Using airport express with 3com modem/router

Hi all,
I have a 3COM modem/wifi router with serial code 3CRWE754G72-A.
I recently purchased a MacBook Pro and to my dismay the wifi does not work with my Router (I have all latest updates etc.). I have no idea why, but apple support say its cos my router is crap and they dont support 3rd party routers (they checked my MBP and found nothing wrong with it apparently, connects to apple base stations no probs)... there are loads of threads on this topic of incompatible wifi routers with the MBP in the MBP discussion area so I wont go into details on that.
My question is: is there any way the airport express could be of use? From what I understand usually you can use it to extend your wireless network by adding it as a client to the existing network. However I am suspicious if it will pickup on my 3com wireless network... my MBP doesnt so I wouldnt be surprised if this didnt either!! Is it somehow possible to disable the wifi on my 3com router and connect it directly via ethernet to an airport express, and use the airport express solely for createing the wifi network?
Any other suggestions welcome!

My question is: is there any way the airport express could be of use?
The only thing the AirPort Express (AX) could possibly do is join the wireless network created by that router as a client. This would only give you the ability to use the AX's USB printer port and AX's audio output. This would NOT give you the ability to use the AX's Ethernet port.
If your MacBook Pro can't join the wireless network provided by that device, the AX probably can't either.
The AX can not be used to extend the network provided by that device nor can the AX's Ethernet port be enabled to allow you to connect your MacBook Pro. Both of these require compatibility with Apple's WDS which that device does not have.

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Using airport express with a 2wire router

I just got Bellsouth DSL with a 2wire dsl modem that is also a wireless router.
It works fine, but I still want to use my airport express to listen to music.
I can't figure out how to do so, though I have tried various configurations
with the airport setup utility. Anyone have any ideas? How can I use
express with another wireless router?

Let's double-check your AirPort Express Base Station's (AX) settings ...
Perform a "factory default" reset of the AX
o (ref: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=108044)
Either connect to the AX's wireless network or connect directly, using an Ethernet cable, to the Ethernet port of the AX, and then using the AirPort Utility in "Manual Setup" mode, make the following changes:
AirPort > Base Station
o Base Station Name: <rename or leave default>
o Base Station Password: <enter desired password>
o Verify Password: <re-enter desired password>
o Remember this password in my keychain: (optional)
o Set time automatically: (unchecked)
AirPort > Wireless
o Wireless Mode: Join a wireless network
o Network Name: <existing 2wire's wireless network>
o Wireless Security: <select the encryption type of the existing wireless network>
o Wireless Password: <enter the existing wireless network password>
o Verify Password: <re-enter the existing wireless network password>
Music
o Enable AirTunes (checked)
o iTunes Speaker Name: <enter desired speaker name>
o iTunes Speaker Password: (optional)
o Verify Password: (optional)
o Click Update to write the new settings to the AX
In iTunes:
iTunes > Preferences... > Advanced > General
o Look for remote speakers connected with AirTunes (checked)

Using Airport Express without a modem

Can you set up a wireless network using Airport Express without a modem? I want set up a wireless network at work. Can I just plug in the ethernet cable on my desk to Airport Express for it to work? Thanks.

Hello Low77. Welcome to the Apple Discussions!
Can you set up a wireless network using Airport Express without a modem?
Yes. By default, the AirPort Express Base Station (AX) will create a stand-alone wireless network which you can connect up to 10 wireless clients for file or printer sharing.
Can I just plug in the ethernet cable on my desk to Airport Express for it to work?
You do not need to plug it into an Ethernet cable for it to work. However, if you require network or Internet access, the Ethernet cable needs to be connected to a network or have Internet access.

