Will airport express extend the range of our wifi?

We have wifi through Comcast in our home.  The range, however, is at about 20 yds.  I exchanged the router that was supplied (monthly rental from) from Comcast without any change.  We have an Airport Express device, 802.11n, purchased in the last year in an effor to improve this, but was never connected as the instructions are beyond me.  I just tried to research it again, and I don't have a clue if it will help, and how to hook it up.  Help!

An Apple AirPort Base Station can only "wirelessly extend" a wireless network created by another Apple AirPort Base Station.
You can add the Express to your network as an additional wireless access point, as long as you connect it directly to the Comcast router with an Ethernet cable.
This Apple Support document explains how to do that: Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring a roaming network (802.11 a/b/g/n)
The AirPort Utility screenshots are outdated, but the wiring information shows the general arrangement you would require.
Otherwise, you would need to purchase an additional Apple AirPort Base Station, connect it to the Comcast router, and use your Express to "wirelessly extend" the wireless network created by the new Apple AirPort.

Similar Messages

  • Airport Express extending the range of my network HELP!

    Greetings!
    I know there are similar posts on this topic, but I can't seem to find a solution so I'll just ask again!
    Equipment: AirPort Extreme and two Airport Expresses (all are N)
    We live in a long house and the AirPort Extreme sits on one end with the cable modem and I'd like to place two AirPort Expresses in the middle and other end of the house so we can get wireless.
    I've tried WDS and extended and I can't get them to configure! What can I do? I'm out of ideas and time spend trying to set up an extender!!
    Help!!
    Message was edited by: Scott Rowan

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    Ok, this can be done with a static WDS.
    Here is the basic steps to do so:
    Static WDS Setup
    (Note: To facilitate the WDS set up, temporarily connect both 802.11n AirPort Express Base Stations (AXn) to any available LAN port on the 802.11n AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBSn). When setup is complete, you can then relocate them to the desired locations. Be sure to jot down the AirPort IDs (MAC addresses) for each of the base stations to be used in the WDS. The AirPort ID is printed on the label on the bottom/side of the base station.)
    Main Base Station Setup - AEBSn
    o Click the AirPort status menu in the menu bar and choose the wireless network created by the AEBSn.
    o Open AirPort Utility.
    o Select the AEBSn, and then, choose Manual Setup from the Base Station menu.
    o Click Wireless in the toolbar, and then choose “Participate in a WDS network” from the Wireless Mode pop-up menu. (Note: You may have to hold down the Option key before clicking the menu for this option to appear on the 802.11n models.)
    o Click WDS and then choose “WDS main” from the WDS Mode pop-up menu.
    o Select the “Allow wireless clients” checkbox.
    o Click the Add "+" button and enter the AirPort ID of AXn#1.
    o Click Update to send the new settings to the base stations in the WDS.
    Remote Base Station Setup - AXn#2
    o Open AirPort Utility.
    o Select AXn#2, and then, choose Manual Setup from the Base Station menu.
    o Click AirPort in the toolbar and click Wireless. Choose “Participate in a WDS network” from the Wireless Mode pop-up menu, and choose the same channel as the main base station from the Channel pop-up menu.
    o Click WDS and choose “WDS remote” from the pop-up menu.
    o Enter the AirPort ID of the main base station in the WDS Main field.
    o Click Update to transfer the settings to the base station.
    Relay Base Station Setup - AXn#1
    o Open AirPort Utility.
    o Select AXn#1, and then, choose Manual Setup from the Base Station menu.
    o Click AirPort in the toolbar and click Wireless. Choose “Participate in a WDS network” from the Wireless Mode pop-up menu, and choose the same channel as the main base station from the Channel pop-up menu.
    o Click WDS and choose “WDS relay” from the WDS Mode pop-up menu.
    o Enter the AirPort ID of the main base station in the Main AirPort ID field.
    o Click the Add "+" button and enter the AirPort ID of the remote base station this relay base station will connect to.
    o Click Update to transfer the new WDS settings to the relay and remote base stations.
    (ref: Pages 42-46 of "Designing AirPort Networks.)

  • Can AirPort Express extend the range of my Dlink

    Hi,
    Wonder if Airport Express would extend the wifi range of my Dlink wifi gateway and would actually work properly with it?
    Apreciate help ASAP!
    Dlink router: DVG-N5402SP Wifi Gateway ( Provided by ISP )

    The answer to the question is.....
    Yes, if you plan to connect the AirPort Express to the D-Link router permanently using an Ethernet cable.
    No, if you plan to have the AirPort Express connect wirelessly to the D-Link router.

