Join Existing Network Wirelessly Disables Ethernet Ports?

So I have an Airport Extreme upstairs (my main router, connecting to modem), and another one downstairs. I have several devices downstairs that need Ethernet connection. Whenever I set up my downstairs AE to join existing wireless network created by the upstairs AE, the Ethernet ports are disabled.
I found it the hard way after spending 2 days trying to figure it out, and finally gave up and called Apple Technical Support, and after spending over 2 hours with the guy, he just found it then as well.
Can anyone confirm this as well? I'd like to be able to use both of them. Currently I have to resort to using an Airport Express plus a switch to get more than 1 Ethernet port.

Actually there are two types of WDS that the 802.11n AirPorts can support: 1) The older 802.11g static WDS, and 2) The newer 802.11n dynamic WDS. The only reason you would want to use the first type is if you had a mix of 802.11g & 802.11n AirPorts and wanted to create an extended network. Sorry, there is a lot of missing or confusing information about this and it is not well documented.
As you already know, the 802.11n AirPorts offer the options to "Allow this network to be extended" and "Extend a wireless network" which would be the correct settings for a dynamic WDS ... and the one I would recommend if you want to enable the Ethernet ports on the extending AirPort.

Similar Messages

Time Capsule won't join existing network

Hello,
I recently bought a new Time Capsule to use with Time Machine over my existing network. The problem that I'm having is that it isn't connecting to the network. When I do it on the Mac, I select More Options > Join existing network but it just takes me right back to the "Create new network" screen. When I do it on iOS, it just says that an error has occurred. What is going on?
Thanks,
Jacob Saunders

The existing wireless network could be incompatible.
It is a super poor way to run the TC.. the following things happen.
The TC will become super slow.. all access to the TC will be via the existing wireless network.
The TC ethernet ports will be shut off.
The TC wireless will work as a simple client of the current network. So you will lose all value in buying an AC wireless router.
I strongly recommend you plug the TC into the existing router by ethernet. If that is not possible there is alternative of using a wireless bridge to the TC.. and maintaining its usefulness..

Airport Express does not "Join Existing Network"

Dear all, I do use an iMac and have an ADSL wireless modem to connect to internet. I have purchased an Airport Express which I thought it would be the easiest thing to add to my system but I can not make it join to my wireless network. What I do is:
1. I plug the AX
2. Airport utility finds AX and I configure it to "Join Exsiting Network".
3. After restart the AX can not be found on Utility.
I can only make it work if I choose "create new network" and connect it via etheret cable. I guess I miss something or my DSL modem settings are not correct. Is there any specific setting that I should do for my modem?
Please help I can not use my AX!

Hi.
I have a similar problem. I have recently switched ISPs. The new provider has supplied me with a ADSL modem (wired) which I have connected to one of the lan ports in my linksys wifi router.
Due to certain space and time constraints, my desktop (which does not have a wifi card) cannot be connected to the wifi router / ADSL modem via RJ45 cable. I would consider doing the wiring, but am planning to move out of this apartment in a month or two.
Current set-up
Tel. line >> ADSL modem >> Lan port of wifi router >> Wireless network which my notebooks can access
In my opinion, i now have the following options;
1. Buy a usb wireless dongle for my desktop - and have it join the network.
2. Use an airport express - I plan to have the airport express join the network created by my linksys router and then use the lan port on the AE to connect the desktop to the network. (Is is possible to use USB to connect AE & desktop incase lan doesn't function). Would the airport express work in this manner?
Alternate AE uses (which may help justify the purchase )
Currently the linksys wifi router is placed in one corner of my apartment. I don't intend to move it as that will require me to do some sort of wiring - which will become useless in a month or so.
Can I use an AE to increase the strength of my current wifi network i.e. have it join this network (wirelessly) and increase the signal strength in certain areas with weak signal.
PS i have a spare wifi router (Linksys, no usb support) - could i use that and save to serve the same purpose and save some money.

