Q: How do I set up an Airport Extreme Base Station (v. 7.6.1) to allow wireless network extension?
I have an Airport Extreme Base station (purchased in 2009) and an Airport Express base station (purchased in 2011 - the model that plugs directly into the electrical outlet) (both version 7.6.1 according to the Airport Utility info). I want to use the Airport Express to extend my wireless network. Using Airport utility setup I have a software option on the Airport Express to set it up to extend the network but I do not have an option on the Airport Extreme wireless setup screen that I can check to allow my wireless network to be extended.
All of the documentation I can find on Apple Support states that I should have an option I can check to allow the wireless network to be extended while in the wireles setup section for the Airport Extreme in Airport Utility; but, that check option isn't there. Is this a case of my Airport Extreme base station being too old to offer that option? Incidentally, when I try to select the extend wireless network option on the Airport Express from the Airport Utility wireless setup menu I get an error message (no details - just an error message). The same Airport Express sets up fine if I select join a network (not what I want to do). Am I just dealing with outdated equipment or does anyone have a suggestion? Thanks.
Posted on Sep 8, 2012 9:06 AM
Close AirPort Utility if it is open.
Temporarily, move the Express to the same general area as your AirPort Extreme and power it up and wait a minute.
Hold in the reset button on the Express for 9-10 seconds and then release. Give the Express a full minute to restart to a slow, blinking amber light.
Click the AirPort icon at the top of the Mac's screen and wait a few seconds for a listing of New AirPort Base Station to appear
Click on AirPort Express just below that and AirPort Utility will automatically open
Wait a minute while AirPort Utility analyzes the network and announces that the Express will be configured to "Extend" the AirPort Extreme network.
Enter a device name for the AirPort Express and click Next
Wait another minute to allow the configuration to occur.
When you see the Setup Complete message, click Done.
Now move the Express to a location that is approximately half the distance from the AirPort Extreme and the general area that needs more wireless coverage
Power up the Express and you are all set. Trash those old instructions.
Posted on Sep 8, 2012 9:26 AM

