Issue w/ Airport Express extending a network (intermittently)

Hi -- I have an Airport Extreme and Airport Express currently configured to "extend" the network that my Extreme base station creates. But its not working right -- here's whats up.
Basically the Extreme is on the ground floor, and I got the Express so that we'd have good signal in our master bedroom, all the way at the other end of the house, upstairs. The Express _definitely_ has good signal from the Extreme. And the master bedroom where the weak signal was is about 30 feet from that airport express I put upstairs.
However, for whatever reason, most of the time in that master bedroom from any computer (macbook pro, imac, and our ipads, iphones) connnect to the extreme downstairs, not the express upstairs. This results in one or no signal bar, and crappy internet access. Hmm.
Green lights are on and steady on both the extreme and express.
I've rebooted the express, reset it, reconfigured it, and the ONLY time I can get it to work properly is right after a reset and reconfigure (choosing "extend a wireless network). Both have the most recent updates.
Any ideas? Is my airport express just not working right ? Any ideas ?

The key here is that if you locate your MBP at the location of the AirPort Express Base Station (AX), leaving the AX unpowered, if it can get a good signal from the AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBS), then the AX would as well.
The AX can only extend the range of the AEBS effectively if it is within a 25+ dB SNR range of the AEBS. Anything beyond that, you may get a "strong" signal (indicated by full bars), but the actual bandwidth will be useless.
SNR = Signal-to-Noise Ratio = Signal (in dBm) - Noise (in dBm)
You can easily find the Signal and Noise value using System Profiler on your MBP.
ref: Click on the Apple icon on the menu bar > About This Mac > More Info... > Contents > Network > AirPort > Interfaces > en1 > Current Network Information > Find your wireless network > Signal / Noise
While your still in the System Profiler, note the value for Transmit Rate.
These values should be negative numbers. For example, mine currently read: -67 dBm / -95 dBm, with a transmit rate of 27 (Mbps). Plugging in these numbers yield: SNR = -67 - (-95) = 28. My Mac Mini is about four rooms away from my AEBS with about five walls between them. As you can see, the signal is still quite useable ... but the bandwidth is minimal, especially for streaming.
SNR Guideline
40dB+ SNR = Excellent signal
25dB to 40dB SNR = Very good signal
15dB to 25dB SNR = Low signal
10dB to 15dB SNR = Very low signal
5dB to 10dB SNR = No signal

Similar Messages

Airport Express: Extend a network and do Airtunes at the same time?

Hi, I'm trying to organize the people in my apartment building to share an internet connection wirelessly.
The connection is originating from a friend's apartment; he has a Linksys router, probably "g" flavor.
We're going to put one Airport Express in a neighbor's apartment to extend that.
I have an Airport Express connected to my stereo which I use only for Airtunes.
So I'm wondering: can I connect my Airport Express to this network and extend it and ALSO use it for Airtunes?
Also: Can I prevent my neighbors from seeing my Airport Express for Airtunes purposes? IE, I don't want my stereo to show up in the "multiple speakers" drop down of iTunes for other people connecting to the network...
Hope there's a way to work this out...

can I connect my Airport Express to this network and extend it and ALSO use it for Airtunes?
In order to extend the wireless range of the Linksys router, you would have to configure your AX and the Linksys in a Wireless Distribution System (WDS). Unfortunately, very few non-AirPort router are WDS-compatible. The few Linksys models that are reported to be compatible are the WRT54G & WRT54GS.
If you can create a WDS, streaming iTunes should not be a problem.
Also: Can I prevent my neighbors from seeing my Airport Express for Airtunes purposes? IE, I don't want my stereo to show up in the "multiple speakers" drop down of iTunes for other people connecting to the network...
No, but you can establish an iTunes Speaker password so they would not be able to stream to it.

