Question about capabilities of the Airport Express

Ok, need some real basic information on the Airport Express. So like a lot of others here I have this set up in a room on the other side of my apartment away from my wireless router. I would like to extend my signal and also plug a couple devices into the Express using a splitter that do not have a built-in antenna (Xbox, Blu-ray player, etc). Is this possible? Right now set up my Airport Express on a network with a Linksys Router (I hate the thing and plan on replacing) but is it possible to directly plug these devices into the Express? Thanks!

Were you referring to the Extreme base station?
No, I was referring to the OP's AirPort Express Base Station (AX).
Or can you set up the Express to extend the network of the Extreme AND connect, say an xbox, to the Express via ethernet?
Yes, that would be possible.
If this is possible, would the xbox signal be as strong as a wired connection?
In this scenario, the Xbox would not be "getting" a wireless signal.
Or would it make more sense to just plug in an Express on the first floor to extend the signal?
Configured to "Extend a wireless network," the AXn will both extend the wireless network of another AirPort or Time Capsule AND have its Ethernet port enabled for either a single wired client or a number of wired clients if you connect an Ethernet switch to it instead.
Remember, when extending, the AXn will have just as much trouble "seeing" the wireless signal as any wireless client. So it will need to be placed within a strong-enough range (usually within 25dB) of the router that it is extending in order to properly extend its signal.

Similar Messages

  • Question before i buy the Airport Express

    I have a macbook.... the mircosoft laptops have something to where you can have the internet where ever and whenever well does apple have something like that and my question about the airport express... Say i go to the airport and don't want to pay 6.99 for 24 hours of internet use and i'm only there for 2 hours... So is it possible to just plug in the airport express and bam i'll have internet?

    Rabbit911 wrote:
    I have a macbook.... the mircosoft laptops have something to where you can have the internet where ever and whenever
    Yes, it's usually called a wireless network card
    well does apple have something like that
    Yes, all Apple Macs have a built-in wireless card
    and my question about the airport express... Say i go to the airport
    Um... I think you're maybe getting confused over the name "AirPort". It's just a brand name: "Air" because the data travels over the air wirelessly, and "Port" because the point on a router where you connect a computer is called a "port".
    It has nothing to do with the place you go to catch a flight on an airplane/aeroplane. Apple's Airport devices are just wireless home routers, just like similar devices from Netgear, D-Link et al.
    and don't want to pay 6.99 for 24 hours of internet use and i'm only there for 2 hours... So is it possible to just plug in the airport express and bam i'll have internet?
    Not unless you know how to hack into the existing wireless service they already provide, and that wouldn't require the wireless router, just your laptop.

  • Question about Time Capsule and Airport Express co-existence

    I have a new 3TB ME182LL/A Time Capsule attached to my wired home LAN, in bridge mode.  It works fine both as an access point on the upper floors of my home and as a Time Machine device. I also have an Airport Express, whose function in my network is solely to control my whole-house audio system from ITunes. I don't need, want, or use the wireless networking features of the Airport Express. I just have an audio cable running from it to my stereo, and an Ethernet patch cable connects it to my wired LAN.  The network mode in the Airport Express is set to "off".  Historically, the Airport Express has worked fine in this wired lan mode.  However, I unplugged it at some point while having some initial trouble deploying the new Time Capsule and only turned it back on today.  After turning it back on I observed something strange. My speedy wireless connection upstairs via the Time Capsule became slow. And when I launched Airport Utility, it drew a network diagram which showed my Time Capsule as a CLIENT of the Airport Express. In other words, the network diagram showed Internet at the top, then a vertical line down the the Airport Express, then the Time Capsule below that.  The correct / desired diagram would be the Time Capsule and Airport express as peers.  I connected to the Airport Express and verified that network mode was set to "off" but the incorrect network diagram persisted (as did poor wireless performance) until I unplugged the Airport Express.  After I did that, the Airport Utility drew the network correctly, although of course it showed a yellow caution sign next to the Airport Express, since it was down. And my wireless speed / reliability returned to normal. What is going on here?

