Trying to set up Airport Express as range extender

I successfully set up my new Airport Extreme base station. Now I want to add on my new Airport Express to extend the range of WiFi. I plugged in the Express, opened Airport Utility, selected the Express icon on the left. I get this message: "Setting up this AirPort wireless device requires switching wireless networks. Switching wireless networks may interrupt your connection to the Internet." What does this mean? Should I go ahead and click "Switch"? None of the directions in the manual or discussion forums mention this message in their instructions. I am timid! Can anyone advise me?

Bob, I had a big failure today. I clicked on Airport Extreme and "Switch," and chose the option "Extend the range of network." I answered the other required questions (password, etc.) then waited for Airport Utility to "Upgrade" the system. After about 3 minutes Airport Utility says that the network cannot be found! The whole internet service was down! Did not even appear in the Airport menu. The base station no longer appeared in the left column, and I had to reset and re-enter the base Extreme all over again.
Then I tried again but this time used Airport Express first. It said that my network "could not be found." I tried again the original way - I am embarrassed to tell how many times I tried this. Finally I gave up. I will be returning the Airport Express gizmo to amazon.com for a refund. I don't know how other smart people accomplished this, but apparently the range cannot be "extended' on Airport Extreme, so I sure don't need the Extender.
I wish I could learn something from this frustrating experience, other than I am not very capable, and Apple products are not all they are cracked up to be.
Any comments?

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HT4259 Trying to set up airport express to extend my wireless network. Primary base station is a time capsule. Even when I plug in the airport express to mac it cannot find it.

Trying to set up airport express to extend my Wi-Fi network. Primary base station is a time capsule. Tried searching for airport express using Wi-Fi status, no luck. Even tried plugging airport express into iMac, still no luck. Airport express showing solid amber light. Thanks for any help.

Airport express showing solid amber light
Unfortunately, this can mean one of two things:
1) The Express is locked up and will need a Factory Default Reset procedure to try to return the device back to its original default settings so that it can be reconfigured again.
2) The Express is defective. If you cannot get the Express back to a slow, blinking amber light after a Factory Default Reset, the Express will need to be replaced.
Try the Factory Default Reset a few times and report back on your progress.
Resetting an AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule FAQ

I keep getting an error code 6753 trying to set up airport express

I've been trying to install the airport express with no success. I restarted, pressed the reset button and it's back to factory settings. When i try to do anything it generates an error code 6753. Any thoughts?

Well it probably means exactly what it says... How much free space is there on your hard drive where the iTunes Media folder resides? I believe there is also an obscure bug that can occur when software doesn't read the true value of the free space properly, and the workaround is, perversely, to duplicate some content so that with less actual free space the software in question perceives it as more. I've no idea if iTunes is affected by such a bug.
tt2

Trying to set up Airport Express with Ethernet Powerline adapters

Hello,
Having some problems trying to set up my Airport Express with Netgear ethernet powerline adapters.
I want to set up as follows:
Wireless Belkin router --- powerline <---> powerline --- airport express --- home stereo system
The problem I have is that I can connect the airport x in client mode & wirelessly play music using airtunes (until the sound breaks up) but itunes does not find the airport x when connected via the powerlines.
I have airport admin utility configured as follows:
Airport tab:
Wireless mode: create a wireless network
Wireless network name: same as my wireless router SSID
Allow this network to be extended: unticked
radio mode: 802.11n (802.11b/g compatible)
Channel: automatic
Wireless Security: WPA/WPA2 personal (as per my router)
Wireless Password: as per my router
Verify Password: as per my router
Internet tab:
Connect using: ethernet
Connection sharing: off (bridge mode)
Music tab:
Enable Air Tunes ticket
no password set
In iTunes, I have home sharing on & share entire library selected with no password set.
Using OS 10.6.5 & Airport Express 7.5.2
I can ping the IP address of the airport express when connected via the powerlines but cannot select the speakers in iTunes (they are greyed out).
Any assistance would be appreciated....
Thanks

Hi,
Thanks for the quick response...
As suggested, I connected up the Airport X to the Belkin and plugged in a pair of headphones. It didn't work, still could not select the Airport X as speakers.
Dug out my old Netgear DG834G and connected that up in place of the Belkin - it worked. Next connected in the Netgear powerlines and it still worked.
So, the problem is the relatively new Belkin F7D4401 router.
Looks like I will have to find an alternative 802.11n...
Thanks for your help.
Regards
Simon

