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rbfrank
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Q: How do I install an AirPort express as a REPEATER to increase the signal strength to an AppleTV that is showing a signal of only 50 mb/s

I would like to increase the signal strength from my existing WiFi (Airport Tower) to an Airport Express to be used as a REPEATER. What are the steps to follow to do this. Thanks, Richard

iMac, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5), iPad1 OS 5.1.1, AppleTV OS 6.0

Posted on Nov 17, 2015 6:13 AM

by rbfrank,Solvedanswer
rbfrank rbfrank
Level 1 (0 points)
A:

Well, I got it installed.  I thank you for tyour help.

        Notwithstanding, the part I did not know as the issue with the potential speed dropping.  I have TWO [2] AppleTV.  I will have to see how this repeater (extender) will affect my original signal to our "Movie Room". I definitely do not want to weaken that signal as it is wherer I enjoy watching movies from iTunes.

 

Right now, I am getting a signal strength of in-between Good and Excellent on the "extended" AppleTV and an EXCELLENT reading on the "main AppleTV".

 

One thing which may work for my favor is that I do not have both AppleTV's on at the same time; that is, we are watching one or the other TV, but not both. That may help with the signal strength overall.

 

Thanks again for your help.   Regards, Richard

Posted on Nov 17, 2015 9:48 AM

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rbfrank

Q: How do I install an AirPort express as a REPEATER to increase the signal strength to an AppleTV that is showing a signal of only 5 ... more

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Nov 17, 2015 7:21 AM in response to rbfrank
    Level 10 (105,018 points)
    Wireless
    Nov 17, 2015 7:21 AM in response to rbfrank

    We assume that you have a new Airport Express with factory default settings that has not been set up previously.

     

    Locate the AirPort Express about half way between the AirPort Extreme and the Apple TV and power it up for a few minutes. Location and placement is very important. The more that you have line-of-sight between the AirPort Extreme and AirPort Express and Apple TV, the better the network will perform.

     

    From this point, we are simply following the instructions in the Setup Guide that came with your AirPort Express.

     

    On the iMac......click the WiFi icon at the top of the computer screen

    Look for a listing of New AirPort Base Station

    Just below that, click directly on AirPort Express

     

    New AirPort Base Express.png

     

    When you click on AirPort Express, that will get the setup "wizard" running. It will take a few seconds to analyze the network, then present a window that looks similar to the illustration below, except that you will see your devices and the name of your wireless network.

     

    Extend Wireless 1.png

     

    In the box next to Base Station Name, type in a short simple name that you want to call the AirPort Express

     

    Click Next

     

    The wizard will set up everything for you automatically. When you see the message of Setup Complete, click Done and close the windows.

     

    Pull the power cord from the back of the Apple TV, wait a few seconds, then plug the power cord back in and give the Apple TV a few minutes to power up and restart.  You should be all set.

  • by rbfrank,

    rbfrank rbfrank Nov 17, 2015 7:42 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 17, 2015 7:42 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    Hello Bob,  Thanks for your fast reply.  I do have two questions before I begin the process of setting up the AirPort Express:

     

    1- I want to play it "safe" and assume that the AirPort express has been used by my son at one time ..... so can you review how do I RESET it to Factory Default Settings ?

     

    2- This question is more confusing; I hope I can explain my question.  You say that in the BOX next to the Base Station Name, I should type in a simple name to call my AirPort express.   BUT, the image you sent seems to me that it is asking for the Base Station Name and not the AirPort Express.   Do you want me to enter in that box the "new" name I will give the AirPort Express?

    FYI: The Network Name is: REF Network

            The Base Station name is: Study

               and I want to name the "new" the AirPort Express: TV terraza

    Please help me on these two questions and I should be good to go.  Thanks again.   Richard

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Nov 17, 2015 7:52 AM in response to rbfrank
    Level 10 (105,018 points)
    Wireless
    Nov 17, 2015 7:52 AM in response to rbfrank

    I assumed that you had a new AirPort Express. Might be a good idea to verify which model of Express that you have.....to make sure that it has the capability to do what you want

     

    Does the back of the AirPort Express look like this?

     

    New AX Reset Button.png

     

    Or does it look like this?

     

    AirPort Express Reset Button.png

     

    If it looks like this....with only one Ethernet port.....we need for you to locate the model number of the device. It is on the side of the device.....hard to see.....but it starts with an "A" followed by four numbers.  Post back with that number.  Example.....A1264, A1084.

     

    If you want to name the Express TV terrazza......then would type TV terrazza in the box next to Base Station name.

  • by rbfrank,

    rbfrank rbfrank Nov 17, 2015 8:00 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 17, 2015 8:00 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    Hello Bob, My AirPort Express rear end looks like the first illustration. It is the 802.11n

    If I follow similar inx from my existing AirPort Extreme Tower, I just press and hold the reset button for +/- 5 seconds until the status light flashes quickly. Correct?  Then I go on with your instructions......

     

    Thanks for the clarification on the "BOX NAME" issue.

    Regards,

    Richard

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Nov 17, 2015 9:34 AM in response to rbfrank
    Level 10 (105,018 points)
    Wireless
    Nov 17, 2015 9:34 AM in response to rbfrank

    The trick is to hold the reset button in until you see the amber light begin to blink rapidly.....then continue to hold another 5-6 seconds and then release. Then, allow a full minute for the Express to restart and it is ready to be set up.

     

    There are always upsides and downsides to extending or repeating using a wireless connection.  The upside is that the signal near the Apple TV will be stronger.....but the downside is that the maximum potential speed on the network will drop by 40-50% on average.

     

    Let us know about how things are working for you when you have the Express set up.

  • by rbfrank,Solvedanswer

    rbfrank rbfrank Nov 17, 2015 9:48 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 17, 2015 9:48 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    Well, I got it installed.  I thank you for tyour help.

            Notwithstanding, the part I did not know as the issue with the potential speed dropping.  I have TWO [2] AppleTV.  I will have to see how this repeater (extender) will affect my original signal to our "Movie Room". I definitely do not want to weaken that signal as it is wherer I enjoy watching movies from iTunes.

     

    Right now, I am getting a signal strength of in-between Good and Excellent on the "extended" AppleTV and an EXCELLENT reading on the "main AppleTV".

     

    One thing which may work for my favor is that I do not have both AppleTV's on at the same time; that is, we are watching one or the other TV, but not both. That may help with the signal strength overall.

     

    Thanks again for your help.   Regards, Richard

  • by Bob Timmons,Helpful

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Nov 17, 2015 10:10 AM in response to rbfrank
    Level 10 (105,018 points)
    Wireless
    Nov 17, 2015 10:10 AM in response to rbfrank

    Unless you have a very fast Internet connection  200+ Mbps......you may not notice the speed drop on the network, since the network will still likely be faster than your Internet connection.

     

    If you are copying files from one device to another or backing up files over your "local" network, then you may notice that the process is taking longer than before.

     

    Not sure why you marked your "Thanks for the help" message as the solution to your original question.....which may likely confuse other users who are looking for answers.....but glad that you got things working.