Multiple Airport Express Problem

I have a set up using an Airport Extreme Base station and three Airport Express Units that I use for Itunes. They are named Kitchen, Library and SunRoom. All three of them have been updated to be using version 6.3. I can play Itunes on each of them individually without a problem. I can choose Multiple Speakers and select Kitchen and Library and they both play without a problem. However, any combination with SunRoom results in spotty playing (e.g. music starts and stops and starts and stops on either speaker). The only difference that I can discern between SunRoom and the other two is that SunRoom is about half again as far away from the Base Station as the other two and there is a Stone Obstruction which causes the reception in the area where SunRoom is located to be low (one or two bars on the Airport Measuring unit on my MacBook Pro. By the way I am using a MacBook Pro with Leopard, all up to date on updates.
Any advice to eliminate this problem? I have thought about putting in another Airport Express Unit to extend the range to that area to improve reception. But I figured since I am getting a solid green signal on the SunRoom unit that I probably did not need to do that?
Thank you in advance for your assistance.

If you don't have it already, I suggest downloading a copy of iStumbler. Use iStumbler's Inspector feature (select Edit > Inspector from iStumbler's menu) to determine the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) at the locations of the AirPorts, by performing a simple RF site survey. Within the Inspector, note the values for "signal" & "noise" at these locations. Start with your MBP near the AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBS), note the readings, and then, choose the locations where the AirPort Express Base Stations (AX) are located.
SNR is the signal level (in dBm) minus the noise level (in dBm). For example, a signal level of -53dBm measured near an access point and typical noise level of -90dBm yields a SNR of 37dB, a healthy value for wireless LANs.
The SNR, as measured from the MBP, decreases as the range to the base station increases because of applicable free space loss. Also an increase in RF interference from microwave ovens and cordless phones, which increases the noise level, also decreases SNR.
SNR Guideline
o 40dB+ SNR = Excellent signal
o 25dB to 40dB SNR = Very good signal
o 15dB to 25dB SNR = Low signal
o 10dB to 15dB SNR = Very low signal
o 5dB to 10dB SNR = No signal
If the SNR is 20dB+ at each of these locations, then you should be getting reasonable performance from your AirPort. If less, either try to locate the source of the Wi-Fi interference or try relocating the base station until it's within a 20dB SNR range.

Similar Messages

Multiple Airport Express problems

Hello all, I am trying to set up 2 airport express in my loft. My first airport express is connected to a trendnet router and is named Fortress of solitude or FOS located on my first floor. i have cat 5 from an open port on trendnet router on first floor going to my second floor which connects to a netgear switch where my second Airport exopress is connected Fortress of solitude 2 or FOS2. I ahve tried to extend the network with FOS2 but the distance and the layout of my home dont give a great signal upstairs. I have speakers plugged into each airport express and a printer via usb in FOS. Can i ever get this to work without creating 2 different wireless networks?

Can i ever get this to work without creating 2 different wireless networks?
Sure, you need to configure what is known as a "roaming" network.
Configure FOS2......
To "create a wireless network" using the exact same wireless network name, same wireless security and same passsword that FOS is using.
Just as important, FOS2 must be configured to operate in Bridge Mode. If you do not configure this setting correctly, as the last step before you click Update to save the settings for FOS2, the network will never function correctly.
Once FOS2 is configured and you have a green light, you need to power off the entire network
Wait a minute
Start the modem first and let it run a minute by itself
Start FOS the same say
Start the switch, the same way
Start FOS2
Keep starting devices until the network is back up
Now, you should be able to "walk" a laptop from one area to another and stay on the same network. The laptop will automatically switch to the Express with the stronger signal based on its location.

Connection problems when I use multiple Airport Expresses

I have one Mac that I use to stream music to multiple Airport Express's. Its seems that when I connect to 3 expresses things work fine. If I connect to 4 the sound cuts out on all speakers.
Is 3 the limit or am I doing something wrong?

Yes you can but....
With the apex in the ceiling you may get a signal loss from your main wireless system. To be able to do what you want in a whole home sound system they all need to be on the main wireless system. You also have to plug them in to a wall outlet which may be an issue with your fire regulations with them inside the walls/ceiling. With airplay you have some limitation also. If she has an ios device and likes say pandora she can only do it to one set of speakers/APex. Only itunes from a computer can do multiple/house party sound. I have 2 APex in my house and love them all. If your main wifi is out of range for some of the new APex's you can run 1 cat5/6 (APex is 10/100) and make a new network and bridge the rest to it. As long as your new wire is connected to your main network you will stay on the same network.
So now you get sound and a roaming wifi through out the house. (that's what I did but not in the ceiling.)
Sonus are good but $$$. by then rewire!

