fact, all the searching I've done hasn't unearthed a solution to extend a wireless network using TC where TC is not the primary router.
    Any help appreciated. I'm sorry if I haven't included all the necessary info off the bat.
    Airport Utility 6.3.1 installed.

    They are necessarily in fairly close proximity to each other (due ethernet cable).
    If the Netgear and TC are in close proximity to each other, there is really no reason to have both devices providing the same wireless signal......and a very real possibility that there will be wireless interference between the two products.
    My suggestion and instructions assumed that the Time Capsule would be at least a few rooms away from the Netgear. If the close proximity setup does creates some issues, then it will be necessary to turn off the wireless function on the Netgear router.
    Unfortunately, the older A1088 version of the Express cannot be used to extend the wireless network since it has no settings for that type of application.
    Locate the A1264 about half way between the TC and the general area where you need more wireless coverage.
    Power up the A1264 Express for a few minutes, then hold in the reset button on the device for 10 seconds and release. Allow a full minute to for the Express to restart to a slow, blinking amber light.
    Open up AirPort Utility
    Click Other WiFi Devices
    Click on AirPort Express
    The utility will open up automatically and take a minute to analyze the products, then suggest that the Express be configured to "extend" the TC network.
    Enter a device name that you want to use for the Express and click Next
    The utility will set up everything for you. When you see the message of Setup Complete, click Done.
    That's it.

  • Cannot extend my network using AirPort Express

    I just purchased a Time Capsule (2TB) and replaced my Airport Express WiFi.  My intention was to expand my network, using the AirPort Express to expand the Time Capsule signal.  I have tried several times and cannot get it to work.
    Using AirPort Utility, I set up the Time Capsule successfully, making certain the "Allow the network to be expanded" box was checked off.
    After resetting my AE, I plugged it in, it was detected by AirPort Utility, and I set the AE to expand the network, using the same network name, security, and password.  When I save the settings and update, the AirPort Uitility returns an error stating that the AE unit could not be located.  AE unit is flashing amber (slowly).
    What DID work was connecting the AE to the Time Capsule with an ethernet cable, but this is not ideal, since I want to locate the AE away from the TC and wish to do it wirelessly.
    Can someone offer some helpful suggestions that will work?
    (Running MacBook Pro w/ OS X 10.7.2 and AirPort Utility 5.5.3.)

    I would suggest the following:
    Please move the AirPort Express (AX) to the same room as the Time Capsule and perform a Factory Default Reset as follows:
    Pull the AX from power
    Wait a few minutes
    Hold in the reset button and continue to hold it in for an additional 8-10 seconds while you simultaneously plug the AX back in to power
    Release the reset button after the hold period, and allow 40-45 seconds for the AX to display a slow, blinking amber light
    Temporarily, connect a spare Ethernet cable from one of the LAN <-> ports on the Time Capsule to your AX
    Open AirPort Utility and click Manual Setup
    Click the Base Station tab below the row of icons to name your AX, assign a device password and adjust Time Zone settings
    Click the Wireless tab next to the Base Station tab and adjust your settings as follows:
    Wireless Mode = Extend a wireless network
    Wireless Nework Name = Same name as your Time Capsule wireless network
    Enter a check mark next to Allow wirelss clients
    Wireless Security = Same setting as your Time Capsule wireless network. You may need to refer to the Time Capsule settings if you are not sure what setting to use
    Wireless Password = Same password as the Time Capsule wireless network
    Confirm Password
    Click Update to save your settings
    Close AirPort Utility and disconnect the Ethernet cable as soon as you see the message that the settings have been stored successfully on the AX
    Wait 40-45 seconds for the AX to restart and display a green light
    You can now locate the AX where it is needed, assuming that it can receive a good wireless signal at its new location
    Post back on your results

  • Longest possible range using AirPort Express (N) and MacBook Air

    I was wondering which setting i should use in the AirPort Express Setup for longest range possible. I am not really concerned with speed or compatibility because I only use this AP for an internet ONLY connection to my MacBook Air while traveling.
    Typically, I create this network in hotel rooms but would like to gain access outside of the room such as common areas, pool etc. I imagine there would be some other WiFi Networks, cordless phones etc. in the area but not an overwhelming amount to cause too much interference.
    Here are the options in the AirPort Utility program
    -802.11n (802.11b/g compatible)
    -802.11n (2.4 Ghz)
    -802.11n (802.11a compatible)
    -802.11n only (5 GHz)
    Any help specific to my situation would much appreciated. I have done a lot of research on the internet but most articles are a comparison of speeds that is not overly relevant in my case as i am only concerned with internet not internal file transfers. I travel internationally so a cell connection isn't really an option for me either.
    Thanks so much!
    shane