Please help, 2 days trying to set up Airport express

Hi all
I hope someone can help.
Bought an Apple Airport Express mainly because I want to stream my iTunes music from my laptop to my amp & stereo system which is situated in same room as PC but too far away for wires etc.
I DO NOT need to have wifi internet thru my Express just music.
Laptop: Compaq Presario CQ70
OS: Windows Vista
Location: Greece
When I "simply plug in the express (as per Apple's instructions) I just cant get it to do anything, I cant find it on my wireless connections on PC, it doesnt reboot.
Sometimes it can be found on a scan, but mostly not, I have tried to set it up with the software & with an ethernet lead connected, this seems to work but then it kills my wireless internet connection??????????? Does anyone know why it does this. Then when I try to reconnect to that wireless connection with my PC it tells me that the settings are incorrect & do not match those of my PC & I have to delete that connection & make a new one & then I get my wireless internet back.
I have tried resetting the Express with a paper clip & still not successful.
I have seen some pictures on the net with a "extreme Base station" too do I need one of these too just to stream music??
I do hope someone can help as I have bought & installed a great new speaker set up on top of this room & so desperately want to try out my iTunes music on them.

Hi Lexvo. Thanx for getting back to me. Have answered your questions in red (hope it posts in red) & italic
If I understand it right, you already have a wireless network set up and now you want to add the Airport Extreme. I have a normal wireless router (Conn-x Thomson) & I want to add the Airport Express to stream music (NB I dont have an Extreme base station; refer to my initial post r.e do I also need an extreme or am I just ok with the Express, I ONLY WANT TO STREAM MUSIC)
In a nutshell:
With the Airport Configuration utility, you should be able to find the Express. The airport config utility only shows me a "rescan" button, all other dropdowns are pale grey & not selectable, I guess this happens until you "find" the base station. Then you can configure your Express by letting it join the existing network. I can only do this is if I hook up my PC - Express by ethernet & then do manual set up, but I did select "join an existing network" & it still cuts out my wireless internet. The Express is plugged in my wall & still flashing Amber even after 3hrs
What I think is happening:
I think what you are doing is kind of creating a separate wireless network. If you do so, you constantly have to switch between two networks. That's why your wireless internet connection looks to be disappeared. See above paragraph I dont think I am.
I assume you have a wireless router? (or modem/router?) Yes as above
Have a look at below taken from Apple Support & I have put what happens in red
Using AirPort Setup Assistant
Plug AirPort Express into a power outlet. I do this & it just sits there & flashes, I cannot find it anywhere on my PC. Apple gives the impression that this is just plug & play, but I am not getting that.
On your computer, join the wireless network created by AirPort Express. Cant be seen anywhere
Open AirPort Setup Assistant. Mac users: Find it in /Applications/Utilities/. Windows users: On the Start menu, point to All Programs and click AirPort. Yes but, the airport config utility only shows me a "rescan" button, all other dropdowns are pale grey & not selectable, I guess this happens until you "find" the base station.
When you see the Introduction screen, click Continue.
Select "Set up a new AirPort Base Station" and click Next.
When the AirPort Setup Assistant confirms that it has found your AirPort Express, click Continue. (If your AirPort Express wasn't found, click Try Again.)
Select "Connect to my current wireless network."

I am trying to set the airport express with a printer; everything looks fine but I keep getting an error message, any tips??

Do you know where the error message is coming from? All the set ups looks fine.
Do you think I should reset everything and start from scratch?
Cheers,
JB

An AirPort Express running firmware version 6.3 must be an old one. The Express is unrelated to Bluetooth, but it is likely that your wireless speaker signal is interfering with the Express's wireless signal. This is a common problem with wireless speakers and the older 2.4 GHz - only Express.
The cure probably going to require upgrading your Express to a newer model, and using the relatively interference-free 5 GHz band.
Read: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Potential sources of wireless interference
NB:
Sources of interference
Wireless speakers that operate in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band.

Trying to set up airport express...

I bought unit in FL and want to use a travel wireless when at in-laws house. I already used once at inlaws there with no issues, now in RI. I have internet access, green light is on, connect with notebook to wireless, but then says no internet access with "!". I have tried several times to reset everything, still no go. I am using Cox cable with a Motorola modem. I can connect with cable to modem box no problem. My iphone can also not connect to wireless signal from express. Any help would be greatly appreciated...

I don't know what you mean by "travel wireless".
What other networking gear is at the location where you are besides the Motorola modem? How is the AirPort Express configured?