Airport Exreme - Airport Express droupout with multiple Airport Express sta

I have multiple airport express's, an iMAc, a Airport extreme router, all software/firmware to current release. If I play on the iMac and one set of remote speakers, no problems, once I add two airport express stations with iTunes, I get the dropouts. Any ideas. I have already got rid of wds, changd channels, tc. to no avail.

I have the same set up and had the same issue and a guy at apple support gave me a tip to try and it worked!. First remove all the expresses from the power outlets keeping your airport extreme running. I also recommend using a different channel say 11. and use ap grapher
http://www.chimoosoft.com/products/apgrapher/
to see if your network looks like it's running well after you resetup your everything or before you bother doing this. I found my audio gear was really messing with my airports bandwidth and when I moved it to a new spot ap grapher showed I was getting a nice steady 54mbit/sec.
So again unplug the expresses and keep the extreme up and running.
You must first do a reset on the airport express by pushing in the little white button on the bottom with a paper clip for a few seconds, but you should check out how to reset the airport express via apple's web site because there are 2 types of resets one with it plugged in and one with it not. Not sure which is right reset method so check that yourself.
Once you have reset it you want to set the first express to extend your preexisting airport extreme network using the airport setup utility. If you have two expresses you may only need to do this to the last one in the chain but it can't hurt to reset them all form scratch.
Once the first express is up and running you then unplug the airport extreme from it's power outlet. Then you go to set up the 2nd express after you reset it and here lies the trick. You extend the 2nd express off the first express without the extreme involved. Then you plug in the extreme back into the power and bingo you have tricked the express #2 to extend from the first express and they wind up with new ip numbers like 10.0.1 and 10.0.2. Instead of them competing for signal using the same ip address they now have their own individual ip address, it turns it into an extension chain. If that makes sense I don't know what the tech terms are for this but it did cure my issues of dropouts I thought it was odd that they had the same addresses so it makes sense that they should have their own.
Micro wave ovens cause drop outs and so do some wireless phones but you can always check on your signal using AP grapher. I found that when I walk around with my MacBookPro in my house that the expresses really don;t have much of a range so if they are really far apart that could also be an issue. I'm sure the N versions are much better and I am thinking about upgrading.
Hope this helps cause it sure took a long time to type:)

HT1515 Just installed Airport Express on Mac 10.6.8 Can't see base station. Hard Reset the Airport. Rebooted machine. How can I tell if this is a Mac problem or Airport Express Problem?

I have a Mac 10.6.8. Just installed Airport Express. I can't see any base stations. I did a hard reset on the Airport Express, turned off all devices, turned them back on. I see plenty of Airport networks in the neighborhood. How can I tell if I have a Mac problem or an Airport Express problem? Airport Express blinks Amber.

Obviously, I'm still using ethernet to be able to reply to this.
Alright, use the same ethernet cable to plug directly into the airport express. This will FORCE the airport utility to now see it regardless of weak signals & interference. You can set it up that way.
BTW, what is the original intent on the express?

Connecting to multiple Airport Express base stations at the same time?

I want to be able to use wireless internet and stream music to my stereo at the same time, but I only have a single internet connection behind my stereo and it's connected to the Pay TV. My options seem to be getting a new line installed behind the stereo so I can insert this into the same Airport Express base station I use for my music, or buying a second Airport Express base station and connecting it to one of the other internet connections in the room, then connecting to both Airport Express base stations at the same time.
Is this possible? Are there other alternatives?
Many thanks

Nate, Welcome to the discussion area!
Once you have a network, you can connect multiple AirPort Express (AX) to that network (wirelessly or via Ethernet). When your computer joins that network it can access all the AX.
You could take your current internet connection and run it into an inexpensive router with multiple Ethernet ports (not the AX). If this is a wireless router then your AXs could be located elsewhere and connect as wireless clients to that network. Once you computer joined that network it could stream music to the AXs.

Multiple Airport Express streams?

Is it possible to have more than one Airport Express Unit receiving different signals from different iOS devices? E.g. My iMac plays one track, my iPhone plays another and my iPad plays another?
I have a 4 input hub in my house powering 4 sets of ceiling speakers in various rooms and want to know if multiple Airport Express units mean I don't have to go down the Sonos route as all my music is on iTunes.
Thanks in advance

I do this regularly. I have 5 AX units connected to various receivers around the house. I can stream to a subset of speakers from one device and have another device stream to others. I don't see why I couldn't stream five stream to these speakers.
But the big caveat is that most of my AX units are connected via a gigabit ethernet network not a wireless connection (yes I know the AX units are not gigabit, but my network is). If you were trying to do this via wireless you might quickly run out of bandwidth. This is particularly true for IOS devices. For example, I have an ipad that can stream internet radio. If you think about it the ipod in this case has to first get the wireless signal and then send it back out to the AX, immediately doubling the amount of spectrum used compared to streaming from a device that has the music stored on it. That's probably why my internet radio app won't let me select multiple speakers the way I can with itunes or airfoil.