Airport Express extending wireless network issue in bridge mode

Hi,
I have an Airport Extreme (AX) connected to a Cable modem, and it is acting as a router and a DHCP server. To extend the wireless range I'm using an Airport express (AE) connected to the Airport Extreme using a wired gigabit ethernet connection.
I'm trying to set the AE in bridge mode as I don't want to setup another network segment and wireless network, I just want to use the AX as the DHCP server. Unfortunately, this doesn't seem to work. In this mode, the clients connected to the AE wirelessly can't get an IP address, and even when using a fixed IP address, it can't ping the AX router.
The only way I can set it to work is to set the AE to share a public address and create a new wireless network with a different name.
Original wireless network IP address: 192.168.0.x
Second wireless network IP address: 10.0.0.x
This gives a double NAT warning which I have to disable.
I've tried rolling back the firmware of the AE to 7.4.2 and that didn't seem to help.
Details:
Airport Extreme (Simultaneous Dual-Band II) - running 7.5.2
Airport Express (Wireless N) - 7.5.2 and 7.4.2

but I can't find an option to configure the AE as a "roaming network"
There isn't one. It's a term used to describe a particular type of setup.
Check your ethernet cable for proper operation by connecting a laptop. Turn off wireless on the laptop and make sure that you can get a good Internet connection. If you can, this confirms that the ethernet cable is working correctly. If you can not, you need to trobleshoot the ethernet connection first before you go any further.
On your AirPort Express, check your settings using AirPort Utility - Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab below the icons
Wireless Mode = Create a wireless network
Wireless Network Name = Same name as your main router
No check mark needed next to Allow this network to be extended
Radio Mode = 802.11n (802.11b/g compatible) a good choice. Your call here
Channel = Automatic (No need to manually set the channels on either router, but you can if you want)
Wireless Security = Same setting as your main network
Wireless Password = Same password as your main network
Confirm Password
Click the Internet icon
Connect Using = Ethernet
Connection Sharing = Off (Bridge Mode)
Update to save settings and the Express will restart in 40-45 seconds. You should have a green light. Important....now you need to restart your entire network.
Power everything down, order is not important. Start the modem first, let it run a few moments by itself. Then start your main router the same way. Then start all other devices the same way.

Airport express - extend a network or join a network?

I have a Time Capsule as my base station and a number of Airport Expresses installed ( one with a USB printer). All the Express are connected wirelessly. When setting up you are allowed to configure the Express to join a network or to Extend a Network. What is the best choice. My goal is to make sure my printer works, but also ensure the signal is decent throughout the house.
Apple tech when I called gave two conflicting answers. One said it should be Extend the Network. When I called back the next tech said that that was in fact incorrect. He said it should be Connect. He told me that Extend only works where you are hooking up the extra Expresses to an Ethernet cable which is not the case. Who is right?

Hi Bob,
After searching all over the internet, I found your answers to be the most informative
Would appreciate if you can comment on my situation:
Room Outlay:
I have a single-story 3,000 square-foot house with the Study on one end of the house and two other key areas of the house, the Family Room and the Master Bedroom, at the other ends of a "triangle" (Note: the Master Bedroom is a little closer to the Study than the Family Room is to the Study).
Original Environment:
1. in the Study: Cable Modem (Comcast)
2. in the Study: Time Capsule (MB276LL/A 500GB) ethernet connection to Cable Modem
3. in the Study: iMac ethernet connection to Time Capsule
4. in the Family Room: iPhone, iPad, and Laptop wireless usage
5. in the Master Bedroom: iPhone, iPad, and Laptop wireless usage
Original Issues:
Particularly in the Family Room (the most important of my remote areas), the devices (iPhone, etc.) seemed to drop in and out of the wireless network connection. I measured the wireless signal strength to be between 30-40% (Note: it was 45-50% in the Master Bedroom).
New Environment (additions)
6. in the Family Room: AirPort Express (MB321LL/A) Unit 1
7. in the Master Bedroom: AirPort Express (MB321LL/A) Unit 2
Impulsively reacting to various internet posts regarding extending wireless range with the AirPort Express, I went out and bought 2 units with the hope of improving the wireless signal strength in the Family Room and the Master Bedroom. I followed the instructions to have them "extend" the existing wireless network, and I now measure the wireless signal strength to be between 55-70% (vs. 30-40%) in the Family Room and 60-65% (vs. 45-50%) in the Master Bedroom.
Concerns/questions:
Further research turned up a bunch of posts that claim "extending" a wireless network the way I have significantly reduces the overall wireless network performance (cuts the throughput in half for each extender?).
Q1. Is this true? How does this relate to the improved signal strengths I measured.
Q2. If so, if I scrap the unit in the Master Bedroom, will I get better throughput in the Family Room?
Q3. In general, is there a better way to configure my network (e.g., not using "extend", etc.) to get better coverage in the Family Room (and ideally the Master Bedroom) without compromising throughput?
Q4. Although it appears the Time Capsule does not easily support a booster antenna, I did see some convoluted "do-it-yourself" kits that seem to have positive results for people. Is this something I should consider?
Thanks in advance,
Steve

