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)
rickhitz

Q: How to you extend my existing network using an AirPort Express?

  My current configuration is a Linksys wireless router that I'm connecting to the AirPort Express via Cat. 5 cable.  Only get a flashing yellow light.  Help.

AirPort Express 802.11n Wi-Fi, connecting to existing network

Posted on Jan 10, 2013 10:26 PM

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Q: How to you extend my existing network using an AirPort Express?

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  • by Munas,

    Munas Munas Jan 10, 2013 10:35 PM in response to rickhitz
    Level 4 (1,264 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 10, 2013 10:35 PM in response to rickhitz

    Are you using WAN port on your Airpot Express and Lan port on Linksys?

  • by rickhitz,

    rickhitz rickhitz Jan 10, 2013 10:39 PM in response to Munas
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 10, 2013 10:39 PM in response to Munas

    Yes.  Should I be using my WAN on the Linksys?

  • by Munas,

    Munas Munas Jan 10, 2013 10:46 PM in response to rickhitz
    Level 4 (1,264 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 10, 2013 10:46 PM in response to rickhitz

    No, I believe that on Linksys you should use Lan for connection with Airport Express.

    Have you configired your your Express using Airport Utility?

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4260

  • by rickhitz,

    rickhitz rickhitz Jan 10, 2013 10:55 PM in response to Munas
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 10, 2013 10:55 PM in response to Munas

    I can't connect to the AirPort Express as my utility can't see it.  I believe this is because it is not connected to the internet and I'm still showing a yellow light.  Are you sure the AirPort will connect with Linksys instead of another apple product?  Guess I could try connecting directly to my cable modem to see if the AirPort is functioning correctly.

  • by Munas,

    Munas Munas Jan 10, 2013 11:00 PM in response to rickhitz
    Level 4 (1,264 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 10, 2013 11:00 PM in response to rickhitz

    You may try to connect Airport Express directly to your computer and disconnect your computer from other networks (to make Airport Express the only network device your computer is connected to). Make sure that on your computer's Ethernet port configuration is set to obtain IP address via DHCP.

  • by rickhitz,

    rickhitz rickhitz Jan 11, 2013 10:49 PM in response to Munas
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 11, 2013 10:49 PM in response to Munas

    So I've been trying to do this effort with my iPhone and my wife was using her computer which picked up the Airport Express and I was able to connect to it.  The light is now green but still can't recognize the wireless with any device (computer, iPhone, iPad).  I had previously named the Airport Express the same name and password as my router per instructions from sales lady at Best Buy.  Could that be part of the problem? 

  • by Munas,Helpful

    Munas Munas Jan 11, 2013 11:50 PM in response to rickhitz
    Level 4 (1,264 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 11, 2013 11:50 PM in response to rickhitz

    Not the device it self should have the same name, but the wireless network should be named exactly as the existing one and have the same password and security mode.

     

    The device names may be whatever you want and are just for you to recognize which device is which.

     

    Try to follow instructions at http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4260

  • by rickhitz,

    rickhitz rickhitz Jan 12, 2013 5:27 PM in response to Munas
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 12, 2013 5:27 PM in response to Munas

    I'm about to quit and return the unit.  Everything seems to be working except that the Airport Express is not radiating a signal.  Light is green, I can access the unit via Airport Utility, verified the cat 5 is connected to my main router, power is on, and network mode is on "Extend a wireless network."  I've changed the routing of the Cat 5 wire to connect directly to the main router.

  • by rickhitz,

    rickhitz rickhitz Jan 12, 2013 6:03 PM in response to Munas
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 12, 2013 6:03 PM in response to Munas

    I got it working but here is the deal.  It is not intuitive; you have to set it on "Create a wireless network", not "Extend a wireless network".  You use extend a wireless network when you do it all wirelessly when the signal from the base is strong enough.  But since I couldn't reach my wireless network to boost it, I had to use the cat. 5.  So I guess it does make sense since I'm going from my WAN by cable to creating a wireless network.  For some reason I thought it was going to be seamless with my existing wireless network so therefore I was extending my wireless network.  Wrong.  Thanks for all your suggestions as I think I would have quit long ago without you help. 

  • by Munas,

    Munas Munas Jan 12, 2013 11:39 PM in response to rickhitz
    Level 4 (1,264 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 12, 2013 11:39 PM in response to rickhitz

    Yes, in "extend a wireless network" case, wifi is used to extend the network as well the router (Linksys in your case) should be configured to allow the network to be extended (not all the routers have this feature). However, you were extending the network not via WiFi and at the page (link I sent you above) is shown that you have to "create a wireless network"

     

    I am glad that you got it working.