Trouble with airport extreme and express

Hey all. I recently bought a new airport extreme and I'm now having problems setting up a network with the airport express. the airport express that we have is connected to a very old G3 iMac because it doesn't have an airport card and is upstairs. I have so far managed to set up the airport extreme so my G4 iBook and my MacBook Pro are both connected via wireless. The trouble seems to be that I can't get the next step set up as i'm not very experienced with networks and I can't get the express to establish a connection with the extreme. i hope somebody could help me sort out the next step. On a side note, this new airport extreme doesn't allow my xbox 360 to connect to it and i wondered if there is any way I can get it to connect again via wireless, either by changing a setting or the security?
Any help and feedback would be greatly appreciated,
Thanks.

applefan08, Welcome to the discussion area!
To continue to use the AirPort Express (AX) to give Internet access to the iMac G3, you will need to configure the 2 devices to use WDS to wirelessly connect. The instructions start on Page 41 in "Designing AirPort Extreme 802.11n Networks" (http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/DesigningAirPortExtreme802.11nNetworks.pdf).

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Trouble with Airport Extreme and Time Capsule

Just got a new 2TB time capsule and added it to my network (existing Airport Express and Airport Extreme). All devices are hard-wire back-hauled to Linksys router. Set up was straight forward with no issues and initiated a time capsule back up without a problem. Within hours I noticed that the TC was no longer reachable in Finder.. Opening the AirPort utility, I saw that both the Extreme and the TC were "lost". Still had (green) internet connectivity, but the base stations were showing as off-line in the Airport utility.
Tried rebooting and checking from multiple other devices and no luck. Occasionally will find them both on-line in Airport utility, but seem to lose one (usually TC) after a short period. All are running the most up to date version of firmware (7.7.3). Prior to installing the TC, I had experienced 0 issues with Airport Express and Extreme.
Has anyone else seen similar issues? Are there settings that need to be accounted for in some way to avoid these frustrating "lost devices"?
thanks

Thank you for your quick answer, smorkerz. However, I did it and it doesn't work.
I tried to check separately the time capsule and the airport extreme, switching one off when using the other one. The result is that each one works alone but when I use them both, just time capsule appears, works well, and I can't use the airport to print for instance.
Do you understand anything ?

Apple TV often drops connection with AirPort Extreme and Express stations

Here's my setup:
- Mac Pro in basement office connected to AirPort Extreme (802.11n) station via Ethernet
- AirPort Extreme station running WPA/WPA2 security and 802.11n (b/g compatible)
- AirPort Express station across basement room connected to stereo expressly for AirTunes purposes
- Apple TV and MacBook Pro on house ground floor, both connecting to the network via WiFi
(unless specified, the software and firmware in my devices is all extremely up to date. I write about Apple news for a living so I know when the updates land and install all of them almost immediately)
Here's what's going wrong:
Since I have one of the first gen Apple TVs with a 40GB hard drive but a 100GB iTunes library, I use streaming almost 100% of the time. The Apple TV can usually connect to my iTunes library for streaming via WiFi, but if the AirPort Express (a b/g device, mind you) is active on the network, the Apple TV and even my MacBook Pro get booted off the network usually between 12-24 hours, if not 48. Sometimes WiFi seems to work itself out and I can get the MacBook Pro back online, sometimes it even needs a full restart, as Mac OS X will start giving me nothing but "there was an error trying to join this network" warnings. Just as frustrating though, the Apple TV getting booted off means I need go through the whole tedious process of connecting it to WiFi again (it doesn't remember the password for some stupid reason), and then manually surfing again through the Sources list just to get back to streaming my media.
What the heck is going on? Is it the kind of security I'm running? Should I try WEP or... none at all? I would try "downgrading" the Extreme station's network type to only b/g (excluding n entirely), but I don't see that option in the radio settings anymore; it's all just flavors 802.11n now. When I set up the AirPort Express to connect to the network just for AirTunes streaming to the stereo, I used the setup wizard that the AirPort Utility provides. Should I attach it a different way? Perhaps manually set it to "participate in a WDS network" or "extend a wireless network?"
Any thoughts or similar experiences are very, very appreciated. My wife and I love this setup, but its unreliability is really getting on my nerves. Thanks in advance.
Message was edited by: bedoughty