Using airport express as range extender?

I have a airport express that I use as my primary router.
I also have the direct plug in airport express that I'd like to use as a range extender. I'd like to make this one fully wireless so that I can connect in an another room. However, I'm not sure that's possible. Does anyone know how to go about using this as an extender ?

Temporarily, connect an Ethernet cable from your Mac to the older A1264 AirPort Express
Power up the older Express for a few minutes, then hold in the reset button on the side of the Express for 10 seconds and release. Allow a full minute for the Express to restart to a slow, blinking amber light.
Open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility on your Mac
Click on the Other Wi-Fi Devices button, then click on AirPort Express xxxxxxx
AirPort Setup will open up and take a minute to analyze the network and announce that the A1264 Express will be configured to extend the new AirPort Express network.
Enter a device name that you want to use for the older Express and click Next
AirPort Setup will configure the older Express for you. When you see the message of Setup Complete, click Done.
Now you can disconnect the Ethernet cable that you used for the setup and move the older Express to a location that is about half way between the new Express and the general area that needs more wireless coverage. Power up the older Express and you should be all set.

Setup Airport express network range extender for Time Capsule

Please help me to set up my AE to work as a range extender for my TC.
Anyone that can help me with step-by-step setup information? Your help would be much appreciated as I'm totally lost by now...
TC <--> AE <--> iPodTouch (i.e)

Welcome to the discussions!
You might want to follow Apple's step by step guide for setting up the "extend a wireless network" feature. I assume that you have an AirPort Express(n).
Reference pages 43-44 in the AirPort Neworks Guide.

Airport Express - using range extender and Ethernet at the same time?

So, I am thinking of buying an Airport Express. I am would be using it to extend the range (wirelessly) of my current Wi-Fi and also use the Ethernet ports on the back to connect my DVD player (so I can use the Internet-enabled apps on it). My question is whether the Airport Express can extend the range of my Wi-Fi as well as provide an internet connection to my DVD player simultaesnously.
My current setup in my house is:
- A wireless modem from my ISP (www.telenet.be)
- A Cisco range extender - however, this one often drops the connection so the Airport Express would be a replacement for this.
The current Cisco range extender is plugged in near my TV and it picks up the wireless connection from my ISP modem and extends it as well as being connected to the DVD player. However, I am tired of losing the connection so I thinking of buying an Airport Express.
I have no other Apple network devices (Airport Extreme, Airport Time Capsule, etc.)
Can you help me out?

No, Apple products will only wirelessly extend the signal from other Apple products.
Another way of saying the same thing is that you must have two Apple AirPort routers if you want to extend the signal wirelessly.

My Airport Express won't extend range. How to set up?

My Airport Express won't extend the range of my Airport Extreme. How should I set it up to get it to work? Stuart

When the Express is configured to "extend" it is a wireless repeater.
"Adding Wi-Fi base stations when it is unnecessary
Speaks for itself
can reduce Wi-Fi throughput because the Wi-Fi network will require more data management overhead."
As will adding another computer, iPhone or any wireless device to the network, for that matter.
FWIW, I have run 4 AirPort Expresses all setup to "extend" and noticed nothing except faster Internet browsing and download speeds throughout the house.
IF...you can connect the AirPort Express to the AirPort Extreme using an Ethernet connection, that will provide better overall performance. That is the way any commercial network is designed, except on a much larger scale.

AirPort Express won't extend network range

I spent 5 hours on the phone with three different apple reps changing every possible setting on the airport express that i wanted to use to extend the range of my existing network and even though AirPort utility said everything was set up right, the AX was only connected as a client. It was on the network, but not broadcasting ANY signal. This was at an office building with an AirPort Extreme as the base station. Both devices are brand new. 802.11n. I then took it home to see if it would extend the range of my home network which is set up using an AirPort Express as the base station. After trying every possible set up option there i was left with the same result. No broadcasting from the remote Express. It broadcasts when it's a base station, but not as a remote extender. What's the problem?!

I am going nuts too trying to configure my Airport Express to extend the range of my Airport Extreme. Nothing seems to work and I've been at this off and on for months. The Extreme works fine (it's an "n") but the Express (I think a "g") won't cooperate. And Apple has no current definitive step-by-step instructions that help at all. Does anyone out there have a solution? Shouldn't this just be plug-and-play with a few tweaks to the settings?

