Is airport Express ok as a main router?

Hello,
Is Airport Express secure enough to use as a main router?
Should I get something like linksys or netgear first as these are cheaper than Airport Extreme?
Thanks
Frank

Are you running more than 10 logged in machines at a time? The Airport Express only supports a total of 10 but even then I wouldn't go that high up the mark -- the most I'd go to avoid depreciated service levels would be 5 logged in machines.
Netgear's are sometimes a pain to configure and frankly speaking because the Airport gear is accessed using a unique Airport Admin Utility, the chances of being hacked are slightly lower, in contrast, most non-Apple WiFi routers are accessed using an Interner browser and a pretty standard IP address.

Similar Messages

  • Can I use airport express without connecting to a router?

    I hate trailing a long wire across my room just to listen to music through my (old but still fantastic) stereo system. I share a house with friends and our router is in the living room.. does the airport express need the router to work? sorry if this is a dumb question, there just doesn't seem to be an answer anywhere!

    You do not need the AirPort Express to connect to a router in order to stream iTunes. In its default mode, the AX provides a standalone wireless network. You would just need to connect to this network to stream. The drawback, of course, is if your are getting your Internet access via another wireless network, you would have to switch networks to perform either.

  • About My New Apple Airport Express 802.11n Wi-Fi Router

    Yesterday on Saturday after i finshed work I Went out & Bought a New Apple Airport Express 802.11n Wi-Fi Router for My Apple iMac Computer & for My Apple iPhone 5 & Apple TV & I Set it up & everything & everything worked out well so i had a question about it, that Green Solid New Light on Apple Airport Express is it suppose to always stay on even if my Apple iMac Computer is Sleeping like other Wi-Fi Routers??? cause i'm wondering cause it looks Very Nice & White & Shiny & New & i don't really want it to Fail on me cause i do like it & it does not take up a lot of space witch is a good thing so just had to ask???
    how many years will My Apple Airport Express Wi-Fi Router will last for since it's as Big an an Apple TV, just was wondering if this thing is really strong & stuff to like hold out for years time maybe???
    will My Apple Airport Express Wi-Fi Router Software ever get Outdated like my other Wi-Fi Router??? & they stopped making that Belkin Wireless n Router that i had & they stopped Updating it's Software & then The Software became not usable at all so I Had to go out & buy an Apple Airport Express 802.11n Wi-Fi Router.

    Hi Byron,
    on the first question: take a look at your manual; I have a different router, and on it the light stays on all the time, but I don't know if the Airport works the same way. On mine, it simply means that it is on and ready in case you need it. You should worry when there is no light, LOL.
    Second question: with electronics, can't tell at all how long they will be good for. They are made to be compatible with a certain range of devices and software - and will be updated for a while when those devices and softwares are updated. After a while, too many new routers are available with too many new features that are compatible with new devices and softwares, so it's not worth updating the old ones. It's a question of money - they don't want to give you free updates forever, they want you to buy a new piece of equipment.
    Third: yes, it will at some point. Everything technology/electronics related is outdated - some very quickly: you buy a new one and the next week you see an ad for a "new, improved" one. Same principle: they want you to buy again.