Time Capsule Questions....Joining Existing Network

Firstly, the below questions are based on my assumption that the Time Capsule's firmware & hardware is similar to the Airport Express (but with the addition of the HDD!)
The router my network's running off is a Linksys WRT600N (has both 2.4Ghz & 5Ghz and 802.11b/g/n).
I'm interested in adding a Networked hard disk to the network (not through using the router's USB port) for the sole purpose of Time Machine backups.
From what I know, Time Machine doesn't work with NAS's apart from the Time Capsule (which from looking at it, would be a waste of money as I don't want to use it as a router.)
From what I've read, the Time Capsule can be connected by ethernet to the existing router (or switch), and have all it's Wi-Fi & routing functions turned off - making it only work for it's NAS HDD (that'll work with Time Machine.)
Now that seems like quite a waste of money on a £200 device that has WiFi etc built in.
Now, thinking about it, one of the locations I'd put the Time Capsule when connect as above, has bad wireless reception......
From what I've read (especially this thread), when the Time Machine is connected as above, and I disable the Time Capsule's built in router and DHCP server, it can be assigned a different SSID (my network already has 2 (one for 2.4ghz & one for 5ghz)) and it'll be broadcasting without interfering my existing network.
My wireless devices could be given the Time Capsule's SSID & encryption details, and would be able to connect to that or the Linksys (depending on where abouts in the house they were) - and as both networks are connected together, all shared HDD's and internet would work fine joining together over the three SSID's from the Linksys & Time Capsule.
The tricky bit, is there a way of having the Time Capsule repeat/boost the signal coming from the Linksys? (instead of broadcasting on a different SSID, it'd be acting as a Wireless Access Point).
From my research about repeating, I know that WDS is needed, and accoring to here[ the Linksys WRT600N supports it. (whatever it actually is!)
So, would the Time Capsule be able to repeat/boost the Linksys's signal? If so, how? (I'd keep the two router's connected together by gigabit as obviously the location of the Time Capsule would be one where the Linksys's signal struggles to reach.)
Anything wrong with the idea of broadcasting on a different SSID? And any ideas about broadcasting on the same SSID?
Blimey that's a long post! If your still reading this far and understand what I'm on about you can have a cookie
Thanks
Ed.

Westyfield, Welcome to the discussion area!
The tricky bit, is there a way of having the Time Capsule repeat/boost the signal coming from the Linksys?
Your scenario has Time Capsule connected via Ethernet to the Linksys. To extend the Linksys's wireless network, simply configure the Time Capsule to use (a) the same SSID as the Linksys, (b) the same encryption type/level/password as the Linksys, and (c) a channel as far as possible from the one used by the Linksys.
For all wireless clients there would be one big wireless network.
There is no need for WDS.

Old AExpress on default settings will not join existing network?

I have an Airport Express which I have done a hard reset on to factory settings. When I try to have it join the existing network ,using the newest verion of the Airport Utilities, it will not save the changes. When I use the automatic set-up, it asks me to change networks to the default apple network, and as I said will not save the changes. Does this sound like it might be broken (almost 3 years old) or, do I have to try to do this manually?

It's possible that your AirPort Express Base Station (AX) is faulty, but let's double-check it's settings for being a wireless client ...
To set up the AirPort Express Base Station (AX) as a "Wireless Client," using the AirPort Utility, either connect to the AX's wireless network or temporarily connect your computer directly (using an Ethernet cable) to the Ethernet port of the AX, and then, try these settings:
o Perform a "Factory Default" reset on the AX.
o Launch the AirPort Utility.
o Select the AX.
o If not already connected to the AX's wireless network, go ahead and switch to it when prompted.
AirPort > Base Station
o Base Station Name: <whatever you wish or use the default>
o Base Station Password: <enter a desired password for the base station>
o Verify Password: <re-enter the desired password>
o Remember this password in my keychain: (optional)
o Set time automatically: (optional)
AirPort > Wireless
o Wireless Mode: Join a wireless network
o Network Name: <type in the network name/SSID of the wireless network that you want to join or select it from the pop-up menu>
o Wireless Security: None
OR, if you are using security on your wireless network:
o Wireless Security: <Select the appropriate level of security for the existing wireless network: 40-bit WEP|128-bit WEP | WPA Personal | WPA Enterprise>
o Password: <enter your wireless network security password>
o Verify Password: <re-enter the same security password>
AirPort > Wireless > Wireless Options
o Multicast Rate: 2 Mbps
o Transmit Power: 100%
o Create a closed network: (disabled)
o Use interference robustness: (disabled)
o Click Done
o Click Update to write the new settings to the AX.