Firstly, the easiest bit (although I don't believe you need to do this):
I would try "downgrading" the Extreme station's network type to only b/g (excluding n entirely), but I don't see that option in the radio settings anymore
You will get additional settings if you hold down the option key while browsing the radio settings drop down menu.
Moving on: Unfortunately a dropped connections seems to be a problem with umpteen causes and not only is it difficult to troubleshoot with someone in a forum it can also be made even more difficult because many problems are associated with network settings on a router that the person who is trying to help is unfamiliar with.
However you seem to be convinced your problems arise when your express is running which may narrow things down a little if correct, if not it may actually lead us away from the answer to your issue.
Is it the kind of security I'm running? Should I try WEP or... none at all?
I use WPA and have no problems (password = 8 Characters)
Should I attach it a different way? Perhaps manually set it to "participate in a WDS network" or "extend a wireless network?
I have my expresses set to participate in a WDS network, but that's because I use them for other things other than itunes, I would have thought 'join a network' would be fine.
You could check that all your devices are using independent IP addresses and all are using the same subnet. You could also check that no two devices have the same mac address, I've been told a million times this can't happen, but I've seen it. You may be wise to check these things before and after your devices have been 'kicked off the network", you may even want to write them down to see if any are changing.

Using a current Time Capsule with Airport Extreme and Airport Express Older generation

I am looking to achieve a fast local network that allows streaming of music and video. I have bought a Time Capsule to replace the Telstra router (Thomson Router) by linking it using ethernet cable and then set up a network that also uses and older airport extreme and express router (g standard).
It would appear that the local network speed is slow - how can I assess the connection speed in the local network - both wireless and for ethernet? I believe that there is a speed indication on my two older macs running OSX 10.5 but not in OSX 10.6. Is there a tool to assess the local network speed?
The current set up works less well than previously only using the Thomson router, so the initial results are very disappointing. Not even streaming music seems to work and it stutters to halt.
I had expected that the dual band functionality would allow fast local connections where needed. What do I need to change?
Thanks you.
Tom

Hi Bob,
The two old airports (extreme and express) are connected wirelessly to the time capsule base station with the following use:
- round extreme base station supports a printer only - remote WDS indicated in set up
- airport express supports remote speakers - set up does not indicate WDS status
I noticed in another note to provide a second network name to 5GHz network and connect the modern computers, ipad (seems to be able to connect) and apple tv to the 5 GHz network, leaving the other on the separate network. Also the two computers, apart from the laptops are connected via ethernet to use the GB ethernet, but I am not sure whether that speed is achieved or whether a firewire connection between the two would be better. use examples are:
1. Wirelessly I am trying to use three speakers - computer, apple tv and express - to have to listen to the same music in three rooms.
2. Over ethernet, I am using the the powermac as a file server to mac mini, but would like to be bale to access photo libraries (both Iphoto and Aperture) ideally over the network. It works well with starting the powermac in target disk mode but seems slow over what should be a very fast ethernet network.
The connection with the service providers router and time capsule is bridged - seems to be the only way of providing internet access - however, it also seems to allow for shared devices to be visible across the two time capsule and the Thomson network.
Obviously, this will need some more experimentation but any input would be appreciated.
Thank you and regards,
Tom
PS> Timezone wise I am currently living in Australia - must change my profile one day.....

Airport extreme and express & apple TV

I have an airport extreme and express & apple TV. I'd like to do the following:
1) Extend the network via the express
2) Enable the express to stream music to the stereo from the apple TV
I am sure someone has figured this out but I can't find the answer...
Thank you

Firstly, the easiest bit (although I don't believe you need to do this):
I would try "downgrading" the Extreme station's network type to only b/g (excluding n entirely), but I don't see that option in the radio settings anymore
You will get additional settings if you hold down the option key while browsing the radio settings drop down menu.
Moving on: Unfortunately a dropped connections seems to be a problem with umpteen causes and not only is it difficult to troubleshoot with someone in a forum it can also be made even more difficult because many problems are associated with network settings on a router that the person who is trying to help is unfamiliar with.
However you seem to be convinced your problems arise when your express is running which may narrow things down a little if correct, if not it may actually lead us away from the answer to your issue.
Is it the kind of security I'm running? Should I try WEP or... none at all?
I use WPA and have no problems (password = 8 Characters)
Should I attach it a different way? Perhaps manually set it to "participate in a WDS network" or "extend a wireless network?
I have my expresses set to participate in a WDS network, but that's because I use them for other things other than itunes, I would have thought 'join a network' would be fine.
You could check that all your devices are using independent IP addresses and all are using the same subnet. You could also check that no two devices have the same mac address, I've been told a million times this can't happen, but I've seen it. You may be wise to check these things before and after your devices have been 'kicked off the network", you may even want to write them down to see if any are changing.

I have an airport extreme and express, if I use the extreme as a base station connected to my old router can I use the express to extend the signal while also creating a new network that only I can use?

