Macmini sharing - airport express extending?

I've set up my macmini to act as a base station through network sharing. But now my airport express won't allow me to run airtunes. I've tried to get the airport express to pick up the macmini network in client mode but it just says it can't find a base station. When I try and use it for airtunes it tells me that the airport in my macmini is in use and to turn it off.
Is there a way to get the express to extend the wireless network created by the macmini? Or to get my airtunes to work whilst the macmini is a base station?
hope that makes sense! I've searched far and wide...

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.

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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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

Multiple AirPort Express - Extending Networks

Hello
I have been at it all morning trying to get it to work, no luck thus far.
The network I have at the moment consists of
Adsl modem > (cat5) Airport Extreme > (wirelessly extended by) Airport Express 1F > (wirelessly extended by) Airport Express 2F
I am running this network in a 3 storey building
Ground floor - Airport Extreme
First floor - Airport Express 1F
Second floor - Airport Express 2F
The Express on the first floor picks up the network created by the Extreme on ground floor and successfully extends it to the second floor.
This is the part that is giving me a world of trouble.
The Express on the Second floor picks up the network being extended by the Express on the First floor, but fails to extend it.
The green light is on and everything, settings are correct (identical to 1F).
Though when I am on the second floor and start to venture away from the limits of 1F, the 2F doesn't seem to boost the signal or extend the network, after walking 5 meters away I lose connection to the network.
Can anyone help?

As I have 3 Airport Express' all up, would I theoretically set it up so that 2F would "Join a wireless network" > allow ethernet clients then plug the third Express (3F) to 2F. Then setting 3F up to create a wireless network? clients would have to reconnect between the two, but it would be a temporary fix until I can have a network cable installed to connect the Extreme with 2F.
You could leave AirPort Express 2F in the "extend a wireless network" configuration because the ethernet port is enabled in this type of setup.
Then connect an ethernet cable to 3F from 2F and configure 3F as a "bridge" (Connection Sharing = Off (Bridge Mode)) to "create a wireless network" using the exact same wireless network name, security and password as the main router. Then, computers would not have to reconnect as they move around the house.
If you configured the network this way, you would not need to connect AirPort Express 3F all the way back to the AirPort Extreme. But, you would have better bandwidth if you did connect it directly to the AirPort Extreme.
Message was edited by: Bob Timmons

Can AirPort Express Extend non-Airport WiFi?

The description of the AirPort Express at:
http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/features/sharing.html
has this footnote: "AirPort Express can extend the range only of an AirPort Extreme or AirPort Express wireless network.”
Is this literally true or just a legalistic disclaimer. Is it possible to make AE work with a Netgear or Linksys router's WiFi? Or not?
One of our user group members does not have a stable connection between her iBook G4 and a Comcast router by Netgear. This is in a townhouse with two floors between them.

Is this literally true or just a legalistic disclaimer. Is it possible to make AE work with a Netgear or Linksys router's WiFi? Or not?
Pretty much. There are only a very very few non-AirPorts that are WDS-compatible. One is the Linksys WRT54G ... and only with a specific firmware version. You can do a quick Google-search, using terms like: Linksys AirPort WDS, and find at least a dozen references.
But, this is not really any different with the other vendors as most of their equipment, if extend-able, only do so with their own.

Airport express extend

I have an Airport Extreme in the home office. An express downstairs extending the network (by ethernet). And a 2nd express in the bedroom extending it (by wireless). Trouble is the express in the bedroom keeps trying to extend the network from downstairs, which is much further away than the extreme in the office and is therefore very weak when it arrives. Is there a way to force the bedroom express to stick to the extreme signal...? Not sure why it would go for the weaker one anyway....! thanks in advance... (my conclusions are based on the wiring diagrams that airport utility presents). Steve

To set up the AirPort Express Base Station (AX) as a "bridge," 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:
AirPort > Wireless tab
o Wireless Mode: Create a wireless network
o Network Name: <leave the default>
o Radio Mode: 802.11b/g compatible
o Channel: Automatic
Internet > Internet Connection
o Connect Using: Ethernet
o Configure IPv4: Using DHCP
o Ethernet WAN Port: Automatic (Default)
o Connection Sharing: Off (Bridge Mode)

Time Capsule & Airport Express Extended Network loses connection!

OK, so I am an Apple virgin of 2 months experience, after many many years with Windows based PCs, so please be patient and gentle with me. Sorry about the long explanation.....
My set-up comprises of a Time Capsule, which is connected to the Internet via a NetGear ASDL modem. Both pieces of equipment are situated in my wife's office on the first floor of our house. My office is on the ground floor, where I have a 27" iMac and an Airport Express which is connected to a printer via the USB port. The Airport Express is sited about 10 feet from the iMac.
All software and firmware are lastest versions - TC v7.5, AX v7.4.2 & Airport Utility v5.5.
For the past 2 months, I have only been using the AX to print wirelessly and the set-up has worked faultlessly.
Earlier this week, I decided change the configuration to extend the network to allow me to use my laptop & iPhone in areas of the ground floor where I had no signal. I followed the online instructions and first changed the TC to check the box to 'allow this network to be extended', after updating the configuration successfully I moved to the AX. Here I changed the wireless mode to 'Extend a wireless network', selected the network name and checked the 'Allow wireless clients' box. This also updated successfully.
Everything ran correctly and the range of the network was greatly increased.......great, job done...not!
After about 3 hours the iMac lost the connection and the TC disappeared from the Airport Utility pane and refused to reappear. I checked but also couldn't connect or see any network on the laptop or iPhone, so have dismissed a fault with the iMac. I finally got things back up after doing a power reset of the TC, but after a few hours same problem occurred, and occurred and occurred. By clicking the Airport Utility icon on the top right of the screen and following the prompts from 'no Internet connection', I can at least get things up and working without a power reset of the TC, but the connection still drops after 2-5 hours each time.
My first call to Apple Support led to a full reset and re-config of both the TC and AX, setting the extended network up as I had done originally. The only difference was an iMac reset (alt/cmd P&R on power up) and changing the 2.4Ghz channel from 1 to 11. This had no affect and the connection drop-out problem continued.
My second call to Apple Support led to me being passed to a Level 2 Techie, who first suggested that I tried disabling the Guest Network - tried it, and it made no difference. I was then told to try a WDS network, which whilst not losing connection, is slower and has less range than the original extended network and frankly sounds a cop-out.
Has anyone had a similar problem, anyone solved the problems, can anyone offer any help or advice please.. I'd appreciate any input....thanks.