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/

Difference between Extending Network & Joining Existing Network

I am using an Extreme as my main device. I want to increase the range by using an Express in another area of the house. When I setup the "Extend an Existing Network," I get an amber light. When I then setup "Join an Existing Network," I get a green light. My confusion is, does both modes service users, or can you only connect when the Express is in Extend mode.
Also, how can I tell what Generation my devices are?

Thanks for the info.
Please download and install AirPort Utility 5.6 for Mac OS X Lion since we will need the extra features in this version of the utility to do what you want.
This version will tell you which version of the AirPort product that you have when you click on a device and look to the right for more info.
When the AirPort Express "extends a wireless network", it performs multiple functions:
Provides more wireless coverage in the area where it is located
Provides an audio signal at the audio port for AirTunes
Provides a signal for a printer at the USB port
Provides a signal at the Ethernet port for devices that connect using Ethernet
When the AirPort Express "joins a wireless network it performs all of the functions above....except....it does not provide any additional wireless coverage
Since most users need as much wireless coverage as possible, most of them configure their Express devices to "extend" a wireless network so devices will have a better signal in the more remote location.
In order to configure the Express to "extend", you must configure both the AirPort Extreme and AirPort Express
Open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility 5.6
Select the AirPort Extreme and click Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab below the row of icons
Make sure that there is a check mark entered next to "Allow this network to be extended"
Click Update to save changes
Now, configure the Express again to "Extend a wireless network"
Please post on your results

Join existing network overwritting router settings

Hi there,
Trying to set up the express to run airtunes (only) and I know that I have to set the express up as a client of my existing wifi network by joining my existing network but in doing this (by following the setup wizard) the express is not actually joining the network but is becoming the router which is what I do not want.
I'm uk based have sky netgear router.
Any help greatly appreciated.

Welcome to the discussion area!
I suggest that you start over by holding in the reset button on the AirPort Express (AX) until the amber light blinks rapidly and then keep holding another few seconds before releasing the reset button.
Temporarily, connect an ethernet cable from your computer to the AirPort Express and open AirPort Utility to select the AX. If you are asked, you want to return the AX to factory default settings.
Then click Continue to follow the guided setup. On about the third page of setup instructions, you will be asked how you want to configure the AX. You want to choose the "Join a wireless network" option at this point.
The name of your wireless network created by your Netgear router should appear as a choice to "join", so select that network. Then you must enter the exact same type of Security settings that your Negear is using and password so the AX will "join" your wireless network correctly as a client.
Continue with the setup by enabling AirTunes, etc and Update the AX with the current configuration settings. As soon as you see a message that the settings have been stored on the AX, close AirPort Utility and disconnect the ethernet cable that you were using with the setup.
If you have entered the security and password information correctly, the AX will restart in 20-25 seconds and the light will turn green.
You can now move the AX to the location that you need and hookup headphones or a stereo to the device for AirTunes.

How to disable Ethernet Port on 2003 Airport Extreme Base Station

I have a roommate who does not help with the cable bill. He is always plugging his computer into the ethernet port of the Airport base station (no wireless card in his computer). The Base Station sit on top of the cable box in the living where its plugged directly into the cable box for internet access. Unfortunately moving the cable box or base station is not an option. How do I disable the ethernet port or prevent him from having access to the base staion?

+How do I disable the ethernet port or prevent him from having access to the base staion?+
You could prevent him from connecting using wireless, but not ethernet.
On second thought, you could hide his ethernet cable. For a permanent solution, you could always fill the ports with glue, but would probably regret it at some point.

Does or will the Airport Extreme be able to share the Guest network to a Ethernet port?

Did not know if there was or possibly will be the ability to seperate ethernet ports to make a hardwired guest network?