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 extending - n AND g

I have an airport express extending a dual band airport extreme network. The extreme has one band on n (for laptops) and one band on a/g (for iphones and an older laptop). The airport express extends the network, connecting wirelessly to the extreme in another room, and sharing its connection with an iphone and an old laptop.
My question is this: will the airport express connect with the airport extreme (receiving its internet connection) at n speeds, but then connect with my iphone and old laptop (sharing its internet) at a/g speeds? I know the express is not dual band and thus cannot share its connection on different bands, but can it connect on a different band than it shares?
Thanks!

From what I've tried the Airport Express will only extend as it connects to. I've tried and it doesn't seem to "auto-convert" from one to another.
Also, you might want to look at the 802.11n 5ghz and 802.11n b/g/n 2.4ghz. Set this in your Airport Extreme accordingly (which you already might have), and let Airport Express automatically extend the 802.11n b/g/n 2.4ghz. This way, the iPhone will connect as fast as it can and the older laptop can connect.
BTW here is my "poor man's dual band" setup if anyone's interested:
DSL modem is connected to Netcomm 802.11b/g/n wireless router. This supplies the 802.11b/g/ 2.4ghz N signal for iPhone, Xbox360, and anything else.
Then, I connect via ethernet from Netcomm wireless router to my existing Airport Express. Airport Express supplies a pure 802.11 5ghz N signal for my Mac, iPad2, new iPad and AppleTV.
This way, the Mac, iPads and AppleTV always "see" only the Airport Express network, hence WiFi iTunes syncing as well as AirPlay streaming is great, and the 5ghz network with maximum N speed doesn't suffer interference and/or dropouts such as when my microwave is running.
As for the iPhone, I'll just use a cable when I need to, but this way my iPhone and Xbox360 can access the Internet as needed without degrading the connectivity of the Mac, iPads and AppleTV. I don't play online games, I only need connectivity to update or download stuff on Xbox360.
Yes, the disadvantage is double-NAT, but I haven't encountered issues yet.

Iphone will not connect to airport express extended network - macbook and ipad will - Help

Iphone will not connect to airport express extended network - macbook and ipad will without problems.
iphone will connect to base station no problems, I've restored settings and started again but still the same, the iphone picked up the network for the last couple of months, but not now ?

I'm having the same issue. My AExpress used to give a good signal strength on the far side of the house extending he network created by my Extreme. However, I've noticed lately that my iPhone does not receive the same strong signal it once did. AE has a green light, I've rebooted it, and my Extreme but there is no change in signal strength. Other than the green light, how can I tell if the Express is working if I don't get a good network signal?

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.

Airport Express Extends 5GHz at 2.4GHz?

My second generation(802.11n) Airport Express extends my 5GHz network, Net5, at 2.4 GHz. The express is about 20
feet from its "target," an iPad 3 serving as an internet radio. I know this because a scan turned up the 5GHz network on the same
channel as the 2.4GHz one and identified as "Net5."
As far as I can tell, all my settings are correct, etc. I'd be grateful for any ideas, comments, etc.