    2.4 GHz for sure. It has longer range due to the lower frequency band. There are fewer interferes in the 5 GHz band but the range is shorter.
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  • Help with extending a network using AirPort Express

    I am UK based and have BT Infinity Internet connection. I have a BT NTE which provides an ethernet connection for my home network. I have an AirPort Express 2nd Gen setup to provide initial router etc with the local LAN port connected to a 24 port gigabit switch. I have structured cabling providing ethernet ports in each room.
    PC's etc are configured as fixed IP in the rooms they are in and connect via ethernet, however, my wifi (because of the construction of the house) is very poor especially upstairs and at the back of the house.
    I have setup a second AirPort Express at the back of the house connected via the ethernet port, assigned a static IP, configured bridge mode, and setup Extended Network. However, my internal network is now very flacky, wifi keeps dropping out, Internet access for all devices is up and down, in short, it's unusable. However, If I use the second AirPort Express in Join a Network mode it appears to be more stable!
    So Q1 - What is the difference between Extend a Network (via ethernet) and Join a Network (via ethernet) and what are the benefits of both? (which one should I be using?)
    and Q2 - assuming Q1 is Extend a Network is the correct way to go, can someone please explain in complete detail the exact process and configuration for this to work effectively? If I can extend correctly I am looking at adding a third AirPort Express in the garage so I have wifi access in the garden and in the garage.
    Many thanks for all assistance
    Nick

    resolved - see Proper way to setup two airport express and router in a single wireless network

  • How do I extend my wifi using Airport express with my time capsul?

    I want to extend my wifi from my time capsul.  Can I do this with airport express?  I have my wifi with cable so would I need to get another modem and hook the express to that?  Would that help?  I want to keep the same network and not add another.

    You need to pay attention to something, while extending your network with the latest AirPort Express upgrade, your devices will be connected to it except your iPhone, you'll see your iPhone always connected to the capsule instead, even if you're at 1 foot from the AirPort Express.
    You need to change the radio settings from automatic to 802.11a - 802.11b/g on your capsule, then I put it back to the default settings...
    Now in the AirPort utility you should see your iPhone connected to the AirPort

  • Do I have to use airport extreme to be a main network if I want to use Airport express extend my wifi range

    Do I have to use airport extreme to be a main network if I want to use Airport express extend my wifi range.

    You cannot extend wifi from a different brand router..
    Only apple to apple.
    But the apple router does not have to be the main router.. it can be in bridge.. as long as it is creating a wireless network it will work fine.

  • 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.

  • I have a net gear wireless router and a APE working great inside the house, but the wireless signal is weak in the backyard, can I get a net gear extender for the back and it will also send my music to the airport express?

    I have a net gear wireless router and a APE working great inside the house, but the wireless signal is weak in the backyard, can I get a net gear extender for the back yard and it will boost our wo
    Ireless signal and also send my music to the airport express? Or does the airport express work as a stand alone hub?

    Trust me when I say this coming from 20 years of experience.
    Get a powered external drive, format it 1 Partition Option: GUID and OS X Extended Journed as the format in Disk Utility.
    Download and install Carbon Copy Cloner, clone internal drive to external drive.
    Set a schedule to remind you to do it at least once a week, keep it near your charger.
    When you plug your charger in, do plug the clone and power the machine up, set the display to sleep only,
    CCC will do the rest.
    If you want to boot from it, hold the option/alt and select it Startup Manager.
    I've seen many TimeMachine and TimeCapsule nightmares and so far haven't seen a problem from anyone using a bootable clone.
    It's simple, it's easy, it's more reliable and more powerful than what Apple does and it only takes plugging in a extra cable.
    Make as many clones as you want, keep them time seperated, off site etc. etc.
    Cables don't have network issues, clones can be verified in seconds merely by booting from them.
    Clones protect your productivity, your up in seconds on a clone despite even the hard drive dying.
    Software problem? No sweat, boot of the clone and reverse clone your problems away.
    If you want to fuss and muss with half implemented TimeMachine and TimeCapsule network headaches then prepare to suffer.
    I don't like to suffer, I bought a Mac not to suffer, but it appears you do with TimeMachine and TimeCapsule.
    Most commonly used backup methods

