Setting up Airport Extreme w/Powerline Networking & Airport Express

In my residence, I have my cable modem connected to the latest generation Airport Extreme. An ethernet cord then goes from the Airport Extreme into a 'ZyXEL HomePlug 500Mbp Powerline adapter', which plugs into the wall.
Now here comes the fun part - I'd like to plug in an Airport Express in the 3rd floor of my residence. My hope is that the Airport Express will receive connectivity from the powerline adapter, and will be leased an IP from the Airport Extreme. My question is - what must I configure with the Airport Express so that it acts like an access point on the existing wireless network? I would prefer the configuration to be setup in a way so that clients 'see' a single wireless network. Whichever 'access point' (whether it's the airport extreme or airport express) remains transparent to the user - the airport utility in OS X 10.7.4 simply connects to the AP with the greater signal strength. Again, I'm hoping this is all transparent to the user.
Is this possible? If so, what settings should I be inputting into the Airport Express?

Suggest that you use a proven utility here that will provide the settings options that you need and not make (wrong) decisions for you about what it thinks you want to do.
That would be AirPort Utility 5.6 for Mac OS X Lion
Download and install this on your Mac. You can keep both AirPort Utility 6.0 and 5.6 on your Mac.
Perform a Factory Default Reset on the Express as follows:
Power off the Express and leave it off for a few minutes
Hold in the reset button, and keep holding it for an additional 9-10 seconds while you simultaneously plug the Express back in to power
Release the reset button after the hold period and allow 40-45 second for the Express to display a slow, blinking amber light
Before you plug the Express into the remote powerline adapter, test using your laptop to make sure that the powerline is providing a good signal. Turn off the wireless temporarily on the laptop and connect it to the adapter. See if you can get a good, stable Internet connection this way.
If you can, this will enhance the chances that the Express will work well. Connecting a router is a different matter than a computer, and I have seen installations where a computer will work connected to the powerline adapter, but not a router, like the Express. I've also seen adapters from one manufacturer work when another will not.
So, no guarantees here. You won't know until you try.
Connect the Express to the powerline adapter and start it up. After 40-45 seconds, it will be blinking amber.
Open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility 5.6
Select the Express and click Manual Setup
Click the Base Station tab below the row of icons to name the Express, setup a device password and adjust Time Zone settings. No other adjustments are needed here.
Click the Wireless tab and adjust settings as follows:
Wireless Mode = Create a wireless network
Wireless Network Name = Exact same name as the AirPort Extreme
Check mark to Allow network extension
Radio Mode = Automatic or 802.11n (802.11b/g compatible) is a good choice
Radio Channel = Automatic
Wireless Security = Exact same setting as the AirPort Extreme network
Wireless Password = Same password as the AirPort Extreme network
Confirm Password
Click the Internet icon, then click the Internet Connection tab
Connect Using = Ethernet
Connection Sharing = Off (Bridge Mode)
Update to save settings and allow 40-45 second for a green light
Then power off the entire network and let it rest a few minutes
Start the modem first and let it run by itself for a few minutes
Start the AirPort Extreme and let it run a minute
Start the first powerline adapter the same way, then the second
Start the Express the same way
Continue starting devices one at a time until the entire network is back up
Check the network and please report on your results.

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Setting up new ipad 2. Won't accept my PW for my Airport Extreme (Wi Fi network?) Where is the PW for my WiFi? I am stymied. Can I set up through My MacBook Pro, which IS connected to my WiFi network?

Setting up new ipad 2. Won't accept my PW for my Airport Extreme (Wi Fi network?) Where is the PW for my Wi Fi? I am stymied. Can I set up through my MacBook Pro, which IS connected to my WiFi network?

If you could provide the make and model number of the modem that the AirPort Extreme will be connecting to, we can likely tell you a bit more about what to expect in the way of getting the AirPort set up and working.
Unfortunately, "plug and play" does not apply here. You will need to set up and configure the AirPort Extreme using your iPad or iMac to name the AirPort as a device, assign a device password, name the wireless network, assign a device password and a few other things.
Once the AirPort Extreme is set up, you can connect the PC to one of the LAN <--> ports on the AirPort Extreme using an Etherent cable.
The iPad and iMac will connect to the wireless network that the AirPort Extreme provides.

I am extending my airport extreme by adding an airport express. I had no problem setting it up and got green lights but now I cannot get on either because it says it is a self assigned IP?