  • Using Airport Express with an ATT DSL router

    July 10, 2012
    Hi All! The following thoughts are for
         1) those of you who use ATT DSL as your internet service-provider, and
         2) who wish to stream iTunes songs from your computer to speakers in other rooms via AIRPORT EXPRESSes, and
         3) are wondering whether you have to purchase a separate Apple Airport Extreme base-station, or can simply use your exisiting ATT router.
    Having just spent several days and many hours on the phone before Apple's tech "Dan" was finally able to get my system up and running, I thought some of you might appreciate my sharing the following info while it's still fresh in my mind.
    1. You may need to update your ATT router to the latest version, in order for it to properly communicate with your AIRPORT EXPRESS(es) (henceforth shortened to "AEs").  The AEs use 802.11n speed.  My original ATT router (a 2Wire 2701HG-B) was no faster than "-h,"  and this might have been part of the problem as to why my system wouldn't work.  I went to my local AT&T store, and got their latest router: as of this writing, a Netgear "Westell"  Model B90-755025-15, which can run at both the slower speeds as well as the faster "-n."  To find out some of the specs of my router, an Apple tech had me type in the 10 digits of my Gateway IP Address into the address-bar (no need for the "https://www") and "Presto!", up popped several pages of info on my router.
    2. When first setting up your AE, it needs to be back in "default mode."  If it's right out of the box, you don't need to do anything.  But if, like me, you've already made several attempts to get it running, then you need to reset it to its pre-configured state,  You do that by taking a bent paper-clip, and inserting one end into the little hole on the ports-side of your AE (near where the mini-plug of a speaker-cable is inserted). While the device is plugged in, gently press the paper-clip into the hole until the light on top blinks amber QUICKLY, the flashes coming in rapid succession.  Then remove the paper-clip, and the AE will glow solid amber--meaning it's waiting to be re-programmed.
    3. When first setting up your AE, do NOT attach an ETHERNET CABLE from the router.  The only cable that needs to be attached is the mini-plug cable running to some sort of portable, powered speaker.  For myself, to make things easier, I brought my AE and my new Sony RDP-M5iP speaker/dock into the same room as my Imac & router. That way, I'd know immediately if the AE was working correctly.
    4. After you've clicked on your Airport Utility App (hard drive TO Applications TO Utilities folder), you'll soon come to a page that asks you to name your AE (this page calls it a "base station").  Before you do that, you should see a button in the lower left-hand corner that says, "Other Options."  Click on it.  You'll then be given a choice of "Creating a New Network"  or "Choosing an Existing Network."  You want this 2nd choice--because you indeed are planning to use your ATT router's exisitng wireless network.
    5. Shortly, you'll come to the page asking you to name your AE.  Call it, for instance, "Family Room Speaker." As for password, at first I--as well as virtually all of the techs with whom I spoke--thought I should type in the multi-digit ATT router-password (called a "Wireless Network Key").  But finally, "Dan" told me to simply type in, "express1"  (or, for my 2nd AE, "express2").  That did the trick! 
    6. Your AE should now be glowing green on top.  Plus, on the 10x6" dark-grey rectangular box displaying the globe (i.e., your main internet connection), the globe should have a now-green glowing circle to its left.  And underneath, it should be displaying a rectangle named "Family Room Speaker" (or whatever name you've given your Airport Express).
    7. When you now open iTunes, you should see a little blue rectangle (with a triangle in its middle) in the lower right-hand corner of your iTunes box.  Click on it, and it should show listed both your computer-speaker as well as your AE speaker(s), plus a heading called "multiple speakers."  Click on "multiple,"  and it will bring up a box displaying all your now-current speakers.  Check the small square next to any speakers that are unchecked, and a volume-slider will appear.  Bring them all up to a comfortable level.  Then click on an iTunes track you'd like to play and, viola!, you should hear music playing both from your computer and from the portable speaker to which your AE is attached.
    8. Now close iTunes. Then unplug your Airport Express and--if you have a 2nd AE-- plug them both back into your power-strip. Go thru the set-up steps in your Airport Utility App for this 2nd AE.  At the end of it, both AEs should be glowing green on top, and both should be displayed on your computer-screen.
    Now re-open iTunes, and start a song playing.  (Don't forget to click on the blue rectangle at the R-hand bottom, and activate the new AE speaker.)  By inserting your speaker cable alternately into each of the AEs, you should be able to verify that, yes, both are now working.
    9. Unplug both AEs, and bring them to whatever room you want to use them in.  Plug them in to a wall outlet, and run your mini-cable from the AE to the speaker.  Give the AEs a few minutes to pick up the signal once again from your ATT router; when they do, their lights will change from amber back to green. Tech Dan warned me to keep them away from too much metal, to avoid interference. As soon as they turn green, you should now be hearing your iTunes track playing thruout your house! (If not, you may have to first close iTunes on your computer, then re-open it, and start a new track playing.)
    The BOTTOM LINE: no, you don't have to purchase a separate Apple Extreme to be your base-station.  Your ATT router--if it's running at the 802.11n standard--should be able to work with your Airport Express(es)!
    My thanks to Sean and Cameron and  Chris and, most especially, Dan, the Apple techs who patiently worked with me to get this system online. 

    I am GREATLY appreciative of this overview. Even though I don't understand a lot of it. I will keep working through. I am-- have for 2 years-- had terrible connectivity with AT&T's service & 2Wire router. My MacBookPro keeps dropping the signal. I'm talking every few clicks at times. Husband's PC drops it, too, but not nearly as much as the Mac. I'm sure what you posted can help us get better connectivity.

