Using the Airport express as a wireless network adapter

I have a mac with no wireless network card but I have an extra Airport express. I would like to plug the mac into teh ethernet port of the AE and then use it to get onto my homes wireless network...
Is this possible? I have been trying to do this for hours and I cannot get a config that works. I can use it to setup a wirless printer just fine, why not my computer?
Please help!!

I'm having the same networking problem. Out of curiosity, though, how would you plug the mac into the ethernet port of AE? Wouldn't you have to plug the modem into the ethernet port? My Airport Express only has one ethernet port. Just curious how you would get internet to your AE without plugging the modem to it.
I went out and bought a LinkSys switch, trying to alleviate my problem of having to switch between being able to use my Mac Pro desktop (wired, due to no wireless card yet) and being able to use my laptops, PS3, etc. wirelessly by switching the ethernet cable constantly from the Mac Pro to the Airport Express. So, I bought the switch, but I can't get my network configured to where I can run everything at the same time. I'm still having to switch cables around. Any suggestions? Or do I just have to bite the bullet and have the wireless card installed?

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Using wired Airport Express to extend wireless network

Hello,
I am considering getting an Airport Express to extend my wireless network in a part of my house where it's really weak. The room I want to use it in actually has an Ethernet network drop and it is connected to my Airport Extreme on the other side of the house.
I've looked at the manual, and the only example it gives for extending a network is wireless. Since the network is very weak where I want to use it, I was wondering whether I could use the Ethernet port for the incoming signal. Is that possible?
I have an older AX (the b/g model) that I use in a similar way: it's on an ethernet port, but it broadcasts its own, different (slower, since it's the older model), wi-signal. So I didn't want to do that: I'd like the new unit to be practically transparent and broadcast the same wi-fi as the main signal.
Has anyone else had a similar experience and if so, could you let me know if this is possible?
Thanks!

I was wondering whether I could use the Ethernet port for the incoming signal. Is that possible?
Yes
I'd like the new unit to be practically transparent and broadcast the same wi-fi as the main signal.
Configure the new AirPort Express as follows using AirPort Utility - Manual Setup
Click the Base Station tab located below the row of icons to assign a name to the Express, a device password and adjust Time Zone settings
Click the Wireless tab and configure as follows:
Wireless Mode = Create a wireless network
Wireless Network Name = Exact same name as your AirPort Extreme network
Radio Mode = 802.11n (802.11b/g comatible) is a good general choice
Channel = Automatic
Wireless Security = Exact same setting as the AirPort Extreme network
Wireless Passwrod = Same password as the AirPort Extreme network
Confirm Password
Click the Internet icon
Click the Internet Connect tab
Connect Using = Ethernet
Connection Sharing = Off (Bridge Mode)
Update to save settings and allow the Express to restart
Very important...power down the entire network...all devices....order is not important
Wait a few minutes
Start the modem first and let it run for a few moments by itself
Start the AirPort Exreme the same way
Start the AirPort Express the same way
Start other devices one at a time about a minute apart
You now have what is known as a "roaming" network. Computers will automatically log on to the router with the strongest signal as they "roam" around the house.

I want to use the Airport express to have wireless music through a home amp and speakers.

My problem is that I have a wireless router (from Telstra - Australia) on one end of the living room and then the stereo amp at the other. It is my understanding that the only way to connect everything is to have the wireless router plugged into the airport express and then the amp connected to the airport express my the rca cable. Is there another way as I do not want a rca cable running the length of my living room.
What i am trying to say is can the wireless router (from Telstra - Australia) talk to the airport therefore meaning I can have the airport sitting behind the stereo out of sight with no massive cables in my living room?
Help please..

Yes, simply have the Express "join" your existing wireless network in client mode.

Can I use the Airport Express to connect to a Linksys Wireless Network and then use the Ethernet port on the Airport for a wired connection to a device for internet access? Would I be able to then also use that Ethernet pt to a Ntwk Hub for more wired c

Thanks for the help. Looked but not clear on what I am trying to do as being possible. Can I use an Airport Express to connect wireless to a Linksys Wireless Router, such that I can then use the Ethernet ports on the Airport to either connected to a PC wired, or even use a hub off the Airport Express to allow multiple wired connections to it?
I am not looking to have the Airport Express extend my wireless network, just connect to it and provide me wired connections in a different location from where my Linksys Route is located. Would prefer to replace Linksys with all Apple, but just not possible financially yet. Thanks for the help.

If the AirPort Express Base Station (AX) is an 802.11n model, then yes, you can reconfigure it as a wireless Ethernet bridge. In this configuration, the AX would join the wireless network provided by the Linksys router and its Ethernet port would be enabled for either a single wired device or for an Ethernet hub or switch for multiple devices.