Using Airport Express with Comcast Digital Broadband/Telepony Modem

I recently converted from Comcast's broadband modem to their combined modem for digital phone and internet. I can't connect both my G5 and the airport express to the modem simultaneously. Airport express set-up configuration shows a broadband modem with 2 ethernet ports. My modem only has 1. The modem is Touchstone Telephony modem by Arris. Has anyone made this type of connection work with this modem?
Here is my set-up:
iMac G5 connected via ethernet to telephony/broadband modem (basement)
Airport Express (basement)
iBook G4 (1st floor)
I plan to purchase an airport express base and move the airport express to the 1st floor so I can use the iBook on the 3rd floor. Before I spend the money, I want to make sure this will work.
Thanks!
Soraya
Imac G4 Mac OS X (10.3.9)
Imac G4 Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Hi Soraya,
I assume your iMac G5 does NOT have a Airport Card?
It seems you will need a Router in order to get all your computers and the Airport Express to connect to the internet.
Linksys Routers at Compusa
My set up:
Comcast Broadband Cable Modem>Asante 4 port router>port 1 Mac G3, port 2 Airport Express and port 3 Powerbook G4 ( unless I use my Airport ).
hope this was helpful.....
Powerbook G4 1.67 15", 1 gig ram, 128 vram, 80 gig harddrive Mac OS X (10.4.8) Powermac G3 266 mt, Dell 5150,ibook G4, 1 gig shuffle, epson printers, airport

Can I use my Airport Express with Motorola Modem SB6121?

I just bought a Motorola Arris SB6121 Modem and wonder if I can use my Airport Express at my main router. I live in a condo so it is not a huge space.
Thanks!

After using a functioning system for 2 years, I am no longer able to connect through Airport Extreme base station to internet with Motorola SB6121. Hard wire connection with Motorola works fine. Connection to wireless network works fine (but without internet connection). Have flashing yellow light on Extreme. Have been online to diagnose and fix, but without success. Here's what I've tried. Disconnected power to Motorola and Extreme for 30 minutes. Disconnected coax cable from wall and from Motorola. Disconnected Ethernet cable from Motorola and Extreme. All of these steps were simultaneous.
Then 1) reconnected power to Motorola, 2) reconnected coax cable to wall and Motorola, 3) connected ethernet cable from Motorola to my PC laptop and 4) got to the internet just fine. Then I reconnected power to Extreme, 2) moved ethernet cable from laptop to Extreme, but 3) no internet connect available (altho wireless network is working and I am connected). Also I have tried plugging the ethernet cable into both the <--> and "O" ports on the Extreme without any benefit.
In Control Panel and Network and Sharing Center I see my connection to my wireless network, but no internet connection. When I connect Motorola to laptop with ethernet cable, I see "network 8" with internet access/connection. My laptop's wireless feature is on.
I downloaded and installed Airport Utility, but it does not see my Extreme either by wireless or cable connection directly to the Extreme)..
Do I need to "reset" Extreme? BTW, I am a renter and the Extreme and Motorola have been in the apartment for 2 years working fine. I don't have any documentation for the Extreme that I might need for resetting. I hope it will do this automatically. Also, I am getting cable TV through Comcast. I do not have phone service through Comcast (cell only).
OK, this is probably more than you need to know, but I wanted to give you all the information toi address my basic question, "how do I get to the internet through my home wireless system?"
BTW, when cable connected to Motorola, speed shows 100 mbps.
Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Airport Express with D-Link router?

I bought an Airport Express with the specific purpose of connecting an old 1999 iMac to the internet (D-Link wireless router) via the ethernet port. I also thought I could use it to connect other ethernet devices such as my HD-DVD player.
I tried to configure the Express with my PowerBook to discover later in the instructions that the ethernet port is disabled when configuring the unit as wireless bridge/client. It sounds odd, becuase I can't understand the use of it, then. The range extender configuration which enables ethernet, apparently only works with an Airport base station. I admit I'm not very networking-savvy. Did I do something wrong? Am I understanding the instructions correctly?
Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Unfortunately, most non-AirPort routers are not compatible with Apple's implementation of Wireless Distribution System (WDS)...so it very unlikely that your D-Link router can be extended wirelessly with the AirPort Express Base Station (AX).
The few that are known to work are:
o another Airport Express Base Station
o 802.11g Airport Extreme Base Station (AEBS)
o 802.11n AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBSn)
o Linksys WRT54G or WRT54GS (not v5)
o Belkin F5D7230-4 and F5D7231
o BT Voyager 2091
o Netgear WGR614 v6
o Buffalo WGR-G54

Can I use Airport Express with a USB Hard disk as a NAS solution?

What have people tried for NAS solutions that work really well wirelessly? Can I use my Airport Express with its USB port to attach a hard disk? Or do I need an Airport Extreme base station? Or some other solution?

The price of the Time Capsule includes the NAS backup system plus a hardware router for your network.
Macs do not support USB 3.0 and most likely won't because Apple's weight is behind Thunderbolt which is considerably faster and more versatile than USB.

