Join airport express to existing network

I am trying to set up a new airport express device to join an existing network (airport extreme). Airport utility does not display the device when I plug it in. How do I set it up?

The AirPort Express is broadcasting a default wireless network with a name like Apple Network xxxxxx, where the "x" could be a letter or number. If you are trying to configure the Express using wireless only, you must first log on to this network from your computer....there is no password required.....then open AirPort Utility.
If you have a spare Ethernet cable handy, connect the Express directly to your computer, restart the Express and then open AirPort Utility to configure the Express that way. Once you have the Express configured and updated, you can disconnect the Ethernet cable.

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HT1126 how to join airport express to existing network with internet

How to connect wireless Airport Express to existing Wireless Network?

Hi - what kind of router do you have?

Constant Error While Setting Up Airport Express with Existing Network

I just bought an Airport Express for use with printer and existing wireless network (two original Airport Extremes). I can't get past the error msg below*. The AE shows in Airport Utility. I click on that and then "Continue". A window appears asking if I'm sure I want to "Switch" wireless networks. I assume I do since set up doesn't continue if I select "Don't Switch". But every time I try that it shows a spinning wheel and "Joining wireless network...", and un-joins existing wireless network (losing the two AEBS's), giving me the continued error msg. And on a few occasions Airport Utility can't see it, like now.
*Error Msg: "An error occurred joining the selected wireless network."
It's been a while since I've set up Apple's wireless devices but I thought it was easier now. The manual is ambiguous with "1) Open Airport Utility, 2) Follow the onscreen instructions...". If I could only get to that. Very frustrating for a device that's suppose to be so simple to set up.
Message was edited by: Sakahara

Addendum: Now that I've plugged it in near the printer again Airport Utility can see it but can't read it's configuration so that I can set up the printer. How is this helpful with setting up a printer in another room/level if you have to set it up near your computer first because the two Airport Extreme's you have already set up (one of them, to create the wireless network, 8 feet away from the Express, and the other, to extend the wireless network, on an upper level, to reach the iMac) to give your computer a wireless network? So Airport Utility can see all three airport devices, the network/internet works and is extended to my iMac, but it can't read the Express device to set up the printer. Isn't that the point of the extended wireless network? And yet I can read/set up the Extreme near the Express. Now I have to lug the printer up two levels to set up the printer.

Airport Express in existing network: need active Etrhernet port

I use my Airport Express to connect via WiFI to a Linksys WRT54G, wich connects to the Internet and qt teh sqme time connects to my PC via Ethernet. iTunes works perfectly, no issue with that.
Now I want to use the Ethernet port on my Airport Express but can't find a setting where this is possible.
My Airport Express (firmware version 6.2) is configured to join an existing wireless network and connect to the Internet via wifi using DHCP. The LAN port simply is not activated and greyed out in the Airport Admin Utility.
Can anyone help me out here? Is what I want possible with the Airport Express?
Thanks in advance,
Erik
Airport Express Windows XP Pro
Windows XP Pro

You can use the Express in that way, but you'll have to set up the network differently and you may have to use third-party firmware in the WRT54G to get it to work. You need to set up the Express to join the existing wireless network and extend its range (i.e. set up a WDS with the Express and the WRT54G) in order for the Ethernet port to be active. Whether you have to use third-party WRT54G firmware depends on the version of the router. I believe that any version prior to v5 require the firmware. See this site:
http://www.sveasoft.com/

Using airport express with existing network

So I have a Zoom wireless modem/router that supports g + b wireless. If I get an airport express, will it connect to the existing wireless network? And if I want to stream music to my stereo, will the airport express communicate with my MacBook at the n network speed, or does it step down to the speed of the Zoom box?
Not sure if the airport express would talk directly with the mac or use the Zoom as an intermediary.