Using the AirPort Express to Join an existing Wireless Network

Hello,
I am hoping you can provide me with some help on this... I recelty acquired a PowerMac G4 with a 450 MHz processor, CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive, Zip Drive, 1 GB RAM, and two 40 GB HD... The system has OS 10.4 installed, and it is has built-in Ethernet...
I was told I could use the Airport Express to connect to an existing wireless network, so I purchased an Airport Express base Station... Thing is, to e honest, I am having a bit of a problem getting started...
- First, to connect from the AirPort Express to my G4, do I need a special kind of Ethernet cable, or will the usual kind do?
- Second do I need to istall the software first, or have the Airport express connected to the G4 before I do?
How would I go about setting this up, step-by-step?
Any information would be appreciated...
Thanks for your time...

OK, thanks. Hopefully, the Netgear is creating a wireless network using WPA/WPA2 security. That will make it much easier for the AirPort Express (AX) to join the wireless network. It can join networks with using WEP security, but password issues almost always arise using WEP.
Since you must enter the exact security settings and password for the wireless network, it would help tremendously to know this in advance. Otherwise, it's going to be a series of "trial and errors" and likely frustration, later on.
When you have a moment, check the security settings on the Netgear router.
It might be one of the following: WPA2 Personal, WPA/WPA2 Personal, WEP 128, WEP 40.

Can I use the Airport Express to create a secure wireless network in a wireless-only hotel?

Can I use the Airport Express to log onto an unsecured hotel wireless network, without an ethernet cable, to create a secure wireless network for my MacbookAir, IPad, IPhone, etc.? If so, how is that done?

will the Airport Express allow you to log onto a hotel wireless network, and broadcast a secure wireless network in your room for your wireless devices, like the Ipad, Iphone, etc.?
The bottom line with a single AirPort Express is no.
The AirPort Express can only "extend" a wireless network when the network is being provided by another Apple router.
As you might imagine, it is extremely unlikely that that the hotel network....which no doubt uses professional wireless access points provided by a manufacturer of commercial systems.....would be compatible with an AirPort Express.
In many years of travel domestically and internationally, I cannot recall a time when a single AirPort Express would "extend" the signal provided by a hotel's wireless network.
However, if you had two AirPort Express devices handy, you might be able to configure one to "join" the hotel network and provide an Ethernet signal to the second AirPort Express, which would be configured to "create" your own "private" wireless network.

HT3728 I do not need another wireless network but want to use the airport express for printer access only. Can this be done and how?

I do not need another wireless network but want to use the airport express for printer access only. Can this be done and how?

You can configure the AirPort Expess to "Join a wireless network" and enable the Ethernet port so that Ethernet devices will be able to connect.
In order to print from the iOS devices, you will need to have an application like Printopia installed on your Mac. The Mac must be active when you want to print.
More details here: Printopia - AirPrint to Any Printer - Print from iPad - Print from iPhone ...
There is a free trial available for Printopia, so make sure that it will work before you buy the AirPort Express.

How do I use the airport express to connect a remote PC via ethernet cable and access the internet via wireless connection, How do I use the airport express to connect a remote PC via ethernet cable and access the internet via wireless connection

Trying to connect my xbox to the airport express. Have wireless in home and do not have a ethernet point behind tv/xbox. How do I configure the airport express to connect to my wireless network and then the airport express can use its connection via ethernet to connect the xbox to the internet.

Is your AirPort Express Base Station (AX) a 802.11n model? If it is, you can reconfigure it as a wireless Ethernet bridge or ProxySTA. This would allow the AX to join another wireless network and have its Ethernet port enabled for wired clients, like the Xbox 360.
To activate ProxySTA, you must set up the Express to join a wireless network and then enable the Allow Ethernet Clients setting; both settings are located in the Wireless tab of AirPort Utility.

I'm trying to activate my Airport Express to a wireless network powered by an Airport Extreme. I get an error message that says I need to Use Airport Utility 5.6. My system is currently running Airport Utility 6.1

'm trying to activate my Airport Express to a wireless network powered by an Airport Extreme. I get an error message that says I need to Use Airport Utility 5.6. My system is currently running Airport Utility 6.1

Is your AirPort Express an older 802.11g model? If so, you will need to install v5.6 if you are running OS X Lion or 5.6.1 if running OS X Leopard or Snow Leopard. Unfortunately, the iOS version of the AirPort Utility cannot administer these older base stations.

How many airport express can I add to my network for the purpose of using the airport express to send audio signal to different rooms in the house? I'm interested I'm running about six different zones.

