jasonmramsey
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Q: Can I use an Airport express to extend the wireless signal on my Airport Extreme while simultaneously using the Ethernet ports on the back of it for machines?  I want to use both at the same time.

I already have a Airport Extreme but the other side of our house does not have wireless signal.  Can I use a airport express to extend my already in place network while also using the Ethernet ports on the airport express to use remote machines on the other side of the house that are not wireless.  I know you can do either but I would like to do both at the same time.  Possible?  If not, I guess you have to purchase 2 of them and use each one of them for each situation?  I can't seem to find anything that addresses using both of these features at the same time.  Thoughts?

Posted on Jan 24, 2016 8:21 PM

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jasonmramsey

Q: Can I use an Airport express to extend the wireless signal on my Airport Extreme while simultaneously using the Ethernet ports on ... more

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  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jan 24, 2016 8:43 PM in response to jasonmramsey
    Level 10 (105,198 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 24, 2016 8:43 PM in response to jasonmramsey

    Can I use a airport express to extend my already in place network while also using the Ethernet ports on the airport express to use remote machines on the other side of the house that are not wireless.

    Yes

     

    I know you can do either but I would like to do both at the same time

    No problem. You can even add an Ethernet switch to the Express if you need more ports.

     

    Both situations above assume that you will be locating the AirPort Express where it can receive a strong wireless signal from the AirPort Extreme. To check on that, walk your laptop to the area where you plan to locate the AirPort Express and make sure that the wireless works quickly and reliably at that location. After all, the AirPort Express is only going to work as well as the quality of signal that it receives.

     

    Another way of saying the same thing is that you cannot locate the AirPort Express in a dead spot area and expect it to work....because it won't.

     

    The more that you have a line-of-sight relationship between the AirPort Extreme and AirPort Express, the better the network will operate.

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Jan 24, 2016 8:38 PM in response to jasonmramsey
    Level 10 (271,323 points)
    Desktops
    Jan 24, 2016 8:38 PM in response to jasonmramsey

    An AEX can extend a wireless network from an AEBS. Both wireless and Ethernet can be used at the same time.

     

    AirPort base stations- Setting up and configuring an extended wireless network (802.11n)

    AirPort + Wi-Fi - Apple Support

     

    Be sure you set the AEX to Extend and existing wireless network. You will need to provide the password you set for the AEBS' WPA security.