Ok, thanks for clarifying that for me. By default, the 2nd generation Express should extend both radios of your 5th generation Extreme. The key is placement. As you are already aware the range of the 2.4 Ghz band is greater than that of the 5 GHz one.
Even if you have the Express within 20 feet of the Extreme there may be some form of Wi-Fi interference (like walls) that may be preventing the 5 GHz band to be extended properly.
To rule out a possible placement issue, please check out the following AirPort User Tip for details on how to best place your base stations.

Airport Express Extending non-Apple AP

For something that "just works", the Airport series is a real mess if not every single device you own is the most recent Apple product. Thanks Apple.
Anywho, before complaining too much, I'd like to set my problem.
We currently have a main Airport Extreme (lets call it AEX) that is connected to some switches. We also have 3 Airport Expresses, for extending our network and AirPlay for 3 stereos throughout the house. Now, our outter most Airport Express (lets call it AE3) only receives a faint signal or none at all. So I set up a D-Link DIR-615 (lets call it DL) to work as an AP and extend our wireless network, to give the AE3 a decent signal. Now apparantly Apple managed to only let devices extend a network if the network that it is extending comes from another Apple router. Very nifty. Very user friendly. Since everybody uses all Apple devices. Practical.
Of course D-Link != Apple, so AE3 can't extend the wireless signal created by DL (connected directly via LAN to AEX). However, I can set up AE3 to only receive the signal of DL. Works fine! No extension of the network unforunately - but at least it works.
Now for the real issue - another Airport Express (lets call this one AE2) is also in the zone of DL. When the signal of AEX get's weaker or AEX is updated and offline for a second, it somehow pairs with DL instead of AEX. Since AE2 is set up to extend the network and not only receive - since that's what they are made for - this forms errors.
Is there really no way to let it extend even if the signal they are receiving is from DL? I just can't understand how hard it can be. Since we have already been forced to buy a AEX along with our AE's (since we had no clue a full-Apple-network was required for AirPlay), I'd like to avoid buying yet another Airport Express to make a signal cross the room.
Now that I'm ranting anyway, I'd like to express (no pun intended) my dissatisfaction with following issues Apple is causing.
First off, the Airport Utility for Windows hasn't been updated in a long time. It isn't available on all versions of Windows either. On top of that, the new version requires iOS6/7, thus making a first gen iPad really not that useful for network configuration.
Secondly, my compliments to Apple to not make the AEX support NTFS for external hard drives. BRILLIANT move there. I really do want to use FAT16/32 on a 1TB hard drive, so practical for my large files! No I kid, Mac OS Extended is of course better use for a hard drive that big, surely since all the computers in house are Windows. The joy's of using Apple products never ends does it! I understand they want to keep everything all-Mac, but selling routers one does expect somewhat compatibility with non-Apple stuff.

Is there really no way to let it extend even if the signal they are receiving is from DL?
Unless you want to use a wired connection between Apple and non-Apple routers the extend feature of Apple routers only works with other Apple routers. This is really no different with the other router manufacturers whether it is D-Link, Belkin, Linksys, etc.
(since we had no clue a full-Apple-network was required for AirPlay)
That's not entirely true. One of the requirements for AirPlay is a network, either wired or wireless. The networking hardware that makes up that network does NOT have to be comprised of any Apple products.
For example, since AirPlay requires at least three things: 1) iTunes "server," 2) Network, and 3) AirPlay "speaker," you could have a fully functional AirPlay streaming with the following devices:
iTunes "server": Synology NAS
Network: A wireless network based on D-Link hardware.
AirPlay "speaker: Denon AVR-991

Airport Express extends 5 Ghz and 2.4 Ghz or just one at a time?

I recently switched my dual band Time Capsule to use different names for the 5 Ghz and 2.4 Ghz networks.
Will the Airport Express extend both or just one at a time, if so, which one will it extend?
I have two Airport Express modules, bought a long time apart, is there any difference in functionality and how do I tell them apart if this is the case?
All are running the most recent firmware version.