How many airport express can I add to my network for the purpose of using the airport express to send audio signal to different rooms in the house? I'm interested I'm running about six different zones.
What I'm looking to do is to have self powered in ceiling speakers in every room in my house with out having to run wires to every room to carry the audio signal. I would like to use the airport express to do the job of carting the audio signal.
Here's my set up now I have an airport extreme and one airport express that I use to carry audio to one room.

FWIW. I have used up to four AirPort Express Base Stations (AX) for streaming sucessfully in pretty much the way you have described. I didn't have a need to try more so I can't attest that more would or would not work.

I currently have wireless, but i am looking into this to maybe have faster wireless. if this is hooked up, will the existing wireless/ethernet to pcs still function without changing them to use the airport express?

i currently have wireless, but i am looking into this to maybe have faster wireless. if this is hooked up, will the existing wireless/ethernet to pcs still function without changing them to use the airport express?

let me fix this a bit. i currently have dsl and a 2wire wireless router, and i currently do not have one or a mac. im getting one for when i start college and this is a must if it will improve my internet. but i now connect wirelessly to the 2wire router. if this is set up, will the current 2wire wireless still be useable?

I have tryed to connect an AirPort Express to my wireless network. But I alwais get the errocode -4. Can anybody help. I have reset the AirPort Express and updated the software.

I have tryed to connect an AirPort Express to my wireless network. But I alwais get the errocode -4. Can anybody help. I have reset the AirPort Express and updated the software.

The ZyXEL P-2601HN-F1, as you know, is a combination DSL modem & 802.11n wireless router (or gateway device).
For your goal you will want to take a look at this Apple Support article for details on how to configure an AX for iTunes.
If you are still having difficulties with the AX joining the ZyXEL's wireless network, you can try the following:
Temporarily disable wireless encryption.
If you are hidding the SSID, disable that feature.
Change the Mode Select setting to: 802.11g Only
Change the Channel Selection from "Auto" to a set channel, like 1, 6, or 11

How to Connect Airport Express to Existing Wireless Network (Client Mode)

I am posting this for everyone tearing their hair out trying to connect the Airport Express to your own existing home wireless network. After spending 2 hours last night installing this on my father-in-law's home network, I hope to be able to save someone else the agony we went through.
So here's the situation:
Say you already have your own home network set up, and all you want is to be able to use AirTunes to play music off iTunes into your speaker system. And, you don't need the printer sharing capability nor creation of another wireless network (2 of the features of Airport Express). Then this solution is for you - read on.
Unfortunately, Apple's user manual is very unclear how to connect Airport Express to your own network. When you look at the picture diagram they provide, they show Airport Express picking up its signal from another Apple-oriented base. This can make you think you need to buy another piece of hardware to make it work. DON'T If you read through the manual, the Support section here, etc., you will hear lots of talk about "Client Mode" - and that this is the only way to get it to work. Nice - but no one really tells you how to set up the Airport in client mode.
Do yourself a favor, toss that user manual aside and run these steps.
(Note: These directions assume your DSL/Cable Modem is hooked up to a wireless router or acts as its own wireless router)
1. Get a cat5 Ethernet cable (anything but an orange cable - that's a crossover cable) like you would use to connect your PC to your router to pick up the Internet.
2. Connect the Ethernet cable to the router on one end, and to the Airport Express unit on the other end.
3. Plug in your Airport Express unit to the wall (this will not necessarily become its permanent location - you will be able to move it later). The light will glow solid Amber for about 30-45 seconds while it starts up, then blink Amber. At this point, the unit is ready to operate.
4. Install the CD to the PC where your iTunes music is stored. This should be painless. Once you open the program, it should detect the Airport unit.
5. At this point, the on-screen wizard will present you with your options, and walk you through the setup. This is much like the user manual describes - and you should be good to go form here forward.
Some pointers:
- When asked if you want to create a new network, join an existing network, or connect via Ethernet, choose the middle option for joining an existing network. You will need to know the name of your network, the password to connect to the network (if present), and the type of encryption used on the network (e.g. WEP, WPA, etc.). Side note, WPA is recommended, as it is a higher level of security than WEP. You will be able to configure the Airport Express unit to automatically login to your network.
- I would recommend, when creating a password for the Airport Express unit, use the same password as your network, to avoid confusion.
6. The very last step will ask you to save the settings to the Airport Express. Here's the kicker - when you save the settings, you are TRICKING the Airport Express into no longer acting as a network broadcaster, but instead being a "slave" to your own network. What do I mean? You will lose the connection from your PC to the Airport Express - an error message will pop up telling you the unit can no longer be found. While you might think you did something wrong, you actually were successful!
7. Unplug your Airport Express, and disconnect the Ethernet cable from your router and the Airport unit. This will no longer be needed.
8. Go to your desired location where you want to plug in your Airport Express unit. Before plugging it in, connect your Audio cable from the Airport Express to your audio receiver. Once that is connected, then plug in the Airport Express unit. The light will glow solid Amber for 30-45 seconds while it loads, and then will blink Amber for a brief period of time before turning solid GREEN. When this happens, you have successfully connected the Airport Express to your home network!
9. Go back to your PC with iTunes. Open the Airport software - you should now have a listing for your Airport Express unit in the upper left. Click on this, and the wizard will guide you through connecting - you will need the password you created for the unit. You only need to go through this wizard once, and when finished, the software will tell you that can now use iTunes with your Airport unit.
10. Open iTunes. On the lower right, you will see a dropdown for Speakers, and it should be defaulted to My Computer. Click on that drop-down, and you will see the name of your Airport unit. Click on that name, and now your music will broadcast to the Airport unit!
11. Play a song in iTunes. Go to your audio receiver, and connect it to the channel for your external connection to the Airport Express unit. You should hear your music from iTunes. CONGRATULATIONS! =)
I hope these instructions were helpful - I am happy to answer any questions, so feel free to contact me, *******************@*****.**.
<Edited by Moderator>