Multiple Airport Express issues revisted

I've been trying to set up multiple airport expresses. I want to wirelessly connect to two stereos and stream to both at the same time. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
So far I tried the directions below. But after following them, when I was in itunes, it would not acknowledge either AX. When I was making the suggested settings in the Airport tab, as listed below, it asked me for the name of the network. I wasn't sure what to put there though.
I can set up each on its own network, but then itunes can only find one stereo at a time.
Thanks for you help.
For each AirPort Express Base Station (AX):
Perform a "factory default" reset
- (ref: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=108044)
To set up AirTunes on the AirPort Express Base Station (AX), using the AirPort Admin Utility, connect your computer directly (using an Ethernet cable) to the Ethernet port of the AX, and then, try these settings:
AirPort tab
- Base Station Name: <whatever you wish or use the default>
- Wireless Mode: Join an Existing Wireless Network (Wireless Client)
Music tab
- Enable AirTunes on this base station (checked)
- Enable AirTunes over the Ethernet port (optional)
- iTunes Speaker Name: <whatever you wish>
- iTunes Speaker Password (optional)
In iTunes:
iTunes > Preferences... > Advanced > General
- Look for remote speakers connected with AirTunes (checked)
- Select "Multiple Speakers" from the speaker selection at the bottom of the iTunes window.

You need to have one of the AirPort Express (AX) join the wireless network created by the other one. See KB 302153, AirPort Express: How to join an existing wireless network in client mode.

Multiple airport express's

Can i have multiple airport expresses acting as range extenders on the same network?

Yes, if you remember that they all must connect to the "main" base station.
Apple's extend a wireless network feature works like the hub and spokes of a wheel. Your AirPort Extreme would be the "hub" and each AirPort Express would reside at the end of a separate "spoke".
Each AirPort Express only communicates to the hub....not to another Airport Express at the end of another spoke.....so it is important that the AirPort Express devices be located about the same distance from the hub....and....that they are closer to the hub than they are to another AirPort Express.

AirTunes and multiple Airport Express modules

I was curious if there are plans to support connecting to multiple Airport Express modules? I have two modules in my home and would love to be able to send music to two different places at the same time.
If there is a plan to introduce this option I'd love to know and if I already can I'd love to know how.
Thanks

I would love to know this as well.
I have just purchased an older home and re-wiring the
house is somewhat out of the question.
I purchased two AirPort Express modules's, but then
found out you can only play to one at a time. I
would love to be able to play one play list in the
basement and another in the living room upstairs
without having to run two iTunes.
Or at least play the same playlist to both at the
same time?
I too would like to know this. I have an older home and would like the option of playing the same music throughout the house or in just one location.
Even being able to hear what is playing from the
iTunes player would be decent as well.
Any thoughts?
Stephane
G4 Mac OS X (10.4.3)

Multiple Airport Express without Airport Extreme

Is it possible to have multiple Airport Expresses on a network without the router being an Airport Extreme? I have a Buffalo router and can't get more than on Airport Express to be recognized. Is this possible?

The Express must be configured to "join a wireless network" to be able to stream iTunes to your stereo. It sounds like you have one device working OK, is that correct?
If you can't get AirPort Utility to "see" your other Express, temporarily connect an ethernet cable from your computer to the Express and then open AirPort Utility to see if that helps. You will configure it to "join" your wireless network.
When you have it configured, you can disconnect the ethernet cable and move the Express to the location that you want.

Another Airport Express problem thread.

