HT204617: Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring an extended wireless network (802.11n)

Learn about Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring an extended wireless network (802.11n)
MEAbeep

Q: We decided to set the Air Port Express in a room using only the power outlet and relying on the existing wifi signal...we have a verizon modem and didn't want to mess with connecting the Air port express directly to the verizon device.  It didn't work.

I bought a Air Port Express device from Apple yesterday.  We decided to set the Air port device in a room near the router to use as a wifi extender to areas of the house where the signal is weak.  In our discussion with Josh, the Apple Rep.  he explained how it can either be connector to the router or use in another room relying on the existing wifi signal to extend it further into the house.  We have verizon DSL.  Our town is very small...no cable provided so we are lucky to have what we have...some areas of our town can't even get what we have.  We, didn't want to connect it directly to the Verizon device (router)....we followed the directions from Josh as well as the explicit directions provided by Apple support...it didn't work. We keep getting an error messageDoes anyone have any advice ?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Please speak in "Laymen's terms"  I am not technically savy....but..am determined to get this set up.  Thanks to anyone, in advance!

 

Signed,

 

MEAbeep

Air port express

Posted on Nov 27, 2012 6:09 AM

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Q: We decided to set the Air Port Express in a room using only the power outlet and relying on the existing wifi signal...we have a v ... more

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  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Nov 27, 2012 7:29 AM in response to MEAbeep
    Level 10 (105,348 points)
    Wireless
    Nov 27, 2012 7:29 AM in response to MEAbeep
    In our discussion with Josh, the Apple Rep.  he explained how it can either be connector to the router or use in another room relying on the existing wifi signal to extend it further into the house.

     

    Unfortunately, it appears that Josh was not aware that the AirPort Express can only "extend" a wireless signal from another Apple router.

     

    From Apple's literature:

     

    Extend an existing Wi-Fi network’s range.

    If you already have a wireless network in your home and want to extend its range, AirPort Express can help. Just place it in range of your primary base station — an AirPort Extreme, Time Capsule, or another AirPort Express — and near the area where you want your wireless connection. Launch the easy-to-use AirPort Utility app on your iOS device or Mac, and you’re mere minutes away from long-range Wi-Fi enjoyment.

    The AirPort Express is not compatible with a Verizon product for this purpose.

     

    Your might want to have another conversation with Josh to ask his advice on how best to proceed at this point.

     

    If you do decide to keep the AirPort Express, it will be necessary to connect it to your Verizon router using a wired Ethernet cable connection if you want the Express to provide more wireless signal coverage.

  • by Mike's Pad,

    Mike's Pad Mike's Pad Nov 27, 2012 10:24 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 2 (365 points)
    Apple Watch
    Nov 27, 2012 10:24 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    Bob, I have a 12 year old Verizon DSL (Westel) modem, a 10 year old Linksys router (2.4GHz only) and using an Airpot Express, wirelessly with no Ethernet cable, to extend the Wi-Fi signal. 

     

    I have a solid green led on the Express unit itself; see the Express in Airport Utility, again with a green light; see that the Express is putting out 5GHz on channel 157, 2.4 GHz on channel 6; can see the Express serial number by clicking on the "fan" using the Option key; etc., etc.  

     

    Am I being fooled into thinking the Express is indeed working to extend my signal?

  • by Bob Timmons,Helpful

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Nov 27, 2012 11:40 AM in response to Mike's Pad
    Level 10 (105,348 points)
    Wireless
    Nov 27, 2012 11:40 AM in response to Mike's Pad

    If you open AirPort Utility and click on the Express then click  Manual Setup, then click the Wireless tab under the icons, what is the setting that you see for Wireless Mode? 

     

    If you are using AirPort Utility 6.1, the setting would be next to Network Mode.

  • by MEAbeep,

    MEAbeep MEAbeep Nov 28, 2012 4:51 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 28, 2012 4:51 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    Dear Bob, 

     

    Thank you for your quick response.  In the future, I will most definately, take advantage of this Community Forum.  Being a part of the "Apple Family" it is a comfort to know there is a place to seek help and direction. When it comes to computer and internet "stuff", I am usually lost.  I appreciate your help and sincere concern.  Have a great day. 

     

    Sincerely,

     

    MEAbeep

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Nov 28, 2012 6:03 AM in response to MEAbeep
    Level 10 (105,348 points)
    Wireless
    Nov 28, 2012 6:03 AM in response to MEAbeep

    If you do not have any more questions, you might consider marking this question answered or solved, so that it might help other users who may have the same type of question.

     

    We undertand our response was likely not the answer that you were seeking, but it was unfortunately the correct answer to your question.

     

    Thanks for the nice note.

  • by MEAbeep,

    MEAbeep MEAbeep Nov 28, 2012 9:56 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 28, 2012 9:56 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    Bob,  This is an official response (as you requested) reporting that you answered my question and I appreciate your help.  I will return my Airport Express at the Apple store where it was purchased and seek out another Apple related product. 

     

    Have a nice day!

     

    MEAbeep

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Nov 28, 2012 10:38 AM in response to MEAbeep
    Level 10 (105,348 points)
    Wireless
    Nov 28, 2012 10:38 AM in response to MEAbeep

    Thank you sir!