Problems Setting-up Airport Express to Play Music thru External Speakers

Hi:
I have an HP dv6500z laptop connected to an HP printer C6280 via LinkSys wireless network using the LinkSys 54G router and PrintServer. It works fine.
I purchased an Apple Airport Express and want to connect it to this network so that I can play songs from within iTunes through external powered speakers wirelessly. The powered speakers are connected to the Airport Express (AE).
The AE is plugged into the AC outlet and the speakers are turned on. The AE is roughly 10 feet away from the laptop/router, just across the room. The AE's
LED is flashing amber (It does not yet recognize the network). I installed the Airport Utility from the enclosed CD, downloaded all patch upgrades and it installed successfully.
Now, how do I tell the Airport Utility to recognize and connect to my existing LinkSys network, so that the AE recognizes it ? The instructions are not clear on this note...they say to run the Airport Utility and then follow the on-screen instructions. The instructions tell you that you will lose your wireless network connection if you continue...and you do if you try.
The same information comes up if you try to do a manual install.
How do I connect the AE to an existing network ? This information seems to be missing. If I go to the AirPort Utility Help and search and search on Setting Up AirPort Express, it tells me the following:
Connect your stereo or powered speakers to your AirPort Express using the mini-jack on the top side of your AirPort Express, and then plug your AirPort Express into a wall outlet.
Open AirPort Utility, located in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder on a computer using Mac OS, and in Start > All Programs > AirPort on a computer using Windows.
Click Music in the toolbar, and select the Enable AirTunes checkbox.
Problem: What Music in What toolbar ? I do not see this...
Enter an iTunes speaker name and password. This is the name displayed in the pop-up menu at the bottom of the iTunes window.
Problem: Where does this information come from
If you're setting up your AirPort Express for the first time, choose Assist Me from the Base Station menu and follow the onscreen instructions.
It seems like something is missing from the setup.
Aaah...Just for the heck of it, I went under Base Station > Assist Me
and told it to continue even though the dialog box said it would change the network.
It displayed a tabbed dialog box where I could configure the AirPort Express, including a tab named Music.
Note:
The following two items are listed in Apple's on-line Help inside of Airport Utility, and on the web, yet I did not see them inside of Airport Utility when trying t oconfigure my AE.
I did not see a checkbox to check, named Enable AirTunes.
I did not see any place for entering the name and password for my speakers.
I followed all of the instructions and things looked like they were going well until I clicked Finish.
Them it said something like it could not save the settings..try again.
Well, I did, but when I brought Airport Utility back up, it kept saying that it could not detect the AE,
and when I went under the Base Station menu, all items were grayed-out, so I couldn't do anything.
Please help... the instructions need to clearer and more detailed.
Thanx, Dale
HP dv 6500z Windows Vista New Airport Express

Hi:
Thanx for your reply.
After several more hours of trial & error over the weekend,
I finally have the Green Light (LED) on the Airport Express.
And it stays green, even if I unplug it from the AC outlet,
and plug it back in later. I have the green light so this
tells me that I have gotten past one hurdle.
OK...in order to get this far, I had the AE wired to the
laptop or LinkSys router via an Ethernet cable. How do
I go about making this a "wireless" connection. LinkSys
told me how to take my laptop from a hardwired connection
to wireless, but it doesn't address the issue when you have
a 3rd party device hardwired that you want to make wireless.
Side Note:
I have not tried this yet, but I found a note on the web that
stated something like this: after getting the green light,
this guy then disconnected the Ethernet cable from the AE,
unplugged the AE from AC power for a few minutes, plugged it
back in to AC power, and voila! ... he was wirelessly on his network.
OK...let's assume that my AE is now on the wireless network.
What type of special settings do I need to make inside of iTunes
in order to get sound to the speakers.
I have my powered speakers recognized by iTunes...I can select them.
But, it appears that something may be blocking my AE from talking to
my network...I keep getting a pop-up box from Symantec saying that it
is detecting a "virus" (for lack of a better term) at the IP address
that I set my AE to. Oh, yes...that's another question...
When manually setting up the AE, I have my router network's IP address
(dotted-quad) in the list of parameter settings, but...near the top of
the list, the Airport Utility software asks for your AE's IP.
Well, what is it ? Nobody has told me ... Where do I get it from ???
Or...do I assign an arbitrary value to it based on the dotted-quad below ?
The router has an IP address of something like 192.168.1.xyz. I know what
the xyz is for the router but, what number do I use here for the AE, or
does it matter as long as it isn't being used by another network device.
My network is static.
So, after using a number not used by my network elsewhere (that I am aware of,
and...inserting a $ (to specify hexadecimal format)in front of my encryption password, NOT the router password (they intermix the naming of these) I finally managed to get the Green Light on the AE. Note: I am using the WEP-64 bit encryption which is also refered to a "40 bit" (No..not hexadecimal..$40 = 64) which is 40-bit to which a random 24 bit is added to give you 64 bit encryption.
To summarize;
I appear to have the AE configured via hardwire (I have the green light).
In iTunes, I can see and select my powered-speakers from the drop-down menu in the lower right corner, but i am s not yet streaming (hearing) the music.
It appears that Symantic may be knocking me off the network, or not letting the AE talk to the laptop/router...I have not yet tried this, but another nugget that I found on this site says to go to System Preferences (where?), click on the Firewalls tab, click Advanced , and uncheck "Block UDP Traffic".
Is this what may be blocking my AE talking to the laptop/router ?
Any help/feedback would be appreciated...Thank you.
I'm getting close...but no cigar (yet).
DaleB