Using Airport Express with Internet Sharing in Leopard

Howdy all,
I have Internet Sharing enabled on my MacBook Pro running Leopard 10.5.4. I use a Sprint Sierra Wireless Aircard 597E modem to connect to the Internet.
I'm trying to get my Airport Express & Time Machine to recognize my MacBook Pro, or the other way around. Basically, I want to be able to access the Airport Express to wirelessly play music through a pair of speakers and be able to access the Time Machine for backups & accessing files.
With Internet Sharing enabled, my iPhone can access the web, so I believe I have the sharing set up correctly. However, I can't see the Time Machine and my Airport Express just keeps blinking amber.
Does anyone know what I might need to do to resolve this issue?
Any help is so very very much appreciated!

Thanks Kappy,
I'm not sure you're exactly following me on this one, though. Here's what I've discovered on my own for anyone else facing the same situation I am:
1. You /cannot/ use Airport Express while using Leopard's Internet Sharing.
2. If you want to create a local network, in this situation, you'll need to use Time Capsule to establish the initial local network, then join the Airport Express into that network. At that point you can use Time Machine with Time Capsule, access it as a hard drive and use AirTunes with the Airport Express.
But you cannot use the Sprint AirCard (and I assume any other similar setup) and your Mac with Internet Sharing to build the local network and then join the other devices to it. Unfortunately.

Can I use Airport Express with iPhone in my hotel room?

Is there a way to set up an Airport Express in my hotel room when I travel, so that the provided High Speed internet cable in the room can be plugged into my Airport Express, giving me a wireless internet connection for the iPhone? I use Airport Express often this way with my MacBook, so I don't have to be tethered to the cable.

I did this about a month ago when I was in England. I just had the Airport Express with me, and had not done any configurations. I plugged it in and had the iPhone find it. It worked in some hotels, and didn't at others. When it worked it was great. I assume with some of the hotels where it didn't work, that I needed to configure it but since I didn't have my laptop I didn't have any way to configure it. Is there any kind of "universal" or "automatic" configuration you can set it up with?

Use AirPort Express to Extend Original Router's Range

I have an existing router that works fine for the first and second floors of my house (it is not an Apple router), however, my Apple TV is in the basement and the WiFi coverage is absolutely horrible. I'm curious if I can use an AirPort Express router to extend the range of the initial router (I have Ethernet access in the basement) so that I can stream to my Apple TV from anywhere in the house.
Thanks!

Yes, if the AirPort Express is configured to create a wireless network that uses the exact same wireless network name, same wireless security setting (WPA2 Personal) and same wireless password as your existing router.
In addition, the AirPort must be configured to operate in Bridge Mode.
Other than naming the network and entering the password, AirPort Utility will take care of most of the settings automatically, assuming you have Mac running Lion (10.7.x), Mountain Lion (10.8.x), Mavericks (10.9.x), or you use an iPhone or iPad for the setup.
Note.....it would be much better if you could connect the Apple TV to the AirPort Express or your existing router using an Ethernet cable connection, not wireless.

Can I use airport express with my osx 10.3.9

I have osx 10.3.9 and would like to upgrade to to lion maybe and use airport express if possible .....what do I need to do?
Oneday26

So we know more about it...
At the Apple Icon at top left>About this Mac, report the version of OSX from that window, then click on More Info, then click on Hardware> and report this upto but not including the Serial#...
Hardware Overview:
Model Name: eMac
Model Identifier: PowerMac6,4
Processor Name: PowerPC G4 (1.2)
Processor Speed: 1.42 GHz
Number Of CPUs: 1
L2 Cache (per CPU): 512 KB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 167 MHz
Boot ROM Version: 4.9.2f1