I am extending my airport extreme by adding an airport express. I had no problem setting it up and got green lights but now I cannot get on either because it says it is a self assigned IP?

i am extending my airport extreme by adding an airport express.
Does this mean that you are connecting the AirPort Express to the AirPort Extreme using a wired Ethernet connection....or....are you connecting the AirPort Express to the AirPort Extreme wirelessly?
but now I cannot get on either because it is a self assigned IP?
I suggest that you first concentrate on getting the AirPort Extreme working correctly. Power off the modem and both the Extreme and Express, wait a few minutes, then power up the modem and let it run a few minutes. Then, power up the AirPort Extreme and check the network for proper operation. Leave the AirPort Express off for now. Report on your results.
We need to know what operating system you are using on your Mac or PC in order to provide more troubleshooting help.
If you have a Mac and do not know what operating system you are using, click the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen, then click About This Mac. Post back with the OS X version number that you see there.

I am trying to extend my airport extreme signal to another airport extreme can this be done? I have tried several time using the automated set up but it keeps failing... What am I doing wrong?

I am trying to extend my airport extreme signal to another airport extreme can this be done? I have tried several time using the automated set up but it keeps failing... I have selected every possible security/password encryption level... What am I doing wrong? If it os possible where can I find step by step instructions? Please & Thank you!

The challenge with the older round AirPort Extremes are that they are "g" wireless devices.
When you configure them for WDS, the speed on the wireless network is cut in half...and probably will not have the bandwidth required to stream video reliably from either AirPort Extreme since both are affected by the WDS setup.
There is not an "automated" setup for WDS. You have to do this manually on both AirPort Extremes. Unfortunately, it is not an easy configuration and it's easy to make a mistake and hard to recover without starting all over again.
Apple's instructions for WDS are here if you want to give it a try.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4262
It is possible that it might work. Keep us posted on your progress
Adding a single AirPort Express will unfortunately not help. You have to have "n" wireless devices at all router points.

Adding new airport extreme to an existing airport express network...

i currently have a home airport network comprising two airport express units; one attached to the cable modem in the bedroom and the other downstairs in my study (extending the existing network and feeding a shared USB printer and airtunes speakers). i've recently bought an airport extreme, to improve network performance. i also plan to add a NAS in the next week or so.
ideally i'd like to situate the new airport extreme in the study, as i don't want to have to keep the NAS in my bedroom!
my question is this, if i add the new airport extreme to the existing airport network, will i see the benefit of the 802.11n connection, or should the extreme be set up as the primary base station?

... will i see slower transfer speeds (than if it was connected to the extreme) to / from the NAS when accessing it wirelessly from elsewhere in the house?
No. The transfer speed will be limited by the slowest connection, which is almost certainly your wireless connection speed.
If you buy a switch, buy a gigabit switch. Not because a slower one will limit your transfer speed, but because the Extreme is Gigabit and any newer equipment is likely to be as well. The advantage would only be relevant to the wired LAN.
The Express's Ethernet is not Gigabit but there is no reason for it to be, since it cannot connect to anything other than a slower wireless connection anyway.

HT4259 Q: Can I use an older Airport Express-g router (not -n) to extend my Airport Extreme-n wireless network? If Yes, are the instructions the same as for adding an Airport Express-n router?

Q: Can I use my older Airport Express-g router (not -n) to extend my Airport Extreme-n wireless network? If Yes, Are the instructions the same as for adding an Airport Express-n router?

If you want to extend, using wireless only, the 802.11g Express doesn't support this.
However, if you want to use bridge mode over Ethernet or Powerline adapters then this is supported.

I have replaced my airport extreme with a new airport time capsule and want to know how I can set up my extreme to extend/strengthen my Wi-Fi?

I have replaced my airport extreme with a new airport time capsule and want to know how I can set up my extreme to extend/strengthen my Wi-Fi?

Start with a "hard reset" (see below) then use AirPort Utility to configure it.
When asked what you want to do with it, indicate that you want it to add to an existing network, similar to the following screenshot.
Follow the prompts that will eventually lead you to the words "wirelessly extend..." as shown.
To "hard reset" an AirPort Base Station: make sure it's powered up, then press and hold its tiny reset button and keep it depressed for five to ten seconds, long enough for its LED to flash amber rapidly. Release the reset button. Then, the LED will glow amber steadily for about a minute. Then, it will flash amber, slowly, about once every second or two, waiting for you to configure it with AirPort Utility.

HT4145 Does the new Airport Extreme allow "guest network" setup across all my Airports on my network? I have 1 Airport as a router and 6 others as WAP's (bridged)

Does the new Airport Extreme allow "guest network" setup across all my Airports on my network? I have 1 Airport as a router and 6 others as WAP's (bridged)

I assume that all of your WAPs are hard wired on the network.
If.....all of your WAPs are simultaneous dual band Apple AirPort devices like an AirPort Extreme or new AirPort Express.....and.....you have firmware version 7.6.3 (now 7.6.4) installed on all the AirPorts.....and.....you use AirPort Utility 6.3.1 to configure the devices......in theory.....it should work.
I don't have 6 WAPs, but I do have 3 and the network works perfectly allowing extension of both the "main" and "guest" network.