Airplay icon missing in iTunes, unable to set up Airport Express

Got a new Mini yesterday, replacing an old underpowered model with a 2.5 Ghz, 4GB, Radeon model for running an HTPC setup. Woo Hoo!
Spent part of yesterday setting everything up. Very easy to do with the Assistant moving old files to new machine. Everything is running great. Strong signal to the new Mac from my Airport Extreme base station.
Except...
I am trying to switch my AIrport Express from being a network extender (not needed with new Mini) to running speakers/headphones in another room using Airplay.
I don't see the Airplay icon in the lower right corner of iTunes, and my AE does not show up in Airport Utility. Home Sharing is on in iTunes. Running newest iTunes 10.5.2. I have read all the support articles, but the missing Airplay icon is the stumper.
Any ideas?

Update: I think I figured out the problem.
1. I had to do a hard reset on the Airport Express to get it to appear in the Airport Utility list of devices. Use a paperclip to push the tiny recessed button on the bottom of the AEX and hold it until the light blinks green several times. This wipes the old settings.
2. Then I had to change the AEX settings from the old setup (WDS network) to the new "Join existing network."
3. The Airplay menu in iTunes appears and disappears depending on whether Airplay devices are detected. This is not in any of the Apple documentation that I could find. The AEX is there now. I choose "Multiple speakers" so music could play thru my regular HT speakers and also upstairs on the AEX.
Hope this helps someone else in the future.

Trying to connect my airport express to my home WIFI

Hi,
I have been trying to connect a airport express to my home WIFI connection for the purpose of wirelessly transmitting itunes to my Alfresco area using my iphone as a remote.
The problem i currently have is that the airport does not seem to pick up my wireless broadband.
My router is a Netgear dgnd3700.
The procedure i followed so far is : 1. Reset the airport back to factory settings.
2. Plug the ethernet cable in and open airport utility.
3. Tick the circle saying " join existing network ". Here's the problem, my wireless network does not show up.
I can type in the name of my network and also the password but the airport is not picking up the signal .... i cant choose a network.
I can create a new network no worries and connect devices to it but that's not what i'm after. I'd like to join my existing network so i can transmit itunes to my amp.
I've gone through the discussion forum but can't find an answer. I have also tried to manually set up the connection .. same result.
Any help would be great ... i'm about to give up and think it was abad idea ....

If it is the old G version Express you cannot use 6.3 utility.
You must use the 5.6 utility.
How to load 5.6 into ML.
1. Download 5.6 for Lion.
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1482
Click to open the dmg but do not attempt to install the pkg.. it won't work anyway.
Leave the package open on the desktop so you can see the file. AirportUtility56.pkg
2. Download and install unpkg.
http://www.timdoug.com/unpkg/
Run unpkg on the desktop.. If your Mac refuses to run the software, because it wasn’t downloaded from the Apple store, go to security in preferences and allow other software to work.. this is limitation of trade methinks. You can set back later if you like.
Now drag the AirPortUtility56.pkg file over to unpkg.. and it will create a new directory of the same name on the desktop.. in finder, open the new directory, drill down.. applications, utilities .. there lo and behold is Airport utility 5.6 .. drag it to your main utilities directory or just run it from current location.
You cannot uninstall version 6 (now 6.3 if you updated) so don't try.. and you cannot or should not run them both at the same time.. although I have had no problems when doing so.
For screen shots see this post.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4668746?tstart=0

Trying to set up Airport Express as range extender

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