Using Airport Express with an ATT DSL router

July 10, 2012
Hi All! The following thoughts are for
     1) those of you who use ATT DSL as your internet service-provider, and
     2) who wish to stream iTunes songs from your computer to speakers in other rooms via AIRPORT EXPRESSes, and
     3) are wondering whether you have to purchase a separate Apple Airport Extreme base-station, or can simply use your exisiting ATT router.
Having just spent several days and many hours on the phone before Apple's tech "Dan" was finally able to get my system up and running, I thought some of you might appreciate my sharing the following info while it's still fresh in my mind.
1. You may need to update your ATT router to the latest version, in order for it to properly communicate with your AIRPORT EXPRESS(es) (henceforth shortened to "AEs"). The AEs use 802.11n speed. My original ATT router (a 2Wire 2701HG-B) was no faster than "-h," and this might have been part of the problem as to why my system wouldn't work. I went to my local AT&T store, and got their latest router: as of this writing, a Netgear "Westell" Model B90-755025-15, which can run at both the slower speeds as well as the faster "-n." To find out some of the specs of my router, an Apple tech had me type in the 10 digits of my Gateway IP Address into the address-bar (no need for the "https://www") and "Presto!", up popped several pages of info on my router.
2. When first setting up your AE, it needs to be back in "default mode." If it's right out of the box, you don't need to do anything. But if, like me, you've already made several attempts to get it running, then you need to reset it to its pre-configured state, You do that by taking a bent paper-clip, and inserting one end into the little hole on the ports-side of your AE (near where the mini-plug of a speaker-cable is inserted). While the device is plugged in, gently press the paper-clip into the hole until the light on top blinks amber QUICKLY, the flashes coming in rapid succession. Then remove the paper-clip, and the AE will glow solid amber--meaning it's waiting to be re-programmed.
3. When first setting up your AE, do NOT attach an ETHERNET CABLE from the router. The only cable that needs to be attached is the mini-plug cable running to some sort of portable, powered speaker. For myself, to make things easier, I brought my AE and my new Sony RDP-M5iP speaker/dock into the same room as my Imac & router. That way, I'd know immediately if the AE was working correctly.
4. After you've clicked on your Airport Utility App (hard drive TO Applications TO Utilities folder), you'll soon come to a page that asks you to name your AE (this page calls it a "base station"). Before you do that, you should see a button in the lower left-hand corner that says, "Other Options." Click on it. You'll then be given a choice of "Creating a New Network" or "Choosing an Existing Network." You want this 2nd choice--because you indeed are planning to use your ATT router's exisitng wireless network.
5. Shortly, you'll come to the page asking you to name your AE. Call it, for instance, "Family Room Speaker." As for password, at first I--as well as virtually all of the techs with whom I spoke--thought I should type in the multi-digit ATT router-password (called a "Wireless Network Key"). But finally, "Dan" told me to simply type in, "express1" (or, for my 2nd AE, "express2"). That did the trick!
6. Your AE should now be glowing green on top. Plus, on the 10x6" dark-grey rectangular box displaying the globe (i.e., your main internet connection), the globe should have a now-green glowing circle to its left. And underneath, it should be displaying a rectangle named "Family Room Speaker" (or whatever name you've given your Airport Express).
7. When you now open iTunes, you should see a little blue rectangle (with a triangle in its middle) in the lower right-hand corner of your iTunes box. Click on it, and it should show listed both your computer-speaker as well as your AE speaker(s), plus a heading called "multiple speakers." Click on "multiple," and it will bring up a box displaying all your now-current speakers. Check the small square next to any speakers that are unchecked, and a volume-slider will appear. Bring them all up to a comfortable level. Then click on an iTunes track you'd like to play and, viola!, you should hear music playing both from your computer and from the portable speaker to which your AE is attached.
8. Now close iTunes. Then unplug your Airport Express and--if you have a 2nd AE-- plug them both back into your power-strip. Go thru the set-up steps in your Airport Utility App for this 2nd AE. At the end of it, both AEs should be glowing green on top, and both should be displayed on your computer-screen.
Now re-open iTunes, and start a song playing. (Don't forget to click on the blue rectangle at the R-hand bottom, and activate the new AE speaker.) By inserting your speaker cable alternately into each of the AEs, you should be able to verify that, yes, both are now working.
9. Unplug both AEs, and bring them to whatever room you want to use them in. Plug them in to a wall outlet, and run your mini-cable from the AE to the speaker. Give the AEs a few minutes to pick up the signal once again from your ATT router; when they do, their lights will change from amber back to green. Tech Dan warned me to keep them away from too much metal, to avoid interference. As soon as they turn green, you should now be hearing your iTunes track playing thruout your house! (If not, you may have to first close iTunes on your computer, then re-open it, and start a new track playing.)
The BOTTOM LINE: no, you don't have to purchase a separate Apple Extreme to be your base-station. Your ATT router--if it's running at the 802.11n standard--should be able to work with your Airport Express(es)!
My thanks to Sean and Cameron and Chris and, most especially, Dan, the Apple techs who patiently worked with me to get this system online.