  • Using Airport Express to extend an existing wired/wireless Dlink network

    Our network uses a Dlink router which must be located in the basement. Our home office Apple computers are wired, and the wireless Apple laptop is almost always used in the living room, directly above the Dlink, so no signal strength problems there. However, the wireless signal does not reach as far as the home office. It's only 20-25 feet away on the main floor, but for some reason, probably structural, the wireless signal doesn't penetrate.
    Now I need to extend wireless access capability to the home office, so that I can use the iPod Touch in the office. I've read through a number of posts, and haven't found one that exactly matches this issue.
    The information about joining an existing network has this sentence in it:
    "Or you can use AirPort Express or AirPort Extreme to extend the range of an existing AirPort Extreme or AirPort Express network by creating a Wireless Distribution System (WDS)."
    The existing network I have isn't an AX network. And it's both wired and wireless. And one of the detailed posts explained why a WDS was not the best way to go. Plus I'm confused by references to "base stations" which seem to refer to something that looks like a Time Capsule, not to an AX.
    If AX will do what I want it to, I'm envisioning plugging it (all by its lonesome) in to a wall outlet in the hallway outside the home office. That's based both on what I want and what the salesperson said AX could do when I explained what was wanted.
    The Dlink network has been working beautifully for months, and I don't want to do anything to screw it up! That includes even opening up the AX utility software until I know exactly what to do.
    Can I do the setup (once it's explained!) on the wired computer? If I have to connect the AX to the network as part of the setup, can I use the 5-port switch that extends the wired connection the extra two feet to the computer (and also provides the wired network connection for the main printer)? Or should I take the laptop downstairs and connect the AX directly to the Dlink router?
    Thanks,
    Marg

    +If I connected the AX by cable to my 5-port switch (which in turn is connected directly to the Dlink), would that constitute "an ethernet connection to the D-Link"? If so, then it should be possible to use it as described in your 6th paragraph, to "expand ... (our) main wireless network" -- is that right?+
    Yes, this will work great.
    +I'd never heard of ethernet powerline adapters, which sound very cool but are not wireless per se - you need a cable to connect the computer with at the far end, and it's wireless capability that I'm trying to create in the home office.+
    Rather than hooking a computer up at one end, you could hook up the AirPort Express at one one and setup wireless that way. You won't need the adapters in this case since you have access to the switch. You may have need sometime in the future to get an ethernet signal to another part of the house, so keep this option in mind.
    Here is how to setup the AirPort Express. You will use AirPort Utility, which should already be on your Mac Pro. Its located Hard Drive > Applications > Utilities.
    Temporarily, connect the AirPort Express (AX) directly to your computer with a short ethernet cable to set it up. When you have the configuration done, you can disconnect the cable and move the AX to the location where it's needed.
    Open AirPort Utility and click Manual Setup
    Click the Base Station tab below the row of icons to enter a name and device password for the device and choose your time zone, etc.
    Then click the AirPort icon in the row of icons at the top of the setup page.
    Click the Wireless tab below the icons
    Wireless Mode....Create a wireless netork
    Wireless Network Name....Exact same name as your D-Link wireless network name
    Radio Mode....802.11n (802.11b/g compatible)
    Channel...Automatic (see note* at bottom)
    Wireless Security...exact same setting as D-Link network
    Wireless Password....exact same setting as D-Link network
    Click the Internet icon in the row of icons
    At the bottom of the page, make sure that the setting for Connection Sharing is set to "Off (Bridge Mode)". This setting allows the AX to work in tandem with the D-Link.
    Update to save settings.
    *Automatic will usually work well for this. Ideally, you want the D-Link and AX to be on channels that are least 5 channels apart. Automatic will usually choose an open channel, but you may need to manually set the channels on both routers for this step.
    Your setup should work fine. Please post back on your progress or questions.

  • Using Airport Express to boost range of wireless network

    I have a Virgin wireless broadband connection (using a netgear router), but the range is poor and so want to set up my airport express to boost the range of the network. This option is available in Airport Utility, but when I try to set it up, once I've inputted my WPA password a dialog box on top of the main screen pops up asking me to select from the list of Apple wireless devices. Annoyingly, the Express device doesn't show up in the dialog box, although I can see it showing up in the main Utility screen behind it. I can set it up to play iTunes etc. no problem - any ideas what I'm doing wrong?

    Unfortunately, most non-AirPort routers are not compatible with Apple's implementation of Wireless Distribution System (WDS)...so it very unlikely that your Netgear router can be extended wirelessly with the AirPort Express Base Station (AX).
    The only Netgear, that I'm aware, that is supposed to be compatible, is the Netgear WGR614 with v6 firmware.

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