    The automatic setup in the airport utility has changed something.
    Is the line down to the TC from the express dotted.. in other words is wireless??
    Funny stuff happens.
    Please post the screenshots of the 3 pages from the airport utility setup for both airport express and TC..
    Make sure wireless is set to off in the express.
    Both should be set to dhcp on the internet tab and both set to off bridge mode on the network tab.
    So for example the bridge on the network tab.
    The summary page can also be a help.
    There is a half summary page when you click the item in the airport utility.
    There is also a fully summary page, when you hold option key and double click the TC icon for example.

  • Is the AirPort (or Extreme) Required to Use the AirPort Express?

    Hey. I went to my friend's house and he started telling me about his AirPort Express. I thought that was exactly what I needed! So I asked him "Is the AirPort or Time Capsule required to use it?" He said that he wasn't sure. So I deiced to go here to ask that question. So...

    The airport express is one of the most unfriendly of Apples devices I've encountered in terms of setup and troubleshooting. If your son took it to College, he most likely reconfigured it while he was there (so it will no longer be configured for your home network).
    I would suggest connecting you express to your extreme via the ethernet port (so connect a network cable between the two), you will then be able to see the express when you launch the airport configuration tool (Airport Utility) on your computer. From here you will be able to reconfigure the express to connect to your network again. At which point you can physically disconnect the express and resume wireless.
    Essentially you need to start again from the beginning! Heres a guide which might help, let us know how you get on:
    http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/AirPort_Express_Setup_Guide.pdf

  • Murder on the Airport Express (AE 1st Gen cannot find Wireless while plugged in in the same room as the modem, router and Time Capsule