I have an airport extreme and express, if I use the extreme as a base station connected to my old router can I use the express to extend the signal while also creating a new network that only I can use? Essentially having two wifi connection off the same network? If so how do I set this up?

Extending using a wireless connection always results in a performance compromise.
If the Express is going to extend using a wireless connection, then the Express will need to be located about half way between the AirPort Extreme and the general area where you need more wireless coverage. The more that you have line-of-sight between the Extreme and Express, the better the network will operate.
Remember......the Express can only "extend" the quality and signal speed that it receives, so it needs to be located where it can get a very good signal from the Extreme. Although Apple cleverly uses the term "extend", a more accurate term for the Express would be "repeater".
If the Express will extend by connecting to the Extreme using a permanent, wired Ethernet cable connection......highly recommended for best performance.....then the Express can be located exactly where you need more wireless coverage. There is no signal loss at all through the Ethernet cable, so the Express gets a full speed signal no matter where it might be located.
Post back to let us know which way to you want to go.

How to Set Up Time Capsule With Airport Extreme and Airport Express

Just got a new 1TB Time Capsule. I want it to be the main base station for my network. I already have a network set up with an older Airport Extreme base station and an Airport Express to extend it. I am thinking that rather than setting up the Time Capsule to "join" the old network, the best approach is to disconnect the Airport Extreme and Airport Express and reset them. Then set up the Time Capsule as a brand new network and bring the reset Aiport Extreme and Express onto the new network as if my original network never existed.
Is that the right approach or am I complicating it? Can I just join the Time Capsule to the existing network and still make it the main base station for the network?

evelK wrote:
Just got a new 1TB Time Capsule. I want it to be the main base station for my network. I already have a network set up with an older Airport Extreme base station and an Airport Express to extend it. I am thinking that rather than setting up the Time Capsule to "join" the old network, the best approach is to disconnect the Airport Extreme and Airport Express and reset them. Then set up the Time Capsule as a brand new network and bring the reset Aiport Extreme and Express onto the new network as if my original network never existed.
Is that the right approach or am I complicating it? Can I just join the Time Capsule to the existing network and still make it the main base station for the network?
I'd first use AirPort Utility to "Save a Copy As" of your AirPort Extreme settings. Then disconnect it, connect the Time Capsule in its place, and use AirPort Utility's "Import" function to read those settings. (Both of those functions are under AirPort Utility's "File" menu.) You may have to adjust a few settings. Once you have the Time Capsule working as you want, you can reconfigure your AirPort Extreme unit as you wish.

Can't get Airport Extreme and Express to join same network

I recently bought an Airport Extreme so I could create a wireless network with my Airport Express. THis way I could browse the internet and stream music to my stereo at the same time. After spending hours trying to get both AP Extreme and Express linked together in a WDS network, I have failed time and time again. I have no problem setting the AP Extreme as the WDS main. My iMac and laptop connect to the AP Extreme just fine. I can set up the AP Express to stream music via iTunes to my stereo without problems. But to get them working together in the same network has got me stumped.
I've set the AP Extreme as WDS main and Express as WDS remote. They are both set to same wireless channel. Where am I going wrong? Is it a 802.11n/802.11g compatibility issue?
I'd appreciate any insight. Thanks.

adrian,
I have done this a dozen time today with different base stations like yours.
The only thing I can think of is this:
1. With the WDS Main, make sure you have the address of the Remote in the box.
2. With the WDS Remote, make sure you have the address of the Main in the box.
3. Make sure both base stations have the same network name in the wireless tab.
Then restart both base stations.
Let us know what you find out.
Joseph Kriz

802.11n AirPort Extreme and Express

Hello,
Thank you in advance for all your help and replies, I truly appreciate it.
I'm looking to purchase an 802.11n Airport Extreme and AirPort Express. I want to setup the Extreme next to my DSL modem and setup the Express in another room and have it extend the wireless network. The Express will also serve as an ethernet port from my DVR unit. I have read different posts that indicated that if I setup the Express to wirelessly connect to the Extreme, via WDS, or some other method, the wireless network will be downgraded to 802.11g. I currently have a 802.11g wireless network. I have one Buffalo Technology 802.11g wireless router and one Buffalo Technology 802.11g router (setup as an access point) and can do everything I need except connect a external HD via USB.
If at all possible, I would like the entire network (Extreme and Express) to use the same SSID and password. Have the Extreme perform the MAC filtering, provide DHCP address, and service a guest network.
So, do I understand what I have read correctly, that connecting an 802.11n Extreme and 802.11n Express via wireless (WDS, or other method) will downgrade the network to 802.11g? Are there any other recommendations on how I should connect these two devices and provide 802.11n service?
Again, thank you in advance.
--GMReed