  • Can two Airport Expresses double the range ?

    Hello
    Can You daisy chain more than one Airport Express to get a strong signal ?
    I have an Airport Extreme Base Station and an Airport Express in another room that extends the range of the network.Can I extend this range even further with a second Airport Express ?
    Currently both Airport Expresses have stereos attached and work great and the first Airport Express extends the range but the second doesn't appear to extend the range even though it shows a good signal.
    Thanks

    I have an Airport Extreme Base Station and an Airport Express in another room that extends the range of the network.Can I extend this range even further with a second Airport Express ?
    Yes, you will want to configure the first AirPort Express Base Station (AX) as a relay base station, and the second AX as a remote base station in the WDS.

  • How do I add an Airport Express to extend the range of my WIFI network with my iMac as a base station?

    Hi people
    I need help to configure a new Airport Express only to extend the range of my WIFI network.
    My ethernet cable from modem is connected directly in my iMac and I am sharing the internet by WIFI inside home very fine.
    Now, I would like connect my devices on my garden on backyard.
    I can't move my iMac from their place and i just want add a Airport Express between the iMac and backyard to extend the range of WIFI.
    But I can't to configure to that. On Airport Utility appear the Airport Express connected directly to internet globe, but don't work.
    So, what can I do? What is wrong?
    Thanks all and best regards.
    Carlos Sgrillo, from Brazil.

    The AirPort cannot do what you ask.
    The Airport needs to connect to a modem, or another router......not to a computer.
    The Express can only extend a wireless signal that has been provided by another Apple router.

  • Will the use of an Airport Express widen the range of my existing wifi?

    Will the use of an Airport Express widen the range of my existing wifi?

    Yes, but only if your existing WiFi is being produced by another Apple wireless router.
    The AirPort Express is almost certainly not compatible if you are planning to connect using wireless only with another brand of wireless router.

  • Does a second airport express extend the wireless signal from the first?

    After a long search on his forum and not finding an answer, this is my question:
    I have a Time Capsule connected to a Speedtouch router/modem. The Time Capsule has its own network. Because of the distances in my house, I use an Airport Express to extend the wireless range for my MBP. This doesn't seem to be enough to cover the whole distance (app. 35 meter) there is poor or no connection. So, my question is: can I use a second AE to extend the range even further? Will it pick up the signal from the first AE or do all the AE's in use need to connect with the Time Capsule?
    The first AE is app. 12 meter from the TC.
    many thanks,
    Inge

    Welcome to the discussions!
    The answer is yes and no.
    No, if you are using the "extend a wireless network" feature because each AirPort Express communicates directly to the Time Capsule, not to another AirPort Express. It's like the hub and spokes on a wheel. The Time Capsule is the hub and the Express devices are at the ends of the spokes. The devices at the ends of the spokes communicate directly to the hub, not to another spoke.
    Yes, if you are using the "WDS" feature because this type of setup allows a "main", "relay", and "remote" device to be configured. But, there is a big penalty with this type of system:
    o The network will operate at "g" wireless speeds only
    o The bandwidth on the network will drop 50% for each "relay" or "remote" device. So, with two devices, the first cuts half of the bandwidth. The second devices cuts half again. So, you are down to only 25% of the original bandwidth.

  • Why doesn't the Express extend the range of my Linksys WiFi?

    Bought An Airport Express to expand the range of my WiFi to the backyard, set it up as an addition to my Linksys WiFi coming from a cable modem. Everything looked good on paper & the laptop said everything was synced and there was a green solid dot on the Express itself, yet in my backyard, my iTouch couldn't find it. I put the Express in the window (open) to the backyard and sat in a chair right under it. Does anyone have the answer? It would be greatly appreciated.

    Apple's "extend a wireless network" function is a proprietary feature among Apple products.
    Both your main router and the extending device must be Apple "n" devices for this feature to work. Unfortunately, it will not work with other manufacturer's products. See footnote 2 on this Apple spec sheet to verify:
    http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/features/sharing.html
    Chances are, you likely configured the Express to "join" the Linksys network, which it can do.
    But, the Express does not provide any additional wireless coverage when it "joins". This setting is used to attach a remote printer to the Express or use the AirTunes feature by connecting powered speakers to the audio jack on the Express.