    First, the reason for my compounded frustration:
    I wrote a lengthy, comprehensive post on this late last night.  I submitted it and received a notice at this URL:
    https://discussions.apple.com/___sbsstatic___/maintenance.html?start=0&tstart=0
    It gave a message:  "A yellow sticky bearaing the words, "We'll be back soon."  and a typed message reading, "We are busy updating Apple Support Communities for you and will be back shortly."  Needless to say, it never came back.  This morning as I began trying to reconstruct the very detailed post I wrote last night, the Communities system offered me an opportunity to restore the post from last night.  Sadly, it contained only a portion of the first line.
    I'm going to try it again.  The problem inherent in putting it all in words last night, is that I no longer remember the exact wording of the error messages.
    I've never gotten this Airport Express (1st gen, purchased mid 2010) to work.  I thought it was working, but working poorly.  A green light on the device is, apparently, NOT an indication of connection to the wireless.  It wasn't workingl.
    Description of devices which use the network:
    I have a Broadband network with a modem. 
    It is connecteed to my 2T Timecapsule (purchased mid 2010). 
    Connected to that is a 24 port Cisco Router. 
    Not connecting to that, though showing a solid green light, is my Airport Express (1st Generation, purchased mid 2010)
    Connected to the router are many ethernet cables giving hard-wired access to:
    Printers (HP 8600 Pro purchased 2012))
    MacBook Pro (purchased mid 2010) and
    IMAC (purchased mid 2010).
    3 Apple TV devices (1st generation purchased early 2011)
    1 Apple TV device (2nd generataion purchased August 2012)
    Connecting to the Wireless Network are IOS devices (current IOS versions on all)
    iPad 2nd generation (purchased the day it was available) 
    iPad 3rd generation (purchased the day it was available)
    iPod (mid 2010)
    iPhones (4S)
    Description of Layout of Network/House
    My home is approximately 70 feet by 25 feet. 
    All Networking hardware is at one end of the house, the south side.
    Airport Express (1st Gen, 2010) has been placed in the middle of the house to boost the wireless access at the north end of the house.
    Ethernet cables are installed under flooring with cable ends extending up through flooring, and are availble to all devices with Ethernet ports..
    Description of Problem
    Investigation of the wireless access dysfunction with the iPad (2nd generation, mid 2010)  revealed no connection to the Wireless Network, in spite of glowing green light on Airport Express and Airport Utility screen.
    Description of actions taken to correct the problem
    Loaded Airport Utility on MacBook Pro.
    Airport Express shows green light on screen.
    Double clicked on Airport Express Icon
    Message that Airport Express was unable to extend the network
    Message changes suddenly to something about not finding the Airport Express
    Airport Utility searches Airport Express, attempting to read its settings
    Message appears:  Device not found.  Airiport Express was previously part of the network, and offers to let me "forget" the base station.
    I exit the error message.
    A yellow triangle bearing an exclamation point sits to the left of the Airport Express' Description
    Airport Express shows green light (as always)
    Clicking the link, "Other AirPort Base Stations" indicates no base stations can be found.
    Moved Airport Express to the room at the south end of the house containing all network devices
    Plugged it in with clear, completely unobstructed view of Time Capsule.
    Light on Airport Express flashes yellow and then turns solid green (like always)
    Bring Mac into the room at the south end of the house containing all network devices and the Airport Express with the green light
    Close Airport Utility on Mac
    Reboot Mac
    Open Airport Utility on Mac
    Airport Express still shows as it did in 1.1.7. above.
    Attempts to check Airport Express' access to Wireless network:
    Unplugged Airport Express HEY!  THE GREEN LIGHT WENT OUT!!!  ;0)
    Disconnected all Ethernet cables.
    Tested ALL devices for Wireless access.
    All devices access the Wireless network extremely well (dot and three curved bars) EXCEPT
    IOS Devices tested at the north end of the house. These devices show a blank where the wireless bars should be, and intermittently show a dot.
    Followed instructions contained in a similar discussion about Airport Express not functioning:
    Unplugged all Networking Hardware
    Powered off all Equipment which access the Internet in any possible way.
    Powered up all Networking Hardware, one at a time, in the order described in that discussion.
    Powered up all Equipment which access the internet, one at a time.
    Tested ethernet cablingAll equipment functioning.
    Tested Wireless access:
    Removed all ethernet cabling
    All devices, including IOS devices, access the Wireless Network perfectly EXCEPT any placed in the north end of the house.  Those perform exactly as they did in step 3.3.2.
    Connected all ethernet cabling.
    Plugged Airport Express into socket in the Network Hardware room at the south end of the house.  I get exactlyt the same results as before.  The lovely green light glows on the Airport Express.  Airport Utility reports Airport Express cannot find the Wireless network and also says there are no base stations connected to the internet.
    Still in Network Hardware room, I attempt to find other base stations by cabling the Airport Express to the MacBook Pro
    Airport Utility shows Airport Express with a green light
    I double click the Airport Express Icon
    Box says connection is average and status is (green light) Extended Network.
    I click Edit
    I go through each tab.  I note that in the Wireless tab, the Network Mode is as I had set it, "Extend a wireless network".