Welcome to the discussion area, Mike!
Will the Airport Express extend both or just one at a time, if so, which one will it extend?
The AirPort Express is a single band device, so it can extend either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band, +but not both at the same time+. Since you have different names for the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands, the Express will extend the 2.4 GHz band by default. Using AirPort Utility, the setup application for the AirPorts, it is possible to configure the AirPort Express to extend either band.
If you are perhaps thinking of extending the 5 GHz band, this can be a bit tricky because 5 GHZ signals do not travel effectively over distance or penetrate obstructions as well as 2.4 GHz signals. You almost have to have a line-of-sight relationship between the Time Capsule and the AirPort Express to be able to extend the 5 GHz band.
I have two Airport Express modules, bought a long time apart, is there any difference in functionality and how do I tell them apart if this is the case?
Look on the side of the AirPort Express for the model number in the small print. You'll need Model No A 1264 to be able to "extend". If you have the older Model No A 1084, that version will not be able to "extend" a wireless network, but you could use it to "join" the wireless network and stream AirTunes to the device.
All are running the most recent firmware version.
That would be 7.5.2. If you have the older version of the AirPort Express, the latest firmware version for that device would be 6.3.
Message was edited by: Bob Timmons

How do I remove an unwanted Airport Express from my network?

I have been using a Time Capsule for several years. I am having trouble backing up to my Time Capsule. I have discovered an unknown Airport Express in my network. I've changed networks, added passwords to the network, etc. How do I remove this unwanted Airport Express from my network? I think he is wreaking havoc with my system!! Help...

Maybe this is an issue I should consult my ISP about??
No question about that. If you can "see" Travis's device, then he can likely "see" your Time Capsule.
I'm just concerned that whomever the APExpress belongs to could be changing settings on my computer or Time Capsule that would cause the issues with me not being able to backup.
Make sure that you have a Time Capsule base station password. Unless a user has that password, they might be able to "see" your Time Capsule, but they cannot access any of the data on the Time Capsule or change the settings.
Open AirPort Utility, click on the Time Capsule and click Manual Setup
Then, click the Time Capsule tab below the icons to see the device name and password for your device. Make sure that you have entered the password and confirmed. Click Update if you have made any changes.
The message I get is "The backup was not performed because an error occurred while copying files to the backup disk. The problem may be temporary. Try again later to back up. If the problem persists, use Disk Utility to repair your backup disk."
I am not sure what this error means, because I cannot duplicate it here to test.
If it were me, I would try this "fix".
http://pondini.org/TM/A5b.html

Problem with airport express extending wifi from extreme

My setup is an airport extreme wired to the internet with two iMacs connected by wire and an airport express to extend wifi from the extreme to the further parts of my house. When originally installed about a year ago this arrangement worked perfectly, but I noticed a few weeks ago that neither my iphone, ipad, nor my MBP 13" is connecting to the aitport express anymore and the network extension is not working as intended.
Last night I investigated the isue and found that the express is connected wirelessly to my extreme because when I wired my MBP to the express and turned off the wireless connection it could still reach the internet. But, even with the express sitting plugged in next to my iPhone I could not get it to connect to the express - it always uses the extreme and while I'm in range there is no problem. The problem is that my house is old and the wals tend to cause problems with reception and I can't get wifi in the garden and some parts of the house.
I have the express and the extreme configured to allow access only by the client macs that I have provided and it looks like the two devices share this information when they are in extend mode (but not sure about that). When I set up the system I added the aitports mac addresses to the approved list in the access control screen, which seemed to be necessary then though I removed them (the airport mac addresses) fromt he list last night to see what effect this had and biefly the airport did connect to my MBP. But after returning it to its location where it usually is I have not been able to reconnect to it.
In brief; I have an airport express extending an airport extreme wifi, it used to work, but now all wifi clients will only connect to the master. I have a suspicion that a recent airport update has caused this (both airports are up-to-date) but can't be sure. I have the express correctly configured to extend the wifi of the extreme as it was originally working.
One thing I have noticed - I had the express set to use a fixed IP by setting 'static' in the internet screen - this is not the current setting (it's reverted to DHCP) and I cannot force it to update to and remain set to static.
Does anyone know how I can restore the correct functioning of the express as an extension of the wifi network?
Thanks
Damon