  • Airport express vs. time capsule vs. router

    What is best to do?
    My airport express is now connected to my router (speedtouch) and works very well.
    Do I connect my newly bought time capsule to my router or keep this one wireless? Because with the airport express I can make use of airplay, which I have not connected yet, but would like to do.
    I bought time capsule for wireless backup of several devices. This cannot be used a the moment, because I have to make a backup of my MacBookPro first before I update the software so that I can use the wireles backup application with my other devices.
    I do not know how to start.
    What is the effect on apple tv, none?
    How do I get the most benefit from both airport express as well as time capsule.

    We always recommend the initial backup by ethernet.. due to the time it takes and the lower reliability of wireless.
    You can either do this with the TC disconnected from the network.. and just plugged straight into the computer.. or swap the Express for the TC. I presume you are running the speedtouch in router mode so bridge the TC.. and plug the computer by ethernet directly into a LAN port of the TC.
    The above can be a permanent setup.. just tick the wireless can be extended in the TC.. and run the express in wireless bridge.. or you can also wire the express to the TC if you do not need the extra range.
    Remember the TC is faster using gigabit and designed for main router role (even if you pass that to the express). The express still only uses 10/100 ethernet.. and is designed to supplement the wireless setup.
    But there is nothing wrong with leaving the express as it is now only allow extend and then setup the TC to extend wireless from the express as that will also work well if the required connections are nearby and you can use ethernet to the TC.
    I do not know how to start.
    Have a go.. it is not like you are going to mess up. and cause something serious.
    IMO.. have a try .. do not think there is one ideal. Switch and swap.. the best is what works well for you.
    What is the effect on apple tv, none?
    It has no affect on the ATV.
    How do I get the most benefit from both airport express as well as time capsule.
    Use ethernet whereever possible.
    Avoid double hop wireless.. ie any use of extend by wireless and then another wireless hop introduces severe speed lags. Wireless cannot handle Tx and Rx at the same time.. it is half-duplex by nature. Also it is shared bandwidth.. Ethernet is superior in both areas.. every device has full bandwidth and full duplex.

  • AirPort Express doesn't connect to router via WLAN anymore

    Hello
    A few days ago I've bought an *AirPort Express (802.11n)*
    When I wanted to test it for the first time, I set it up to *connect to an Existing Wireless Network* and it worked, I could for example stream music from iTunes or print something.
    The main reason I bought the APExpress was to extend the range of my wireless signal area, and since my router's got WDS ability I set the *AirPort as a part of the WDS Network* and logically I connected it via Ethernet to the router, and again everything worked.
    Now my problem is:
    yesterday I wanted to use the APExpress to stream some music to the kitchen,
    so I chose the profile in which it was set to connect to an Existing Wireless Network, like I already described above.
    But now it doesn't work; the APExpress doesn't connect to the router via WLAN, though there's the green light which's supposed to mean that everything's fine but it doesn't show up in the AirPort Setup Assistant.
    As soon as I connect it via Ethernet to router it shows up and you can start streaming music or whatever, but without Ethernet it doesn't connect to the router anymore.
    And that's weird, cause for the first time I used the device it worked, but now it doesn't!
    Now I would be very thankful if somebody could help me to solve this problem.
    Cheers
    Yasser

    I've tried a bunch of 10.1.10.x's and none of them seem to work. The computer that does work has gotten the IP automatically, though.
    I've been doing some reading, and it seems as though OS X self-assigns a 169.254.x.x IP address whenever it tries to get an IP from DHCP and fails. Aside from turning off both the router and the modem for about 15 minutes, is there any other way to make the router give me an IP address? And why does one of the computers work? Do you think that if we tried to renew the DHCP lease on that computer, it wouldn't be able to get one?
    I'm not sure what the router is set to give out. How would I check that?

  • Airport Express (n) joining Netgear (g) Router for AirTunes?

    I've recently bought a new Airport Express (n) to use AirTunes in an additional room (I already use an older Airport Express (g) to do this in another room successfully).
    Will there be problems connecting a (n) device to join a NetGear (g) network?
    Currently the AirTunes plays music okay, but cuts out briefly every 30 seconds or so, whereas the old (g) AE is fine in the same room.
    I wanted to know if I should update my main router to an (n)?

    Will there be problems connecting a (n) device to join a NetGear (g) network?
    There shouldn't be. The AirPort Express (AX) will connect using 802.11g.