    Under the Network tab I note that "Enable Access Control" is as it should be, NOT selected. 
    Under the AirPlay tab, I note that "Enable airPlay" is selected.
    I click cancel and leave the Edit screens.
    Curious to know if Airport Express can find the Wireless network now that the device claims to be functioning as an extended wireless network, I disconnect the ethernet cable from the Airport Express.
    I watch the Airport Utility screen closely.  Nothing is happening.
    With bated breath, I double click on the Airport Express icon.
    The popup box shows "extended wireless network"
    I click on edit and we start the whole mess over again.  (See 1.1-9. above)
    Curious to know if cabling the Airport Express to the iMac (almost to middle of house) will offer hope and prosperity to IOS devices at north end, I unplug the Airport Express and carry its now-exhausted little body to the iMac, ethernet cable in hand.
    As I unplug the iMac from its ethernet access, I'm informed by Cranky Boy that no way is he going to accept that as a reasonable solution to his problem.  He will not live wireless while even one ethernet cable is poking up through a floorboard.
    Cranky Boy is reassured when informed that, though the Airport Utility shows the Airport Express connected, merely double clicking on the icon produces the same result as laboriously described in 1.1-9. above.
    After quieting Cranky Boy by reconnecting the iMac to the Ethernet, I return the Airport Express to the Network Hardware room.
    Again, curious to know ...  I reconnect the Airport Express to the MacBook Pro. I want to know if it will exrtend the Wireless network from its position one foot from the Wireless Network.
    I close and reopen Airport Utility (as I always do, but forgot to write)
    I click on the Airport Express icon (which bears a little green light like the other big boys).
    BUT THIS TIME, when I click on the Airport Express icon, the pop-up box says my connection is Excellent, the green light status shows, "Extended Network" and clicking on "Extended Network" produces the same old `Airport Express was unable to extend the Wireless Connection. 
    I click on the Edit option. 
    I buzz through all the tabs.  I cancel instead of update, leaving everything as it was (as I did the first time)
    I decide to go back into edit and select "Internet Options" under the "Internet" tab.
    Since I have no idea whatsoever as to what IPV6 is and what it governs, I decide to configure IPV6 to Automatically Connect and then, with a whole new set of opportunities, I leave IPV6 Mode set to "Tunnel" and then I learn that I will get to see what happens when  "Enable IPV6 Connection Sharing" is enabled.
    I check the other tabs to see if anything has changed in their menus
    Jesus Saves and so did I. 
    Apple updates and so did I.
    I am warned that my device and its network services will be temporarily unavailable if I continue. 
    It seems unaware that I am laughing uncontrollably at the suggestion that my device and its services will be TEMPORARILY AVAILABLE.  What?  An improvement in performance is warned?
    Life continues and so do I.
    I breathe deeply to decrease my adrenaline.
    Airport Utility flashes a red warning next to the Airport Express Icon and then quickly rethinks the matter and decides to show it as connected.
    I click on the Airport Express Icon.  This time my connection is only "good".
    I click on Extended Network. With a new-found consistency it informs me that my device is unable to extend the Wireless network and it chats with me about using the same Wireless password for my device that is used for the Wireless network access.  I did.  It is.
    I change my settings back to the way they once were, I save like Jesus and Update like Apple
    I decide to go back into Edit and modify the settings under the Wireless tab, changing from "Extend Wireless Network" to "Join Wireless Network".
    I save.
    I click on the Airport Express Icon.  My connection has degraded further to "Average"
    I click on edit just to see what will happen, but no further information is forthcoming.  Settings are as I left them.
    I wonder if the Airport Express would extend itself now that it has joined the Wireless Network.
    I click the Airport Express Icon.
    I click Edit
    I change the Network Mode from "Join a Wireless Network" to Extend a Wireless Network. Unfortunately, there was no option for "don't forget where the Wireless Network is!"
    I am still "unable to extend the Wireless network"
    I disconnect the Airport Express from my MacBook Pro.
    After closing and opening Airport Utility, I sit and stare at the Airport Express Icon.
    It has no light or error messages
    It has a yellow triangle with exclamation point
    It has no light or error message
    It has a yellow triangle with exclamation point
    I finally decide to see what THIS error messages says.  It says Device Not Found.  Patti Harada's AirPort Express was previously part of your network.  Check that it is still in range of your network and is plugged into a power outlet.  Click Forget to remove this base station from this network."
    I click "Forget".  Airport Utility has forgotten the Airport Express ever existed.  It has also forgotten how to find it again.
    I, however, am unable to forget how much I shelled out for this POS and fear I will never recover from working this intensely and tediously on documenting something so hideously inconsistent in its test results.
    I wonder if I should recable the Airport Express to my MacBook Pro
    I decide I've had about enough.
    I document this ad nauseum in the hopes that someone can read it THOROUGHLY and offer me a solution to my problem.  What is my problem?  I am so busy fighting off Alligators that I forgot I only came in to drain the swamp!  Ah, but I remember now:  Cranky Boy can't watch Netflix on his iPad (2nd generation) in the north end of the house.
    Any solution that works will do.  I'll buy another piece of whatever kind of equipment you think best.

