This discussion is locked
ChuckMcK

Q: i want to extend an existing time capsule wife network with an airport express.  However, I do not see the option "allow this network to be extended" on the time capsule set up window as indicated in the instructions.

I want to extend an existing time capsule wifi network with an airport express.  However, I do not see the option "allow this network to be extended" on the time capsule set up window as indicated in the instructions.

Posted on Sep 4, 2012 6:18 AM

Close

Q: i want to extend an existing time capsule wife network with an airport express.  However, I do not see the option "allow this ... more

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Sep 4, 2012 6:46 AM in response to ChuckMcK
    Level 10 (105,273 points)
    Wireless
    Sep 4, 2012 6:46 AM in response to ChuckMcK

    You are likely looking at an older set of instructions.

     

    If you have Lion or Mountain Lion installed on your Mac, the manual step to "allow this network to be extended" is not needed because AirPort Utility does this for you automatically as part of the setup of the extending device.

     

    Toss those old instructions...things are entirely different now if you have Lion or Mountain Lion installed on your Mac using AirPort Utility 6.0 or 6.1.

     

    If you are running Lion or Mountain Lion on the Mac and need a few tips to get the Express configured, post back to let us know.

  • by ChuckMcK,

    ChuckMcK ChuckMcK Sep 4, 2012 7:43 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 4, 2012 7:43 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    I am running Lion (10.7.4) and Airport Utility (6.1).  Then what other issues could be keeping the Express (7.6.1) from finding the Time Capsule (7.6.1) when I set the Express up as an extension.  I have tried both wireless and via ethernet.  Do I need to reset the Express?  I originally set it up as a new network.  Do I need to reset the Time Capsule?  I set up the Time Capsule before I had Lion.

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Sep 4, 2012 9:36 AM in response to ChuckMcK
    Level 10 (105,273 points)
    Wireless
    Sep 4, 2012 9:36 AM in response to ChuckMcK

    Sounds like you are really confused.  This is really easy to do with Lion.

     

    Move the Express to the same general area as the Time Capsule for the following operations:

     

    Power up the Express and let it run for a minute

    Hold in the reset button on the Express for 9-10 seconds and release

    Allow a full minute for the Express to display a slow, blinking amber light

     

    On your Mac running Lion....click the fan shaped AirPort icon at the top of the screen and wait 5-10 seconds for the heading that reads New AirPort Base Station to appear

    Click on the AirPort Express listing just below that and AirPort Utility will open automatically

     

    Screen Shot 2012-09-04 at 11.27.31 AM.png

     

    Allow a minute for AirPort Utility to analyze your network and then announce that the Express will be configured to "Extend" your wireless network

     

    Enter a Base Station name for the AirPort Express that you want to use....example AirPort Express......and then click Next

     

    Wait another minute or two for AirPort Utility to automatically configure the AirPort Express.

     

    When you see Setup Complete, click Done.

     

    Move the AirPort Express approximately half the distance from the Time Capsule to the general area that needs more wireless coverage and power it up.

     

    You are all set.