Q: Airport Utility Doesn't Recognize Airport Express
I'm trying to setup a basic music streaming network, as illustrated in Apple's Airport Express Setup Guide:
"Using Airport Express on an Existing Wireless Network and Stream Music to Powered Speakers or Your Home Stereo."
I have an older Airport Extreme Base Station (model #A1034) connected via Ethernet LAN to my Dual Core 2.3 GHz PowerPC G5 Desktop Computer. I'm trying to introduce an Airport Express module (MB321LL/A , Model 3A1264) to the network so I can stream iTunes to the Airport Express module connected to a satellite stereo w/speakers. Everything is located in the same room, for now, for the sake of simplicity and testing in order to get the network up and running.
For some reason Airport Utility does not recognize the Airport Express. The Airport Express shows a blinking amber status light. I've reviewed the documentation but I'm unable to figure out how to configure this so my system recognizes the Airport Express.
I appreciate any advice to get this up and running.
Hardware and Software:
Computers
-Dual Core 2.3 GHz PowerPC G5 Desktop Computer (note: NO internal airport WiFi card), OS 10.4.11
Airport Units
-Airport Express module 802.11n (MB321LL/A, model #A1264)
-Airport Extreme Base Station model #A1034 (older unit with 2003 date)
Software on my G5:
-Airport Admin Utility v5.4.2
-Airport Disk Utility v1.5.3
-OS 10.4.11
-iTunes 9.2.1
Thanks a bunch,
Lovegasoline
iBook
Posted on May 5, 2012 9:12 PM
Wonderful.
My roommate will be happy to share the service.
It's good to know that the hardware still has a future, I was under the impression that 802.11g was somewhat obsolete ... realistically (besides the attendant general OS improvements) is there no compelling reason to upgrade to hardware with the 802.11n protocol? I notice that Apple's newest generation Airport Extreme doesn't appear compatible with my older PowerPC computers and older OS (my Extreme has firmware 5.4.2, which I believe is last compatible update for my OS) .
I was under the impression that my newer Airport Express units with 802.11n would be hampered by the older Extreme unit, as a weak link in the chain. A friend (who also contracts with Verizon for DSL) gave me the Airport Extreme to use, as Verizon had supplied him for free with one of their own DSL modems/wireless routers ... he said Verizon's unit did everything his older round Airport Extreme did, but with the benefit of several additional Ethernet LAN ports, so he was able to connect multiple hard drive, printers, etc. to the network to improve its functionality.
I suppose now that I have my head wrapped around the networking concept, other compatible router hardware is always an option, though I'm somewhat hesitant because I'm confident that if anyone can bring setup and operation to a more or less user friendly level, it's Apple.
Thanks again John for your technical expertise, patience, and exceptional Airport networking mini clinic. You've guided me past a major hurdle in my improving my Apple IQ
Posted on May 16, 2012 3:15 PM