Airport extreme not showing in airport utility

I am running osx10.7 server and am attempting to port remap my airport extreme. When i open airport utility, it says that there are no airports in range, when i'm actually connected to an airport via wifi. I cannot figure out what the issue is. If someone can help me fix this issue and instruct me how to remap my rounter so i can use it to host websites and the like, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks a lot for your help in advance.
Zach Russell

grimstad wrote:
My Airport Extreme is working just fine, but I want to add Airport Express. The first step in my manual says to open Airport Utility, but I get the message "Airport Utility was unable to find and AirPort wireless devices.
This may happen if your system accidentally switch the radio band.
Try this first:
Disable WiFi in the Menu Bar
Enable again
Check if the Airport Extreme shows up in Airport Utility
If so, choose the Airport Extreme
Click Manual Setup
On there:
If possible disable "Guest Network" (it cause trouble by switching constantly radio band for user convenience)
Give the 5GHz wireless a dedicated name
If you have no 802.11g (iPhone, iPod Touch) in the network:
Set radio mode to: 802.11n only (5GHz) - 802.11.n only (2.4GHz)
If you need 802.11g
Set radio mode to: 802.11n only (5GHz) - 802.11b/g
You will reach these settings by holding option key (alt) while clicking on the Radio Mode pulldown.
Click Apply and wait for the Extreme to come back
After that,
check that your 5GHz capable systems use only the 5GHz name (SSID) when joining wireless.
For that, delete the 2.4GHz name (SSID) from the list of known networks in Systems Settings - WiFi - Advanced
Move the preferd network in the List at first place.
Rejoin wireless
Lupunus
PS ... to configure the Express, best connect a laptop via Ethernet to them. This eases the process a lot.

Using both Airport Extreme Base Station and Airport Express

I am using a Airport Extreme and a AX, my goal is to use the base unit on one floor of the home and they AX as an extender.
I have linked the AX unit to join the existing network, now how to do I enable WEP 128 bit?

Here are the WDS setup steps...
AEBSn - WDS Setup
(Note: To facilitate the WDS set up, place the base stations within near proximity of each other during the set up phase, and then relocate them to their desired locations when complete.)
Main Base Station Setup (AEBSn)
o Click the AirPort status menu in the menu bar and choose the wireless network created by the base station you want to set up as the main base station.
o Open AirPort Utility (located in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder on a Macintosh computer, or in Start > All Programs > AirPort on a computer using Windows).
o Select the main base station, and choose Manual Setup from the Base
Station menu, or double-click the base station to open the configuration in a separate window.
o Enter the base station password if necessary. If the base station is using the default password of public, you will not be prompted for a password.
o Click Wireless in the toolbar, and then choose “Participate in a WDS network” from the Wireless Mode pop-up menu.
o Click WDS and then choose “WDS main” from the WDS Mode pop-up menu.
o Select the “Allow wireless clients” checkbox if you want client computer to connect to this base station.
o Click the Add "+" button and enter the MAC address of the base stations you want to connect to this base station.
o Click Update to send the new settings to the base stations in the WDS.
Remote Base Station Setup (AX)
o Click the AirPort status menu in the menu bar and choose the wireless network created by the base station you want to set up as a remote base station.
o Open AirPort Utility (in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder on a Macintosh computer, or in Start > All Programs > AirPort on a computer using Windows).
o Select the remote base station, and choose Manual Setup from the Base Station menu.
o Enter the base station password, if necessary. If the base station is using the default password of public, you will not be prompted for a password.
o Enter the same network password as the main base station, if necessary.
o Click AirPort in the toolbar and click Wireless. Choose “Participate in a WDS network” from the Wireless Mode pop-up menu, and choose the same channel as the main base station from the Channel pop-up menu.
o Click WDS and choose “WDS remote” from the pop-up menu.
o Enter the MAC address of the main base station in the WDS Main field. The MAC address is also referred to as the AirPort ID and is printed on the label on the bottom of the base station.
o Click Update to transfer the settings to the base station.
(ref: Pages 41-45 of "Designing AirPort Extreme 802.11n Networks.

I have a new Airport Extreme and an old airport express. I am getting an amber light on the new Extreme and a green light on the Express. I have internet no problem but the status light is blinking amber

I have a new Airport Extreme and and old airport express. I am getting an amber status light on the Extreme and a green light on the Express. The Extreme is blinking amber all the time.
I have internet and everything seems to be working.
I have reset and pulled the power cord on both the extreme and the internet block
How do I make it Green?