    Well, aren't you all that and a bag of chips!!!!
    Oh what a relief!  What a RELIEF!  
    That just cleaned up my life.  And Cranky Boy is actually smiling!!!
    Houston, we've got dots AND BARS!!!
    P.S.  All my firware and software are always current.  If I spent as much time looking for a reset button as I spend checking for software updates, I mighta not needed to work at this!!!!
    P.P.S.  Airport Utility shows Cranky Boy's iPad as the Airport Express' Wireless Client!!!   Who knew?
    Thank you so much, m'Lord.  I am in your debt.  What would you have me do?
    Patti in Tucson AZ

  • I just have questions about the AirPort Express and how it works.

    My household Wi-Fi is not the strongest in  my room and I found out about the AirPort Express and I read the overvie, but I still have some questions on how it works, how its setup and other questions as well.

    The AirPort Express will not wirelessly extend the signal from another router unless that router is also an Apple product.
    Not sure what other questions you might have, but we'll try to answer if you want to ask.

  • How shall i do it ? Complex question about how to use the airport express or time capsule ?

    Hello All,
    Right now i have an access point:
    1/ A mercury router (cheap and old)
    2/ Airport Express
    Do you advice me to use it to replace my cheap old router (mercury) or to pair it with this main old router ? (however i tried to without any success)
    3/ Time Capsule
    Can i use it to relay the signal from the Airport Express to extend the range  of the wifi?
    Can i use it to stream music to my B/W M1 speakers directly ? (I will connect by USB the BW M1 to the time capsule) and would like to be able to play music this way. Is this in anyway possible ?
    Many thanks for your reply !

    ok, i might be wrong but here goes:
    you should attach your modem to your time capsule: your time capsule will act as not only your time machine but also your main wireless transmitter.
    you set it up using "Airport Utility" which is inside the "utilites" folder, which is inside your applications folder.
    this connects your mac wirelessly to the internet.
    to stream music to your speakers you then set up the airport plug to (a) join the existing network (which you set up on the time capsule) and then (b) set it up to stream music to your speakers. again, this is done using "airport utility". do it AFTER you have set up the time capsule.
    you will then be able to use itunes to stream music to your speakers. from itunes on your computer you will be able to chose from the bottom right hand side of the window whether you play the music on your computer or wirelessly into your B+W speakers...
    some notes:
    1. you won't be able to connect the airport plug by USB to your speakers as the airport plug doesn't have a USB output. It has only analogue and optical.
    2. although your time capsule has USB you cannot stream music into it or through it. there's some basic guidance here:
    http://www.apple.com/wifi/
    3. you may find that the sound quality [if you are playing apple lossless files or wav files) isn't as good as if the speakers were connected directly to your mac via USB.  this should be especially noticable because your speakers are so good!
    if the music you play is only mp3 or the stuff purchased from itunes then it shouldn't make too much of a difference.
    4. keep an eye out on the B+W website: there may come a time when you won't even have to use the airport plug, and you will be able to stream music straight to the speakers. i know that B+W have just done that with the new Zepellin speaker that they make.
    hope this helps...

  • I just purchased Apple TV AND AIRPORT EXPRESS. I am questioning if  I need it when I already have a Netgear Powerline AV 200 Adapter Kit XAVB2001. Does the Airport Express do the same thing?

    I just purchased Apple TV AND AIRPORT EXPRESS. I am questioning if  I need it when I already have a Netgear Powerline AV 200 Adapter Kit XAVB2001. Does the Airport Express do the same thing?

    Thank you so much.  Any specifics I should know about prior to connecting? The goal is to watch  Netflix from my iPad or iPhone 5 on my tv (located in different room from where Comcast internet modem is hard wired to main computer in house).  Movies would depend on wireless transmission to a smart tv not connected to modem.

  • How many airport express can I add to my network for the purpose of using the airport express to send audio signal to different rooms in the house? I'm interested I'm running about six different zones.

    How many airport express can I add to my network for the purpose of using the airport express to send audio signal to different rooms in the house? I'm interested I'm running about six different zones.
    What I'm looking to do is to have self powered in ceiling speakers in every room in my house with out having to run wires to every room to carry the audio signal. I would like to use the airport express to do the job of carting the audio signal.
    Here's my set up now I have an airport extreme and one airport express that I use to carry audio to one room.

    FWIW. I have used up to four AirPort Express Base Stations (AX) for streaming sucessfully in pretty much the way you have described. I didn't have a need to try more so I can't attest that more would or would not work.

  • Want to know about the AirPort Express and AirTunes

    I have been contemplating purchasing an AirPort Express to stream music from my bedroom into the entertainment room in a 4 bedroom apartment. I have a wireless G D-link router which could be better but its not going to get better any time soon. As far as AirTunes goes, i have been researching it but still have questions on how it works exactly. Also, is it possible to play music through the speakers that are currently hooked up to my computer and through the stero in my living room simulaneously with this device.