  • Can Express extend the range of a wired router

    Airport Express box reads "can extend the range only of an Airport Extreme or Airport Express wireless network". My daughter is moving into a college-town house that has (I think from the cable company) a 6 port wired router that sends a wall outlet ethernet connection to 6 rooms. If I don't or can't replace the router can I use the Airport Express and plug it near one of the 6 ethernet jacks? Can I use a Linksys Wireless Access Point device, or, is it like the Geek Squad wannabe salesman at Best Buy said, "It will be very hard for your daughter to configure this. You have to have the right settings".
    Thanks for any suggestions.

    Like I said it can be done, I would probably change there Router to a Multiport wireless router, and change it out.
    There are several different options. you just need to decide what you want to do.
    If you feel uncomfortable about doing it yourself, Get a hold of your friend that is a wizard and have him do it. It really is not that tough. but if you are not comfortable, or not sure what and how then leave it.
    I can't believe it isn't already wireless.
    Don

  • Can i use my airport to extend the range of my wireless network?

    I currently have a two wireless networks set up in my home. Network 1 is the wireless router provided by Verizon Fios. It has a stong signal in about half of my home. Network 2 -  I attached my airport to one of the LAN ports in the the back of the Fios router. I want to use my airport as a way to extend the range of my Fios wireless network. Is this possible?

    Network 2 can effectively "extend" Network 1 if the AirPort is permanently connected to the Fios router using an Ethernet connection.
    You would configure the AirPort to "create a wireless network" using exactly the same wireless network name, security settings and password as the Fios network. Additionally, the AirPort must be configured in Bridge Mode for this to work correctly.
    The most difficult part of doing this will be to find the exact type of wireless security that the Fios router is using and then find a corresponding compatible match on the AirPort. If the settings do not match up exactly, you'll have two networks which will require separate log ons.
    Configured correctly, your laptop will be able to "roam" from one area of the house to another and stay on the same network. That's why this type of setup is called a "roaming network".
    If you can locate the security settings for the Fios router and post back with that info, we can provide you with a step by step configuration for the AirPort if you need it.

  • Can Airport Express extend the private and guest networks simultaneously?

    Can the Airport Express be used to extend the private and guest WiFi networks coming from the base station simultaneously, or can it only be an extension for one of the two at a given time?
    Joe

    Can the Airport Express be used to extend the private and guest WiFi networks coming from the base station simultaneously
    Yes, either by a wireless connection or Ethernet connection to the base station.....assuming that both the base station and extender are using firmware 7.6.3 or higher and AirPort Utility 6.3 is used to configure both AirPorts, which must be dual band models.

  • Help Extending the range of my wifi

    I'm simply trying to extend my Wifi signal. My set up is this:
    I have an Airport Extreme connected to my Mac Pro via Ethernet cable.
    I'd like to boost my signal so that I can sit on my back porch and the second
    floor of my house (my home office is in the basement) and get a better signal.
    I bought an AirPort Express 802.11n and I hope this will do the trick.
    I've tried the WPA set up but when I do, although everything is green lights,
    I have no internet, wired or wireless. Once I do a hard reset of the Extreme
    Base station, all is back to normal. I'm thoroughly confused.
    Any help would be appreciated!
    Thanks!

    In that case, you can use Apple's "extend a wireless network feature".
    Here's how to configure both your AirPort Extreme and AirPort Express:
    +AirPort Extreme Configuration+
    Open AirPort Utility and click Manual Setup
    Click the Wireless tab below the row of icons
    Your Wireless Mode should already be set to “Create a Wireless Network”
    Make sure there is a check mark next to “Allow this network to be extended”
    Make note of the exact security setting that you are using on the Extreme as you will need this exact setting when your configure the AirPort Express
    Click Update to save any changes
    AirPort Express Configuration
    Open AirPort Utility and click Manual Setup. If you have difficulty at this point, hold in the reset button on the Express until the amber light blinks more quickly.
    Click the Wireless tab below the row of icons
    Wireless Mode = Extend a wireless network. If you don’t see this choice, hold down the option key when you click on the selection box
    Wireless Network Name…the name of the main AEBS network should appear as a choice. Click to select and enter it.
    Put a check mark next to Allow wireless clients
    Wireless Security = exact same setting as your AEBS
    Wireless Password = exact same setting as your AEBS
    Click the Base Station tab to assign a name and device password for the AX
    Click the Music icon to enable AirTunes if you wish
    Update to save settings.
    The real trick is to find the right location for the AX. Start with it positioned approximately 1/2 to 2/3 of the distance between the AEBS and the area you want to cover. Then experiment by moving the AX closer or further away for the best compromise in signal.
    Final point. The ethernet port on on AX is active in this configuration, so if you need to connect an ethernet device, just plug it in.