If things seem to be working OK, but the amber light is flashing......the AirPort Extreme has a message for you. To see what that might be......
Open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility
Click on the AirPort Extreme icon
Click on the amber dot in the small window
It might be a message that a firmware update is available for your AirPort Extreme.

Airport Extreme 802.11g with Airport Express 802.11n Aiport Express

I have An Airport Extreme Base Station 11g and an airport express 11g and I needed to buy another Airport Express but this one is 11n and my Airport Utility does not see it. Are these new Airport Express backward compatible? The reason is the kids X-box needs the ethernet jack that the color printer uses.
Can anyone help?
Thanks!

Thank you!
I followed your advice but so far I have been able to make some progress. I went out and bought the Airport Extreme 802.11n as I needed a router too so I like the features on the new one. So I think I have made a complex situation worse, LOL.
So far, the new airport utility can only see the new & old Airport Extreme but cant see the Express-g or express-n airports as they continue to blink amber.
What do I am I doing wrong?
thx

Difference between AirPort Extreme base station and airport express

What is the difference between AirPort Extreme base station and airport express

Please see this Apple comparision document for details. Post back on any specific questions including your specific requirements.
http://www.apple.com/compare-wifi-models/

Network set up using airport extreme, time capsule and airport express

I have searched for relevant answers but can only find different bits here and there.
My set up is as follows:
I have a Linksys wireless router running a stable wireless network for the other computer users in the house and wish to create an extended, additional network using airport extreme connected to the Linksys by ethernet to create the network and then time capsule close to my Mac Mini on my desktop and airport express at the other end of the house to try and extend the range of the network.
I have been trying for 4 days to set this up but without success. I have tried all of the options mentioned in different posts, using WDS, extending a new network etc. I can get connection between the three devices but monitoring on iStumbler there appears to be little improvement in the strength of the signal, iStumbler also shows the time capsule dropping it's signal totally every 10 or so seconds for a few seconds and then I get a positive signal strength for another ten seconds or so.
Can anyone help, it is driving me insane. I am a recent convert to apple computing and have been hugely impressed with all products until now. The claim that the set up of these wireless products is simple seems to be very exaggerated.
I am happy to provide any relevant system or hardware information.
Thanks in anticipation.

I have an AirPort Extreme acting as a wireless base station, connected to a BT router by ethernet.
Then the correct setting for Connection Sharing on the AirPort Extreme would be "Off (Bridge Mode)".
If I set Connection Sharing to "Share a public IP address", I'm told that: "The DCHP range you have entered conflicts with the WAN IP address of your Apple Wi-Fi base station"
Exactly. You have two routers....The BT device and the AirPort Extreme in series with both of them trying to act as the "main" router when you configure the AirPort this way. That won't work.
Only one can be the main router, and it must be the BT device in your setup. So, the AirPort Extreme....and any other AirPorts on your network must be setup to work in Bridge Mode to allow the network to operate correctly.

Cannot set Airport Extreme to Extend Network

Hi all,
So I have a Time Capsule 2013 downstairs as my main base station, two other Expresses downstairs set to extend the network, and one Airport Extreme upstairs which I can't set to extend the network. During the setup in Airport Utility, it allows me to select "Extend Network (Recommended)" and the Time Capsule as the main base station that it would be extending. But when I check it in Airport Utility after it's set up, it shows it set to "Create a Wireless Network"
I have ethernet connected to the upstairs Extreme via a wall drop going straight to my FIOS router in a distribution panel. My main Time Capsule is also ethernet connected the same way going to the FIOS router.
So my question is... is the Extreme upstairs changing back to "Create a Wireless Network" because it is ethernet connected, unlike my two Express units downstairs? And secondly, is this the preferred method to set up my network? (basically, a Time Capsule and Airport Extreme each connected to a LAN port on my FIOS router, plus two Express units on wireless.). I've read where the optimal way is to interconnect the Airport devices over ethernet, but my distances are too great to do that.
Any feedback or advise would be much appreciated.
Thanks

is the Extreme upstairs changing back to "Create a Wireless Network" because it is ethernet connected
Yes. This is the correct setting.
It can be confusing, but when you "extend" using an Ethernet connection, the AirPort will use the "Create a wireless network" setting.
When you "extend" wirelessly, the AirPort will use the "Extend a wireless network" setting.
If you try to connect using Ethernet, and use the "Extend a wireless network" setting, the "extended" network will crash.
is this the preferred method to set up my network?
A wired Ethernet connection is always preferred over a wireless connection when you are extending the network. The main reason for this is that there is no bandwidth loss in a wire.
When you "extend" wirelessly, the extending device can only extend or repeat the bandwidth that it receives. By the time that the wireless signal reaches the extending device, it has slowed down considerably. So, a slower signal gets repeated.

Setting up Airport Extreme w/Powerline Networking & Airport Express

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