Hi Everyone,
I got a Powerbook recently and like many on these threads I am beset with Airport Express problems.
Here's my story. I purchased my Powerbook about a month ago and popped into the Apple Store to ask about the best way to have wireless internet access at home. They recommended the D-Link DSL-300T ADSL modem and Airport Express. I purchased these items and set everything up at home. This didn't work. After a week of talking to Apple, I got the answer to my problem from a Mac message board. Supposedly the ADSL modem recommended by Apple and stocked in their online store wasn't compatible with the lastest version of Airport Express 6.2.0. So I dowgraded the firmware to 6.1.1 and everything worked fine. My next problem was after running an OS X software update which I can presume also updated the Airport Express back to 6.2.0. So again I downgrade to 6.1.1 and it works again. Then I have to get my Powerbook replaced as the refurb Apple sold me didn't have the superdrive in it that Apple advertised, so I transfer my settings and files and i can go online for a couple of days and then it stops working again. I do the downgrade again but this doesn't help. So I take it to see a genius at Apple who performs the AE update 2005-001 which he says will solve the problem of incompatability with 3rd party modems. Take it home, it doesn't work. Powerbook almost gets thrown out of the window.
Why is something that should be so simple so difficult.
My questions are does anyone have a D-Link DSL 300T modem that works with the update 2005-001 ???
Why do Apple recommend an ADSL modem which doesn't work with their products ???
What ADSL modem for the UK does work with Airport Express ???

Hi Bollard, not sure whether this would work with the current model of the modem, but I ran into problems with the DSL300+ when first using it wit an airport extreme, back in 2003.
I eventually resolved the problems by using the modem in bridging mode. Not sure if this would be applicable with the new model, or whether it work if you are needing PPPoA rather than PPPoE, but for what its worth my experiences and solution can be found at http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=607296&#607296 I've had a fair bit of positive feedback from people who found it worked for them, at least with similar equipment and connection protocol.
Cheers
Rod

Connecting to multiple Airport Express base stations for internet and TV?

I want to be able to use wireless internet and stream music to my stereo at the same time, but I only have a single ethernet connection behind my stereo and it's connected to the Pay TV. My options seem to be an ethernet splitter (maybe - any ideas?), getting a new ethernet connection installed behind the stereo so I can insert this into the same Airport Express base station I use for my music, or buying a second Airport Express base station and connecting it to one of the other internet connections in the room, then connecting to both Airport Express base stations at the same time.
Is this possible? Are there other alternatives?
Many thanks

Nate, Welcome to the discussion area!
Once you have a network, you can connect multiple AirPort Express (AX) to that network (wirelessly or via Ethernet). When your computer joins that network it can access all the AX.
You could take your current internet connection and run it into an inexpensive router with multiple Ethernet ports (not the AX). If this is a wireless router then your AXs could be located elsewhere and connect as wireless clients to that network. Once you computer joined that network it could stream music to the AXs.

Can multiple Airport Expresses be connected via ethernet to an Airport Extreme to extend a single WiFi Network?

I am a big fan of both the Airport Extreme and Airport Express. In my work environment, I need to create a good quality single wireless network around 2 large aircraft hangars and some offices at the perimeters. We have a good quality wired Cat5e ethernet network extended between the buildings and offices now. Is this possible and does it seem like a good practical solution? I think that 4 or 5 Airport expresses would easily provide good wireless coverage in the needed areas.

Can multiple AirPort Expresses be connected via ethernet to an AirPort Extreme to extend a single WiFi Network?
Yes, this will work just fine as long as any individual Ethernet cable run will not exceed much over 330 feet or about 100 meters.

Using Multiple Airport Express units to play Music to Multiple Sound System

Goal
- play music on my iMac and in one other sound system(I'am aware of the one
system limit )
- I have multiple Airport Express units(3) for different sound systems and wish
to select the room using iTunes.
Reality
if I reset all the airport express units in the house(3) I can initially see the units. On going through the setup I'am able to configure each unit to be part of my wireless network and get the airport express to power cycle. However after this process only the last AE unit is visable via itunes. If I use the airport utility it can find no units when scanning. If I power cycle one of the non visible units it becomes visable but I cannot play music to the unit and trashes the connectivity to the one working AE unit.
What am I doing wrong ?

Sorry - I led you astray unnecessary in my last posted message. The reference I provided was for setting up a remote base station. That is not applicable to your situation, so please ignore.
In your case, you want to use the Airport Utility to configure each Airport Express so that it "join" (and not "extends") your existing wireless network.
What I suggest you do is:
1. get each Airport Express into a known default state by doing a factory default reset per these instructions. Hold down the reset button for 10-15 seconds, until you see four green flashes in rapid succession
2. put all Airport Express devices, and the wireless Mac you are using to configure the Airport Expresses, into the same room as the wireless router you are using
3. configure one Airport Express at a time, and as I said above use the Airport Utility to configure each Airport Express to "join" the existing wireless network - ie select your Airport Express device as shown in the Airport Utility, click the "Continue" button (not the Manual setup button), and follow the instructions. The name of the wireless network you are joining is the same as the name of the wireless network your existing wireless router is creating. Make sure you also specify the same security protocol (WEP/WPA) and wireless network password as your Mac requires to connect to your existing wireless network.

Multiple Airport Express Problem

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