Similar problem here. Cable Modem (Moto SB6120)->AEBS (802.11n dual-band)>AX (802.11n) for wireless connection to MacBook Pro running Mac OS X 10.6.2. AEBS configured as dual-band: 801.11a/n at 5GHZ and 801.11b/g/n at 2.4 GHZ. AX configured to wirelessly extend the AEBS 5GHz 802.11a/n network. I am able to run on the extended 5GHz network (via AX) for varying lengths of time, until the internet connection dies. When this occurs, I am able to switch over to the 2.4GHz network to get back online. Solution up until now has been to unplug the AX, then plug it back in. After the AX restarts, I am able to hop back onto its 5GHz signal and get to the internet. However, the internet connection on this band will drop again after some time.
I was on the phone with Apple Support twice in the past week to get this resolved, but no joy. Senior Advisor seemed to think that my AX was working properly, and that that the problem could be with my AEBS -- perhaps the 5GHz antenna might be bad in my AEBS? Seems odd to me, since both my AEBS and AX are less than 2 months old...
I just read the post from LocoDoc and decided to see if I could replicate the problem. Sure enough, when I am connected to the internet via my AX extended 5GHz network signal and a Time Machine backup starts, the internet connection quits. Only recourse is to restart the AX. Note that I do not experience this problem with Time Machine while connected wirelessly straight to the AEBS 5GHz signal. Only when I am connected to the "extended" signal via the AX.

Airport express extender not connecting to airport extreme

Mac OSX 10.9.5
Airport Extreme version 7.6.4
Airport Express version 7.6.4
I've done a hard reset of both Extreme and Express, set up Extreme and cannot set up Express as an extender. Airport utility recognizes the Express, but shows an amber light. Amber light also flashing on the airport Express, which is within 2 feet of the Extreme.
"Other Wi-Fi Devices" says no remote airport base satin is discovered. Same situation even when connecting the Express to the Extreme via an ethernet

Temporarily, please power off the AirPort Express and set it aside.
Restart the AirPort Extreme and check to make sure that it is performing correctly. There should be a green light on the AirPort Extreme and devices that are in the same room or adjacent rooms should be able to connect to the Internet.
If you see a slow, flashing amber light on the AirPort Extreme.....
Open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Uility
Click on the picture of the AirPort Extreme
Look for the setting for Status
Click on the small amber dot there and report back with the exact message that you see

Airport Express extending Time Capsule network causes network failure?

I have a 1GB Time Capsule used as my 'main' wireless access point for my home network. I purchased an Airport Express for use about halfway through across the home so that I could play iTunes music in that area... no problem. That works. However my office is also right next to the Airport Express.
So if the Airport Express is -not- plugged in I have a great signal from the Time Capsule and things work without a hitch. Once I plug the Airport Express in, every 20~30min my MacBook Pro shows I have a full-power network connection, but it wont actually do anything. I have to turn off the MacBook's wireless, then turn it back on... then again it only works for a short while. If I unplug the Airport Express this is no longer an issue. :/
So I know the Airport Express is part of the issue. But also, I know it must be setup correctly since I can go all the way to the back of the house and have a network connection [when normally without the Express I would not have a connection at all]. Clearly it's extending the network.
Any ideas why my MacBook might be getting 'stuck'? I'm relatively new to Apple gear, but long time PC user and very skilled with networking... but never experienced anything like this... but also this is the first time I've ever extended a network.
Open to any suggestions... thanks all!

Welcome to the discussion area!
Something is wrong, whether it's an incorrect setting or a defective AirPort Express because the "extend" setup normally works very well. I've gone 3-4 months with no problems at all since I added an Express last fall and the network is up 24/7.
Check to make sure that your MacBook is actually connecting to the AirPort Express (AX) as follows:
Open AirPort Utility, click on the AirPort Express and note the AirPort ID for the AX
Hold down the option key on your computer and click on the fan shaped AirPort icon at the top of the screen and you will see details about the connection. You should see the AirPort ID of the AX. If not, you are not connecting to it.
You can also check a few settings using AirPort Utility to see if the Time Capsule (TC) and AX are setup to "extend".
For the TC:
Click Manual Setup and click the Wireless tab below the icons
Wireless Mode should be "Create a wireless network"
There should be a check mark next to "Allow this network to be extended"
For the AX:
Click Manual Setup and the Wireless tab
Wireless Mode should be "extend a wireless network"
Network Name should be the name of the TC network
Check mark next to "Allow wireless clients"
Security and Password settings are the same as the TC
Is that what you see?

Macmini sharing - airport express extending?

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