  • "no valid IP address" error airport express as bridge with Dlink router

    Hi there
    I've read through many many posts and am unable to find the answer to my issue. I am trying to use my DLink DR 615 router as my main wireless router and then connect my airport express (brand new - n connection) wirelessly as a bridge. I would then connect my WD Live box to the ethernet port and connect the stereo connection to my receiver for itunes. at least, that's the theory.
    Right now, I can't even connect. when I go through the manual process, I selected "connect through wireless network" and left the "configure IPv4" as "using DHCP".
    problem is that it comes up as my wireless device does not have a valid IP address. Can someone help me step through how to make this work?
    thanks so much!

    Suggest that you start over by holding in the reset button until the amber light blinks quickly. Hold another second or two and release.
    Temporarily, connect an ethernet cable from your computer to the AirPort Express (AX) to help with the configuration. You can disconnect the cable when you have the AX configured.
    Open AirPort Utility, click Manual Setup
    Click the Wireless tab below the row of icons
    Set Wireless Mode to "Join a wireless network"
    (If you don't see this choice, hold down the option key on your computer as you click the selection box)
    Wireless Network Name...the name of the wireless network created by your DLink should appear as a choice. Click to select.
    Put a check mark in the box to Allow Ethernet Clients
    Wireless Security...must exactly match the security settings of your DLink network
    Wireless Password...must exactly match the settings of your DLinkk network
    Click Update and AX will restart in 15-20 seconds.
    You can move the AX to the desired location and hook up the ethernet cable. If your DLink is compatible with the ProxySTA function, you will connect.

  • Hi. Does anyone know how to extend the airport express and extreme with Cisco Router DPC3925. I have upgrade my wireless to 50Mbps. Thank you

    Hi,
    Can someone help.
    I have a Cisco router DPC3925 provided by the ISP and I cannot extend my wireless with Airport Express.
    Also I intend to extend it with Airport Extreme.
    Please help.
    Thank you.

    Sorry, but your post is not clear. The topic of this thread is how to extend an AirPort Express or AirPort Extreme with a Cisco router.
    This would mean that the main router was an AirPort device and the Cisco would be extending the existing network provided by the AirPort.
    Is that really what you want to do?
    If not, then it sounds like your Cisco ISP provided wireless router is your "main" router and you will be using the Time Capsule to extend the network.
    Please start another post to tell us exactly.......
    What device will be the main router providing your Internet connection and wireless network
    What device will extend the network
    What operating system that you have on your Mac or PC

  • 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?

  • I am at a total loss. I received am airport express to replace a netgear router. I need a step by step list of how to get it working. I am not very technical

    I am trying to get an airport express to work, it is replacing a netgear router. Tried following the directions that came with it plus suggestions sent to me  but so  far I am not able to get things going. Can anyone send me a step by step list from start to finish and also explain what numbers, passwords etc that I would have to install. I am the stupid in the KISS method of doing things

    Hi doctorshane
    Your router is the heart of your network. Replacing one changes everything.
    Please follow Philly_Phan's instructions here:
    My airport express won't stop flashing amber and I can't figure out how to hock it up.ihad a router which worked fine
    To which I would add: disconnect your modem from power and let it rest a moment while you configure your Express. Make it a habit to do this whenever you change the device connected to a cable or DSL modem. Most modems will refuse to communicate with anything new, until its memory has been reset with a power cycle.
    If you still have difficulty please explain where you are getting stuck. If you reply in that thread, not this one, it would help others with your problem. Don't begin a new question unless the recommendations you receive are getting nowhere or your question doesn't get any replies after a day or so. Philly_Phan's instructions are correct so follow them.
    Otherwise, you are likely to repeatedly receive the same advice and will fail to achieve any progress.