When using the "extend" feature with the new 802.11n base stations, the extended wireless network operates in the 802.11n mode. I believe you may be referring to one of two things that may have led you to that conclusion: 1) When extending a network with the older static version of a WDS, the extended network operates in the 802.11g mode. This is true when either or both base stations are 802.11g models, and 2) Non-"n" wireless clients, connected to a "n" network, will bring the network down to the lowest bandwidth level of the oldest standard. Although connecting these types of clients does affect the overall bandwidth available to "n" clients, it does NOT bring the overall wireless network down to "g" or "b" level.
>If at all possible, I would like the entire network (Extreme and Express) to use the same SSID and password.
By default, both base stations must uses the same Network Name or SSID and wireless password to work properly.
>Have the Extreme perform the MAC filtering, provide DHCP address, and service a guest network.
For MAC filtering in an extended network, both base stations must be configured with the same MAC addresses for all clients that you want access to the extended network. The Extreme would provide DHCP service, but (unfortunately) you cannot extend the guest network.

Airport extreme and express not acting as i would expect

i have a virgin media super hub which won't transmit my wireless all around my house so i have set this to modem only mode and have connected it to a 4th gen extreme via a cable and connected 1 desktop pc to the extreme also via a cable. All works perfectly and i get the full 60mb broadband that i pay for and all wireless devices also connected to the extreme achieve this speed. Unfo although better it still isn't enough to transmit through the whole house.
To rectify this i have bought a new express and connected it all up which as expected was a doddle, the problem is that when i connect to the express i get a speed of between 2 and 12mb but never any more. When i spoke to the guy in store i was told that i would get the same speed from the express as i got at the extreme so is this not the case or have i got a setting wrong?

1. EOP (Ethernet over Power) Sometimes called Homeplug. When you don't know stuff.. google it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HomePlug
Get trained by little kids on youtube..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i72DM0dbGpc
They are readily available from any of the big computer stores.. in every brand under the sun. Including ones you have heard of and some probably not.. internally they are all about the same.
2. The old roaming instructions are the last apple produced.
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4260
Here is my take on it.. with lots of screenshots.
Problems with Airport Extreme Ethernet roaming setup
Here is a joint effort from users here.
Setting Up Roaming - New AirPort Extremes and Utility
Main things to notice.. This is simple. Follow the instruction in my thread above.. and it works.. but I find the airport utility might need a bit of a kick now and then to get the right setup.
3. Make it easy on yourself. You are trying to do too many things at once.
Reset the express.
Plug it into the Extreme by a patch ethernet cable.
Do the setup.. as per..
Problems with Airport Extreme Ethernet roaming setup
Once you complete the setup.. take the express upstairs and plug it into the EOP adapter.
If it fails.. plug a computer by ethernet into the EOP adapter and see if you are connected.. you might be blaming the wrong thing.

Setting up airport extreme and express

i purchased both the airport extreme and the express. i have cable modem and use a router (to it i have connected vonage phone and an external drive). from the router, i have successfully hooked up my airport extreme.
i now want to hook up my airport express in another room, so i can use it to connect to speakers and listen to music.
when i plug in the airport express, i dont get a connextion (amber light blinking). i have not bought the speakers/system yet, so i dont have any cables hooked to it. could this be the reason as to why i am not getting a connetction?
i also thought that i did not need to hook up anything to it, since this would just extend my wireless connection (i use a macbook and ibook)
any thoughts?
g5., imac, macbook Mac OS X (10.4.8) fairly new to apple

You will want to set up the AX as a wireless client...
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)
- Wireless Network: <select the existing wireless network>
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)

Slow Wi-Fi connection with both Extreme and Express

Hi all,
I have problems with slow Wi-Fi connection at home. With my 100/100 Mbit/s fiber I have an Airport Extreme 802.11ac connected by Ethernet cable directly into the cable modem.
With only the Extreme as a router I was not satisfied with the Wi-Fi range and therefore also bought an Airport Express 802.11n (2nd generation ) to extend the network with.
The range got better but I'm facing real slow Wi-Fi connection both on the Extreme and the Express.
Example - When connected to the Extreme less than 1 meter from it I normally get a down speed on 30 Mbit/s and on the Express (placed 8 meters from the Extreme) I normally get between 2 to 8 Mbit/s down speed.
I have a couple of questions about this issue below that I hope someone can answer.
1. The Extreme and the Express are connected wireless. If I connect them together with cable instead, will I then get the same speed from the Express that I have on the Extreme?
2. I've read in several forums that the latest versions on the Extreme and Express causes bad Wi-Fi connections and an downgrade to earlier version is recommended. My problem is that Airport Utility only can find the latest versions when trying to downgrade (bought both of them recently).
How can I downgrade to earlier versions when Airport Utility can't find them? If possible, is this still recommended to do?
Current versions:
Extreme - 7.7.3
Express - 7.6.4
3. Could it cause problems if the Extreme and Express doesn't have the same versions, or is this normal?
4. Any suggestions to improve the down speed on my Wi-Fi connection?
Thanks in advance!