    So i have the airport express and i want to use internet at the same time as streaming my music to my stereo. I also have a router that i normally use for internet. My problem is, how do i use them at the same time because the airport run's or the router runs not both. I tried running a ethernet cord from the router to the airport express, and i can now recieve internet and stream music, but i want to be able to use my router instead of the express. also if i can't and have to go through the express, can i password protect the internet connection because i have no idea how to use settings for this device?

  • Is the airport express 802.11n used as a booster to enhance your wifi capabilities?

    is the airport express 802.11n used as a booster to enhance your wifi capabilities? I was told when purchased that I do not have to connect it physically to the router but it would enhance the wifi capabilities if I placed in a room near the router/dsl?  Do I understand this correctly.  It never stops flashing yellow? 

    Any Apple AirPort Base Station (AirPort Extreme, Express, or Time Capsule) can be used to "wirelessly extend" any other Apple AirPort Base Station's wireless network.
    They may also be used to "extend" any network created by any other wireless router, if you connect it to that router with an Ethernet cable. The benefit conveyed by connecting it in that manner is commensurate with the distance between the two devices, limited by Ethernet LAN specifications (100m).

  • What is the range output on the airport express?

    What is the range output on the airport express?

    Loaded question. It's 150 feet or so, but for most folks, this is a meaningless number.
    Measurements like this are taken in a very large area like an aircraft hanger with no obstructions in the signal path.
    A typical sheetrock wall in a home will absorb 15-20% of signal or more. A ceiling will absorb even more. So, after a few walls or a ceiling and a wall, more than half of the signal is probably lost. That's about as many obstructions that the signal can penetrate and still deliver a decent quality signal with some speed.
    It's nice to know that the signal will go 150 feet or so, but few of us have houses with no walls or ceilings.

  • Can I connect multiple Mac's using the Airport Express?

    As subject. I have got an Intel iMac and a MacBook. Can I connect them using the Airport Express? Or in another word, to create a network among them that I can see the other Mac on one Mac?
    Sorry, if I raised a silly question. But really like to know.
    Many thanks in advance.
    Gary

    Can I connect them using the Airport Express?
    Yes
    Or in another word, to create a network among them that I can see the other Mac on one Mac?
    Yes

  • HT1515 I want to extend my existing wireless router upstairs to my new smart TV.  I have loaded the AirPort Express onto my desktop Mac.  In simple terms do I now just plug the AirPort into a socket halfway between the base WiFi and the Smart TV, or do I

    I want to extend my existing wireless router by using the AirPort Express for my Smart TV.  Can I just plug in the AirPort halfway between the router and the Smart TV and have no direct connection to a computer or the TV, or do I need to plug in next to the TV and somehow connect the AirPort to the TV (ethernet)?

    You are asking several different questions. If you need to store your photos, music, and movies on an external volume, you certainly can. Any externally connected hard disk drive will work, connected either directly to your Mac or to your Time Capsule as a shared volume.
    You should not rely upon using that as a backup device though. Although you certainly may use it for both purposes, it is a better idea to have dedicated backup devices for a variety of reasons not limited to redundancy. You would not want to simultaneously lose all your pictures as well as your backup. If they are all on the same device, that could happen. Furthermore, a backup cannot back up the volume on which it is running.
    As for adding an Extreme or Express, using its LAN port for your iMac, and then enable Internet sharing so you can effectively use the iMac as a "hotspot", you can do that too, but I am unclear on what benefit you believe this arrangement would convey for you.
    An Extreme's Guest network is separate from its Main network; that is the reason for having it.

  • Our house is a two-story home would the airport express be able to support wi-fi throught the house?

    Our house is a two-story home. Would the airport express be to support that much space?

    Hi Daniel,
    Bob Timmons reply to you is absolutely correct.
    That being said, I'm going describe my setup, which works very well for me.
    I have a two story split level frame house, about 2,000 square feet.  The airport express is located on the second floor -- I get full coverage all over the house, and even into my smallish backyard.  We do have a blu ray player down stairs, located about 20 feet away. We stream Netflix video most evenings, with very good results.
    Wifi signal propagation is a vague science, which does make predicting individual results very "ify,"  as Bob mentioned.

Maybe you are looking for