Music streams but no internet connectivity and a question about a poss. fix

Question

Forgive me if this question has been answered already (searched the forums for two hours and found none that were answered). Where I work there are two wireless networks, set up completely separate from one another using Linksys WRT54G routers. I've set up my Express to join one of the networks, (let's call it Network "A"). I chose this one because it's closer, signal is stronger and when I tried Network "B", streamed music would crackle out regularly.
Lately though I find that my internet connectivity disappears on Network "A" while music continues to stream flawlessly (airport signal shows full strength). I reset the Express, restart my computer, nothing seems to fix it outside of leaving for the night and coming back the next day. I switch to the other network, no problems with the internet, but streaming music becomes problematic. So here are my questions:
1. Anyone have advice on how I can fix the internet connectivity problem on Network "A"?
2. Failing that, does anyone know if it's possible to set up my express in such a way where it's only being used for streaming music (without joining or extending a wireless network) and then also connect my computer via wireless to either network for internet access? Wired access is not an option here unfortunately...
Again, sorry if this question has been answered somewhere else.
Message was edited by: Clavin
Message was edited by: Clavin

Answer 1

1. Anyone have advice on how I can fix the internet connectivity problem on Network "A"?
When joining an existing network with the AirPort Express Base Station (AX), the AX is acting no different than you laptop connecting to that same wireless network. If there is connectivity problems with this network, both the AX and your laptop should "see" the same problems.
It is very possible that you may have some form of Wi-Fi interference in the immediate area that is preventing your Mac from getting a good clean signal from the Linksys router.
I suggest you perform a simple site survey, using utilities like MacStumbler or iStumbler to determine potential areas of interference, and then, try to either eliminate or significantly reduce them where possible.
2. Failing that, does anyone know if it's possible to set up my express in such a way where it's only being used for streaming music (without joining or extending a wireless network) and then also connect my computer via wireless to either network for internet access? Wired access is not an option here unfortunately...
The only other option would be to configure the AX to be its own wireless network. The disadvantage of this would be that you would have to "switch" wireless networks in order to either stream audio or access the Internet.