  • Can airport extreme extend the signal of my wifi network?

    or this can only be done with airport expresses?? 
    my house has real thick walls

    Tesserax,
    I have the 5th gen Time capsule, 1st gen airport extreme and airport express.
    Up to now with lots of difficulties, I managed to setup Time capsule in a bridge mode.
    (The only way was to have initial setup of TC without WAN cable connetcted)
    Afterwards I extened my network with the airport express, but having problems with the extreme.
    Setting up to extend the network from TC, after rebooting the extreme is not getting the right IP address from TC and it is not able to extend the network.
    Any ideas?

  • Airport express extending - n AND g

    I have an airport express extending a dual band airport extreme network. The extreme has one band on n (for laptops) and one band on a/g (for iphones and an older laptop).  The airport express extends the network, connecting wirelessly to the extreme in another room, and sharing its connection with an iphone and an old laptop.
    My question is this: will the airport express connect with the airport extreme (receiving its internet connection) at n speeds, but then connect with my iphone and old laptop (sharing its internet) at a/g speeds?  I know the express is not dual band and thus cannot share its connection on different bands, but can it connect on a different band than it shares?
    Thanks!

    From what I've tried the Airport Express will only extend as it connects to. I've tried and it doesn't seem to "auto-convert" from one to another.
    Also, you might want to look at the 802.11n 5ghz and 802.11n b/g/n 2.4ghz. Set this in your Airport Extreme accordingly (which you already might have), and let Airport Express automatically extend the 802.11n b/g/n 2.4ghz. This way, the iPhone will connect as fast as it can and the older laptop can connect.
    BTW here is my "poor man's dual band" setup if anyone's interested:
    DSL modem is connected to Netcomm 802.11b/g/n wireless router. This supplies the 802.11b/g/ 2.4ghz N signal for iPhone, Xbox360, and anything else.
    Then, I connect via ethernet from Netcomm wireless router to my existing Airport Express. Airport Express supplies a pure 802.11 5ghz N signal for my Mac, iPad2, new iPad and AppleTV.
    This way, the Mac, iPads and AppleTV always "see" only the Airport Express network, hence WiFi iTunes syncing as well as AirPlay streaming is great, and the 5ghz network with maximum N speed doesn't suffer interference and/or dropouts such as when my microwave is running.
    As for the iPhone, I'll just use a cable when I need to, but this way my iPhone and Xbox360 can access the Internet as needed without degrading the connectivity of the Mac, iPads and AppleTV. I don't play online games, I only need connectivity to update or download stuff on Xbox360.
    Yes, the disadvantage is double-NAT, but I haven't encountered issues yet.

  • Airport express extending wifi extremely slow

    Hello,
    I have a time capsule creating a wireless network and a airport express extending the wireless network.
    When I'm connected to the time capsule I have around 12mbp of speed but when I am connected to the airport express I have around 0.2mbp
    In the airport utility it says the connection is good she connected to the airport express.
    Everything was working fine a few days ago.
    I was reading the the forum that it may be interference from a neighbour and to change the channel but I can fine where to change the channel. 
    Is changing the channel the solution? How can I access where to change the channel?
    Or is there another solution?
    Anyone knows how to fix this speed problem in airport express?
    Cheers
    Francisco

    What is the distance between the Time Capsule (TC) and the AirPort Express Base Station (AX)? Are they in the same room, different room, different floor from each other? If in different rooms/floors, what is the basic building material used in the walls/floors/ceilings?
    It is important to understand that the AX can only extend the TC's wireless network at the same bandwidth that it receives it. If you are only getting around .2 Mbps at the AX, then either there is too much distance between routers or there is some form of Wi-Fi interference (other Wi-Fis or the builiding material) between them that is preventing the AX from getting a strong enough signal to extend.
    Changing channels is one possible solution. You would do so using the AirPort Utility. If you are using version 5.x of that utility, you would change channels as follows: AirPort Utility > Select the AX > Manual Setup > AirPort > Wireless tab > Channel. By default Channel is set to "Automatic." Click on the up/down arrow to the right of the Channel window to get the other channel options.
    If this doesn't resolve the problem, please check out the following AirPort User Tip for details on how to best place each base station for maximum bandwidth in an extended network.

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