  • Join AirPort Express to D-Link DGL4300 router in client mode not working

    I only want to be able to stream iTunes to my AirPort Express via my existing network which is controlled by my D-Link DGL-4300 router.
    My AirPort Express works as an iTunes streamer because I tested it running its own network (ignoring the existing D-Link network). I am trying to connect in client mode (I think), but my D-Link router just can't see the AirPort Express which seems to disappear off the radar after it restarts with the new settings.
    This is what happens...
    1. AirPort Express Hard Reset
    2. Connect to Airport Express wireless network (which disconnects me from my D-Link DGL4300 wireless network “K1000578”)
    3. Run AirPort Utility and enter “Assist Me” mode.
    4. Set AirPort Express name and password then click continue.
    5. Select “I have a wireless network and want to add AirPort Express or replace an existing device on my network” then click continue.
    6. Select “I want AirPort Express to join my current network”
    7. Select the name of my D-Link DGL4300 network “K1000578” from the drop down box, select WPA/WPA2 Personal wireless security type and enter the DGL4300 password, then click continue.
    8. Click Update in the summary screen.
    What happens then is...
    MESSAGE BOX “Apple wireless device restarting. Please wait...”
    MESSAGE BOX “Connecting to network ‘K1000578’. Please wait...”
    AirPort Utility returns with a message advising that although the device was successfully updated, AirPort utility was unable to find it after restarting. It also suggests that I made need to reselect my network for the AirPort menu and try again.
    My computer is now unable to even see the AirPort express device.
    When I try to reconnect to my existing DGL4300 network “K1000578”, it says that the settings saved on this computer for the network do not match the requirements of the network. !! ***!!
    I can fix the last part above by deleting the connection information for my DGL4300 and searching for it again. BUT HOW ON EARTH DO I CONNECT MY AIRPORT EXPRESS TO MY NETWORK?!!
    I am able to connect my PC directly to the AirPort Express (if I set it up as its own network) and successfully stream iTunes, but this means I have to disconnect from my DGL4300 network also which means I won’t get internet on that machine and I can’t use my iPhone Remote App.
    This is my second experience with Apples “it just works” philosophy. MobileMe was my first. Guess how I’m feeling!
    Any help at all is kindly appreciated.

    I forgot to mention, I have turned off the MAC address filters on my router, so that's not the cause.

  • Time Capsule and Airport Express as separate network on route acting slow

    Wonder if anyone has any thoughts on this...
    I have a Time Capsule (current gen) with an Airport Express N (last gen) which I would like to connect to my current router and create a network that is separate from the router's own wireless network. Currently, I've set the TC to work in Bridge Mode (connected to the router - ethernet) and have connected the Airport Express to 'extend the network' - this is also in Bridge Mode as well. However, when I'm away from the TC and in the Airport Express's range, the connection is very slow. Is there something I'm not doing right with the 2 Apple products or is it something with the router? When I'm closer to the TC it works fine, it's just when I'm far away there seems to be an issue!
    Thanks in advance!

    Wirelessly extending your network will improve your range, but decrease your bandwidth. You should create a roaming network via Ethernet if you can.

  • Airport Express linked to a WIFI router Reconfiguring

    I have just installed a new Netgear WIFI router usinging an XP desktop and need to recongigure my AE again to play itunes. The problems is I have forgotten how to do this. Someone I know has written a good idiots guide toi this but I cannot find it on the discssions. Could someone send or link it to me again. Thanks

    To set up AirTunes on the AirPort Express Base Station (AX), connect your computer directly (using an Ethernet cable) to the Ethernet port of the AX, and then, use the AirPort Admin Utility to check these settings:
    AirPort tab
    - Base Station Name: <whatever you wish or use the default>
    - Wireless Mode: Join an Existing Wireless Network (Wireless Client)
    - Wireless Network: <select the existing Netgear wireless network>
    Music tab
    - Enable AirTunes on this base station (checked)
    - Enable AirTunes over the Ethernet port (optional)
    - iTunes Speaker Name: <whatever you wish>
    - iTunes Speaker Password (optional)
    In iTunes:
    iTunes > Preferences... > Advanced > General
    - Look for remote speakers connected with AirTunes (checked)

  • Anyone used Airport Express as bridge w. wireless router other than Apples?

    I have my QS 867 hardwired to my highspeed modem and a Netgear 624GT wireless router attached. My PB has been having trouble with the signal in certain spots due to all the jazz about the alum interfering w. the antenna. When I try to setup the Airport Express with my Netgear network and use the Airport as a bridge/range extender, it does not recogize the Netgear router. It seems to specify in the instructions that you MUST use an Airport Extreme Base Station. Is this true? Has anyone used the Express as a bridge with a wireless router other than the Base Station?

    At one point in time I did have an Airport Express working in WDS over WEP with the Belkin F5D7230-4 and F5D7130. It's unsupported and difficult to get setup. It tends to causes them to lock up and need to be rebooted.
    We ended up just dropping the Belkins and getting more Airport Expresses as the Belkins couldn't support doing WDS over WPA (which we've since moved too).

Maybe you are looking for