Perform the Factory Default Reset one more time. Hold the reset button until the amber light has been blinking rapidly for 8-10 seconds before you release the reset button
Run the setup wizard, and wait for screen similar to this to appear, then click on Other Options:
Select the Add to an existing network option, then click Next and follow the prompts.
If you are still having difficulty, try running the setup utility on an iPhone or iPad, since Yosemite has a number of bugs in the setup process.

I'm trying to add my airport express to my network. The airport utility shows a message that its gathering info about my network then suddenly an unexpected error message appears. Why is that?

i'm trying to add my airport express to my network. The airport utility shows a message that its gathering info about my network then suddenly an unexpected error message appears. Why is that?

Until Bob Timmons gets back to you, first decide what you would like the Express to do. I understand you want it for AirPlay remote speakers, which you can certainly do.
I am assuming that you are not using an Apple AirPort router; if that's not the case stop here and let me know.
If your existing router is not an Apple AirPort Base Station, the Express:
can "join" an existing wireless network as a client, for the sole purpose of streaming music. If that's what you want to do, do not connect it to your router with an Ethernet cable.
can "extend" an existing wired network to serve as an additional wireless access point, which can also stream music. If that's what you want to do, connect its WAN port to an available LAN port on your router using an Ethernet cable.
Then, "hard reset" the Express according to the instructions below, and configure it. The prompts should be self-explanatory. If you run into trouble, describe which of the above two configurations you decided upon, and the point at which you're getting the "unexpected problem".
To "hard reset" an AirPort Base Station: make sure it's powered up, then gently press and hold its tiny reset button. Don't apply any more force than required to feel a tactile click. Keep it depressed for five to ten seconds, long enough for its LED to flash amber rapidly. Release the reset button. Then, the LED will glow amber steadily for about a minute. Then, it will flash amber, slowly, about once every second or two, waiting for you to configure it with AirPort Utility.

Airport express extending wifi extremely slow

Hello,
I have a time capsule creating a wireless network and a airport express extending the wireless network.
When I'm connected to the time capsule I have around 12mbp of speed but when I am connected to the airport express I have around 0.2mbp
In the airport utility it says the connection is good she connected to the airport express.
Everything was working fine a few days ago.
I was reading the the forum that it may be interference from a neighbour and to change the channel but I can fine where to change the channel.
Is changing the channel the solution? How can I access where to change the channel?
Or is there another solution?
Anyone knows how to fix this speed problem in airport express?
Cheers
Francisco

What is the distance between the Time Capsule (TC) and the AirPort Express Base Station (AX)? Are they in the same room, different room, different floor from each other? If in different rooms/floors, what is the basic building material used in the walls/floors/ceilings?
It is important to understand that the AX can only extend the TC's wireless network at the same bandwidth that it receives it. If you are only getting around .2 Mbps at the AX, then either there is too much distance between routers or there is some form of Wi-Fi interference (other Wi-Fis or the builiding material) between them that is preventing the AX from getting a strong enough signal to extend.
Changing channels is one possible solution. You would do so using the AirPort Utility. If you are using version 5.x of that utility, you would change channels as follows: AirPort Utility > Select the AX > Manual Setup > AirPort > Wireless tab > Channel. By default Channel is set to "Automatic." Click on the up/down arrow to the right of the Channel window to get the other channel options.
If this doesn't resolve the problem, please check out the following AirPort User Tip for details on how to best place each base station for maximum bandwidth in an extended network.

Issue w/ Airport Express extending a network (intermittently)

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for