Sorry, not possible to extend the Guest Network using either wireless or Ethernet.
You might want to let Apple know on any new features that you want to see.
Apple - AirPort Extreme - Feedback

Join existing network option missing from Airport Extreme

I am resetting an Airport Extreme because of network issues (not the airport side). It used to join an existing network which is still there. but now, when i go to set it up, the only options are Create a Wireless Network, Participate in a WDS network, and Extend a Wireless Network. I can not extend because of the way our network is set up. Can anyone tell me how I can get the plain old Join and Existing Network option back? I miss it...

emcfins, Welcome to the discussion area!
Unlike the AirPort Express (AX), the AirPort Extreme base station (AEBS) does not have the ability to join a wireless network as a client.
The only way the AEBS can wirelessly join a network is if it is configured to participate in a WDS network (802.11g mode) or extend a Wireless Network (802.11n mode).

No option to join existing network

I've had an airport extreme and airport express for several years - both serving as clients and not routers - and have never had any problems. I recently changed my network name, though, and can no longer use my airports. I hard reset them and try to use airport utility to tell them to join the new network, but don't even see that option. The only options I see are:
1. I want to create a new wireless network
2. I want to replace an existing base station or wireless router with Airport Extreme
3. Extend the range of my Airport Extreme, Airport Express network
I don't want to create a new network, and I don't want to replace my current router. Can anyone tell me why I don't have the option to join a network?

The default reset is a bit different if you have an older domed "b/g" version of the AirPort Extreme.
Please use this Apple Support Document to help with the default reset.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3728?viewlocale=en_US
Under the heading of How do I reset my AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule, look for the Extreme Base Station (802.11b/g) and follow those instructions to reset the device.
If that still will not get the "join" option displayed, you can perform a quick check to see if this is possible using the Manual Setup option.
Open AirPort Utility and click Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab located just below the row of icons
Hold down the option key while you click on the Wireless Mode selection box to see if the "join" option is displayed.
Please post on your results.

Cannot join existing network

Grrrr this is getting annoying..!
Have an airport express bought 1-2 years ago for use with an old g4. Has been in the cupboard for sometime and now I want to use it with my new MBP.
The AE works fine running its own network; can link to airtunes successfully. However I cannot get it to sit on an existing wireless AT ALL, after hours of trying. Airport utility seems to set it up ok, until it waits for the AE to restart. It sits there for ages before telling me there is a problem and it cannot find the Ae, which disappears completely. I have reset many times and redone this, and upgarded the firmware, with no success.
(The existing network is on a Thomson ADSL Speedtouch modem/router. This should work shouldn't it? It doesn't have to be an Apple airport router does it?)
please, if you can help me....
Thanks!

Ok, so in response to my own thread, in case anyone reads this...
Sorry, I now see lots of this people with this problem around. My answer was to re-upload the firmware via an ethernet cable rather than wirelessly. I now have a nice green light and tunes from my cones. Praise the lord...

Cant join existing network as a client.

I have just bought an AE to use as a client with iinet's BoB wifi router, but during setup (connect to existing network) I get 'unexpected error has occurred'
Please help, I was under the impression AE would join 3rd party networks.

The AirPort Express will join a third party network if 3 conditions are met:
1) The AX is configured to use the same wireless network name
2) The AX is provided with the correct wireless password
3) The AX is configured to use the exact same wireless security settings that the wireless network is using
Most users get 1) and 2) correct, but are not sure about the exact type of wireless security that their router is using, so the AX often does not receive the correct configuration information to connect to the network.

Joining existing network

My daughter is renting a apartment new her university which has hi speed internet access. In the utility room there is a 3com router. My question is how do I setup my E2000 to join this network? Using windows 7
Thanks

There are several ways to create an access point remote from the 3Com router. One of the best is to run a cable to a router configured as an AP (or an actual AP) from the 3Com router (or one of the wall outlets from the 3Com). You can also use powerline networking to connect the 3Com router to an access point. MOCA is another way to get from the 3Com to an AP.
However, I'm not getting exactly what you're doing yet. The 3Com must be a wireless router if you can use a bridge (which would receive wireless from the 3Com and then provide wired connections generally, otherwise it would be a repeater). But if you can use a bridge you already must have wireless from the 3Com, so I'm still missing something here...
Can you please describe the 3Com a little more? Does it have wireless that the Airport Express (configured as a bridge) is picking up? Why can't your daughter's computers then use the wireless from the 3Com? Is it not strong enough because it's in a closet? Why not use one of the wall outlets from the 3Com to connect to an AP?

Join Existing Network Wirelessly Disables Ethernet Ports?

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