Welcome to the discussions!
You have a couple of options.
1) Configure the AirPort Express (AX) to "join" your existing wireless network. This will allow you to stream AirTunes to the AX over your current wireless network. If you choose this option, the AX will connect at "b/g" speeds.
2) Configure the AirPort Express to "create a wireless network" so you can stream AirTunes at "n" speeds from your Mac if it is "n" capable. The downside to this approach is that you will need to switch wireless networks whenever you want to stream AirTunes, and since the AX will not be connected to a modem, you will not have internet access when you are streaming AirTunes.
Users usually choose the "join" option to allow simultaneous internet connection and AirTunes streaming.
Connection wise, your Mac must communicate to the wireless router, which in turn communicates to the AirPort Express. Your Mac will not communicate directly to the AX unless you choose option 2.

Connect Airport Express to existing network

How do I connect an Airport Express to an existing network router?

The "Extend a wireless network" setting mentioned in other posts in this thread will not work unless you are connecting to another Apple wireless network.
Download and install AirPort Utility 5.6 for Mac OS X Lion . You can keep both AirPort Utility 6.x and 5.6 on your Mac and use the version that you need.
Perform a Factory Default Reset on the AirPort Express as follows:
Power off the Express and wait a minute or two
Hold in the reset button on the Express and keep holding it for an additional 9-10 seconds while you simultaneously plug the Express back in to power
Release the reset button and allow 40-45 seconds for the Express to restart
Temporarily, connect an Ethernet cable from your Mac to the Express
Open AirPort Utility 5.6, select the Express, and click Manual Setup
Click the Base Station tab below the row of icons to assign a name and device password to the Express and adjust Time Zone settings
Click the Wireless tab and adjust as follows:
Wireless Mode = "Join a wireless network". You may need to hold down the option key on your Mac while you click on the Wireless Mode selection box to locate the "Join" setting.
Wireless Network Name = Same name as your main wireless network
Enter a check mark if you want to be able to connect an Ethernet device to the Express
Wireless Security = Exact same setting that your main wireless router is using
Wireless Password = Same password as the main wireless network
Verify Password
Click the Update button.
As soon as you see the message that the settings have been stored on the Express, close AirPort Utility and disconnect the Ethernet cable
Wait 40-45 seconds for the Express to restart. If your settings are correct, you will have a green light on the Express. You can now locate it where it will be needed, assuming that it will be able to receive a good wireless signal at that location.

Attempting to extend wifi w/ Airport Express breaks existing network

I am attempting to wirelessly extend/repeat a Wi-Fi network that is running from a 4th generation time capsule using a 1st Generation N Airport Express (model A1264).
Whenever i configure the airport express to extend the network, it breaks the network. all existing connections get dropped, the SSID is seen but you cannot connect to it.
If i unplug the airport express then everything works fine again.
both units are running the most recent firmware, i have done a factory reset on both units and set them up from scratch again.
i have confirmed i'm using the correct encryption (WPA2) and the proper key/password.
Any ideas? this doesn't make much sense aside from either the time capsule or airport express are defective.
thank you.

Windows.
somehow it magically fixed itself after leaving the airport express unplugged from power for 20 minutes.
after letting it sit unplugged for awhile it worked normally without needing to change any settings.
thanks for your response.

Airport Express with existing network

I just bought an Airport Express to use to send iTunes music from my Macbook Pro to my stereo.
Since i already have an existing home wireless network (for my and my wife's PCs) and internet use with my Mac, should I try to install the Airport to connect to the existing network (if that's even possible) or can (and should) it be setup as a standalone network just for wireless sending of the music to the stereo?
- Mike

So it can be connected then. It will be in a different room than the existing wireless router - does this make a difference or cause a problem?
Can you elaborate on why you'd connect it this way (i.e.: I'd be able to use the internet while I'm streaming audio, etc.)?

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.

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.

Adding a new Airport Extreme to existing network?

Hi, I just bought an Airport Extreme, which I want to use in my apartment to replace my existing Airport Express (802.11g) network. Is there an easy way to do this without having to reset all my devices that use the network?
I have a TV, receiver, Blu ray player, two laptops, two iPhones and an iPad, all of which would need to be reconfigured if I just scrap the existing network in favor of the new device's new network. (And it's really annoying to set up the network on the home theater stuff!)
Am I just being lazy, and I should just start a new network from scratch?
Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions.