Thanks for the detailed directions. You are absolutely correct in stating that people should toss the user manual; it's pretty worthless. I have had a problem setting up my new Airport Express as I have described in an earlier post - http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1839873&tstart=45
One quick question - does using your setup process set the AE up as part of a distributed network where the AE is acting as a wireless router where it is extending the range of your network? Or, is it simply a wireless connection to your stereo for iTunes? I am interested in having both, since my AE will be at the other end of the house from the main wireless router.
Thanks

Using an old Airport Express as a 'wireless gaming adapter' with a PC

Patience please - this is prob v obvious but I'm no tech!
I want to set up a wirelessly connected 'Slingbox' in the UK at my sisters place. I have an old (OLD!) Airport Express 'port' (looks like the current base station but is from a time when base stations looked like spoof-UFO models and the 'ports' were different - around 2003) that I want to use as the bridge between their wireless network and the Slingbox. They have a PC.
Q. Am I gonna be able to get their PC to talk to the Airport Express port thing?.. I see I can download Bonjour for Windows - is that all I need to do?..
Thanks

I have an old (OLD!) Airport Express 'port' (looks like the current base station but is from a time when base stations looked like spoof-UFO models and the 'ports' were different - around 2003) that I want to use as the bridge between their wireless network and the Slingbox.
I assume that you would like to use the AirPort Express Base Station (AX) to perform like an Ethernet bridge. This type of device would connect an Ethernet client to a wireless network. Is this what you are looking to do?
If so, then what is the make/model of the router that is currently providing the wireless network? If it is not another AirPort or Time Capsule, then you will not be able to use the AX this way.
Q. Am I gonna be able to get their PC to talk to the Airport Express port thing?.. I see I can download Bonjour for Windows - is that all I need to do?..
Bonjour is good to have, but is not required. However, you will need a copy of the AirPort Utility for Windows to be able to administer the AX from the PC.

Using the Aiport Express as a Wireless Access Point on Windows XP

I would like to use my airport express as a wireless access point so that it will connect wirelessly to my router and via an Ethernet cable to my laptop that does not have a wireless card. Also, I have a laptop that I don't have admin rights to, so I can't install the airport express software. I do have another computer in which I am able to set things up on, but ultimately I would like to use the Ethernet port on the airport express as a DHCP device that once configured it will automatically connect to my laptop even after powering off and on any machine with DHCP. I believe that this can be done - but correct me if I am wrong.
So far, I have been able to get the airport express to connect to my router, but I can't seem to get the intenet connection on my laptop. Can someone help? Does the software have to be installed to work even after it is configured?
Thanks!

I have successfully gotten my AX to connect to my wireless router via the wireless client mode, but I can't seem to get the network connection to come out the either net jack of the AX.
Unfortunately, the wireless client mode will not activate the Ethernet port. The purpose of this mode is to connect to an existing wireless network as a client (just like any other device connecting to the network) and be able to either/or stream iTunes or share a USB printer.
The only mode where the Ethernet port is enabled, would be to configure the AX as either a relay or remote base station in a Wireless Distribution System (WDS). But, unfortunately, your Belkin wireless router may not be WDS-compatible with the AirPorts.
Again, the only Belkin routers, that I'm aware of that are compatible are the F5D7230-4 & F5D7130.

Using the Airport express as a wireless network adapter

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