1. Cable connections are always better.
But test first.. turn off the express.. reboot or even factory reset the extreme and have another go with it.
On a computer plugged in by ethernet test the speed.. wireless should be off..
So the most important thing is .. do you get full speed by ethernet.. if not you will never get it by wireless.. always less.. and sometimes much less.
2. You cannot downgrade either of those models. So you are stuck with them as is..
3. I think wireless links are always problematic.. by the very nature of the beast you will drop your speed by half.. so if the links were perfect.. and the Extreme wireless gives you 30Mbit then the best the express could ever give you is 15Mbit.. it is the nature of wireless.
4. Yes.. we can make suggestions.
But give me the pure wired network speed first. If that is low then tell me what modem you are using, which you mentioned.. normally a fibre system has no modem just a fibre converter to ethernet called ONT. Optical Network Terminal

Help With Airport Extreme and External Hard Drive

I just purchased the Airport Extreme and I couldn't have been happier. I have attached my western digital external hard drive, but I have run into a slight problem/dilemma which I'm hoping someone who is apple savvy can help me out.
I live in a house with a couple of other guys and so I put all of my movies and media onto the hard drive so we can stream it throughout the house, but how do I make sure that someone won't accidently delete the files (The copies on the hard drive are the only ones I have)? I have tried to right click "get info" and change the sharing & permissions properties on the folders that I don't want deleted, but it doesn't save the changes or even allow me to select another option other than Read & Write. I formated the hard drive with the disk utility before I connected it to the AirPort so I know that it has nothing to do with the format of the drive. I also tried to create different user accounts for each roomate so that they could view the files (Read Only) but I get an error message explaining that if I continue, the contents of the hard drive will not be accessible. I'm sure its something simple but I'm obviously missing it.
Thanks!

Airport Utility under Disks/File Sharing has guest access rights.

Problem with Airport extreme and Time machine

I recently purchased a 320gig external hard drive for Time machine. I connected it to my Airport extreme but it is not being recognized for some unknown reason. If I directly connect it to my iMac it works perfectly. I've updated with the latest firmware and it should work via USB with Airport extreme. Any suggestions why it is not working?

angelop wrote:
I have used the following for about two years.
-MBP, Airport Extreme, External HD (1TB) for my time machine.
You probably know, that's "iffy" and +*not supported by Apple.+* See the Using Time Machine with a USB drive connected to an Airport Extreme *User Tip,* also at the top of this forum.
To get around this issue, I have switched off the Time Machine, and am only turning on once a week or so, to grab any changes or additions I've made. I've been doing this for about 6 months now with no problems.
Now whenever I do this, (It should only be backing up an album or two from iTunes,) it tries to back up my whole system again. EVERY TIME. It did not do this before.
If you go too long between backups, Time Machine will do a new, full backup. And once it decides to do that, it will keep trying until it succeeds. There are some other possibilities as well. See #D2 in the Using Time Machine with a USB drive connected to an Airport Extreme *User Tip,* also at the top of the +Time Machine+ forum.
If none of those seem to explain it, see #A1 there; download the TM Buddy widget, copy and post the messages here.
Why are you only backing-up once a week? Time Machine was designed to back up changes hourly, as long as your Mac is awake and the TC is in range. It will protect you best that way, and unless there's a problem, those backups will usually be very quick.
But if you're only going to back up once a week or so, then Time Machine is not the best app for you. See Kappy's post on Basic Backup, complete with links to the web sites of each product.

Cisco router RVS4000 with Airport extrem and Time capsule.

Problem droping connection to internet when is Time capsule in extended wifi mode. When I turn off wifi on time capsule Airport extreme work fine.
Airport extreme and Time capsule is conected via ETH.
Any idea ?
Thaks
B.

If you use ethernet to connect the AE and TC .. you must NOT extend wifi.. you use Create a wireless network. And setup with same name and security. You are using roaming network.. not extended wireless.. if you want to use extended wireless no ethernet
see http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4260

Trouble with airport extreme and express

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