Whenever replacing network equipment, it is always a good idea to start from scratch. What you may save during the initial setup may be lost with the time you will spend hunting down why things are not quite working right later.
I would recommend that you do the following as a minimum:
Power-down the modem, AirPort base station, and computer(s).
Disconnect the 802.11g AirPort Express Base Station (AX) from the Internet broadband modem.
(OPTIONAL) While all of the devices are powered-down, perform a "factory default" reset on the base station. This will get it back to its "out-of-the-box" configuration and make setting it up much easier, especially if you use the "Assist me" process within the AirPort Utility. (ref: Resetting an AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule)
After the base station resets, go ahead and power it back down.
Connect the new 802.11n AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBSn), using the same Ethernet cable that was used for the AX. Make sure to connect the cable to the AEBSn's WAN (circle-of-dots) port.
Temporarily connect your Mac Pro to one of the available LAN (opposing arrows) ports on the AEBSn. Of course, if you intend on leaving the Mac Pro connected by Ethernet, then just leave the Ethernet connection as is after the setup is complete.
Power-up the modem; wait at least 10-15 minutes to allow it adequate time to initialize.
Power-up the AEBSn; wait at least 5-10 minutes. Note: The AEBSn's status light may continue to flash amber after it has intialized. That is because, there may be some additional configuration items necessary, like setting up wireless security, before the overall setup is completed to get a green status.
Power-up your computer(s).
In this basic configuration, the AEBSn will broadcast an unsecured wireless network with a Network Name (SSID) of Apple Network NNNNNN. Network clients, connected to the base station either by wire or wireless, should now be able to access the Internet through the ISP's modem. Once Internet connectivity has been verified, you can use the AirPort Utility to configure the base station for wireless security and any other desired options. Please post back your results.

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

Can't connect Airport Express wirelessly to network so that AirTunes and internet are available simultaneously

I can't connect Airport Express wirelessly to network so that AirTunes and internet are available simultaneously. My old AE allowed this but can't make the new one work that way.

In your instructions, you say to use the same encryption type as the router has set up. well, I am using the WEP 64 bit encryption and the Airport Utility does not have this...it has 40 bit. Is this a problem, or do I have to be using a the same type of encrytion ?
WEP is available in either 40 or 104-bit, but is usually "advertised" as either 64- or 128-bit respectively. For example, 64-bit WEP uses a 40 bit key (also known as WEP-40), which is concatenated with a 24-bit initialization vector (IV) to form the 64-bit RC4 traffic key. So, WEP 64 on the Linksys & 40-bit is equivalent.
What concerns me more is the loss of bandwidth performance you are experiencing when connecting the AX. When the AX is configured as a wireless client it is acting just like any other wireless devices (computer, laptop, printer, etc.) and not like another router. This should cause little or no bandwidth loss. True the more secure the wireless encryption used WPA2 vs. WEP, the more overhead is required for security, but the differences you are seeing seem excessive.
It is very possible that you may have some form of Wi-Fi interference in the immediate area that is preventing your Linksys from providing a good clean signal.
I suggest you perform a simple site survey, using utilities like the following to determine potential areas of interference, and then, try to either eliminate or significantly reduce them where possible:
For Macs:
o MacStumbler
o iStumbler, or
For PCs:
o NetStumbler

15" MacBook Pro randomly loses connection to my AirPort Express wi-fi network.

My 15" MacBook Pro randomly loses connection to my AirPort Express wi-fi network. I have to switch off wi-fi on my Mac then switch on again to reconnect. Any reason why this random occurrence keeps happening which never happened before? Any solutions and fixes would also be welcomed.
Jazz

In the airport utility, you can alter the radio modes... and change the channels from automatic to a manual one.
Hold down the Option key, and click on your wifi icon, it will tell you what channels are currently being used on your OSX.

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.

Join airport express to existing network

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