Using Airport Express for wireless printing and possibly streaming music

Question

I have had the toughest time figuring out this Airport Express. It seems there are so many different ways to set it up. I've tried to read forums but just can't seem to wrap my head around what I need to do. I tried awhile back to join my network wirelessly but was having problems.
I don't really care about extending my current network. My internet service is through Verizon Fios and the router they provided works just fine and don't have any issues with connecting anywhere in the house. I bought the AE to be able to print wirelessly and stream music from my iMac in another room.
So to print wirelessly obviously the printer has to be plugged in to the AE, but does the AE have to be plugged into my router? Or can I have the AE anywhere in the house wherever the printer is? When I print, am I using my existing network or do I have to disconnect a computer from the wireless network and access a 2nd network to be able to print?
My first priority is to print wirelessly. If I can get it to work It'd be cool to stream music from my iMac. Obviously the AE needs to be where the speakers are, but again, does the AE have to plugged in to the router? And again, is this done through my existing network? Or do I have to stream music through a 2nd network? I apologize if i'm asking the same questions that have been asked in previous forums, I just haven't been successful thus far so wanted to see what response or tips I could get. Thanks.
My existing network has "WPA Personal" security set up on it if you need to know that.

Answer 1

but does the AE have to be plugged into my router? Or can I have the AE anywhere in the house wherever the printer is?
If you configure the Express correctly to "join" your FIOS wireless network, you can position it anywhere that it will receive a good, strong wireless signal.
The trick to setting the Express up to "join" is that you must choose exactly the same type of security for the Express as your main router is using. This is tricky when you are using devices from two different manufacturers because they often use different names for the same thing.
For example, when you say that the FIOS is setup to WPA Personal, we really need more information. There's usually a TKIP or AES associated with WPA. You have two choices on the Express for WPA settings, WPA2 Personal or WPA/WPA2 Personal. We can only guess which one might be the correct match for your FIOS network and if you don't choose the right setting, the Express cannot join the network and you have to start the configuration all over again from scratch and try the other setting.
Does your Fios have a setting for WPA2 Personal? Some manufacturers label this WPA2-PSK (AES). Or, maybe you find that your FIOS is using WPA-PSK (TKIP), which is the same thing as Apple WPA/WPA2 Personal. It's confusing. That's why we tell users to choose wireless gear from the same manufacturer. It's much easier when two devices talk the same language.
When I print, am I using my existing network or do I have to disconnect a computer from the wireless network and access a 2nd network to be able to print?
If you have a compatible printer plugged into the USB port on the AirPort Express and have "installed" the printer by setting it up, you will be able to print over your existing wireless network.
First things first. You need to get the Express setup to "join" correctly and get a green light. Then, tackle the printer setup.