I am GREATLY appreciative of this overview. Even though I don't understand a lot of it. I will keep working through. I am-- have for 2 years-- had terrible connectivity with AT&T's service & 2Wire router. My MacBookPro keeps dropping the signal. I'm talking every few clicks at times. Husband's PC drops it, too, but not nearly as much as the Mac. I'm sure what you posted can help us get better connectivity.

Using Airport Express with a Playstation 2? (Belkin router)

Hello - I know it seems that this topic has been discussed several times before, but I haven't been able to find a good explanation for how to execute it and would really appreciate any guidance. I'm a mac newbie, too.
I just purchased a Playstation 2, and would like to use my Airport Express to connect it to my home wireless network. I've used the Airport for other things as well, including to create a wireless network when I travel, and to receive music to play on the stereo. I'm thinking there's GOT to be a way to make this happen.
I have an Ibook G4, and the rest of the network is a PC setup. (Belkin router.) I can access the Airport Express settings through either the PC or the Mac.
Any help you can give would really go a long way. Thanks. I'd rather not have to purchase a new bridge if the Airport can do it. What I think I need are step by step instructions to change the settings on the AE to make it work for this application, which I understand is different from 'receiving' music from the router & iTunes.
Thanks again.

i use a similar configuration (haven't tried the playstation yet), but the WDS with the Belkin router and Airport Ex works fine.
for thr belkin:
- enable wireless bridging
- turn off security / mac adress filtering first until it works
config to be done in the Airport Admin utility:
- turn off security
- configure the Airport Express as remote station in the WDS config
- and set in the WDS window: allow wireless clients... and search for the ID of the belkin (should pop up as main airport ID)
- uncheck: distribute ID adresses in the Network config
That's how I got it working, but I never got security as WAP working between both stations...the only thing was MAC adress filtering, and hiding the network ID
Enabling MAC adress filtering worked only after allowing the Ethernet ID of the Airport Ex but NOT the wireless ID, that I specified as: enable only sp. AP to coonect (belkin)
hope it helps...
If somewone knows how to get WPA to work between both stations, tell me
Mac Mini with Airport,, PowerBook G4 400 with Aria Extreme Mac OS X (10.4.3) Belkin router F5D-7231-4 and AirPort Express
Mac Mini with Airport,, PowerBook G4 400 with Aria Extreme Mac OS X (10.4.3) Belkin router F5D-7231-4 and AirPort Express

Using Airport Express with Netgear bridge

I have an imac G3 with a Netgear Wireless ethernet bridge which I use to get wireless internet from a Netgear DG834GT wireless router/adsl modem . -this works fine.
I would like to be able to send music from itunes on my Imac to a Airport Express in another room so i suppose my question is - will the netgear wirless ethernet bridge (a WGE101) on the imac see the aiport express?

Yes it will - but the concept isn't exactly as you described it. What you will be doing is setting up the Airport Express to "join" the wireless network created by your Netgear wireless router. Music streamed from your iMac is sent first to the Netgear wireless router, then the Netgear wireless router sends it to the Airport Express.
To set this up, see the instructions posted here by David Lovell (works for PCs and Macs):
David Lovell, "Airtunes for XP with a Wired/Wireless network" #1, 09:05pm Jan 8, 2005 CDT

Using airport express with existing network

So I have a Zoom wireless modem/router that supports g + b wireless. If I get an airport express, will it connect to the existing wireless network? And if I want to stream music to my stereo, will the airport express communicate with my MacBook at the n network speed, or does it step down to the speed of the Zoom box?
Not sure if the airport express would talk directly with the mac or use the Zoom as an intermediary.

Welcome to the discussions!
You have a couple of options.
1) Configure the AirPort Express (AX) to "join" your existing wireless network. This will allow you to stream AirTunes to the AX over your current wireless network. If you choose this option, the AX will connect at "b/g" speeds.
2) Configure the AirPort Express to "create a wireless network" so you can stream AirTunes at "n" speeds from your Mac if it is "n" capable. The downside to this approach is that you will need to switch wireless networks whenever you want to stream AirTunes, and since the AX will not be connected to a modem, you will not have internet access when you are streaming AirTunes.
Users usually choose the "join" option to allow simultaneous internet connection and AirTunes streaming.
Connection wise, your Mac must communicate to the wireless router, which in turn communicates to the AirPort Express. Your Mac will not communicate directly to the AX unless you choose option 2.

Using airport express with 3com modem/router

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