creating a bridge with airport extreme (base) and airport express

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creating a bridge with airport extreme (base) and airport express

i am having trouble creating a bridge with airport extreme (base) and airport express. i got the airport express to connect to my network. Airtunes sees it fine. i have an iMac (running Tiger) connected to the airport express via ethernet which i was hoping to get internet on (the iMac doesn't not have built in wireless and i had a spare airport express). now the airport express is no longer visible to the airport setup assistant on that iMac. but, like i mentioned, Airtunes is working fine, and the light is green.

i'm new to the wireless stuff. i am sure i just missed a step. how do i get the iMac to connect to the internet via my airport express bridging to my airport extreme wireless network?

your help is appreciated.

G5, Mac Mini, Airport Extreme, Airport Express x2, bunch of ipods and laptops, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Aug 23, 2009 6:15 PM

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Answer 1

Aug 23, 2009 6:37 PM in response to Peruchito

Welcome to the discussion area!

Can you clarify if you have AirPort Extreme(n)and Airport Express(n)?

You will need the "n" version of both devices to do this. Cannot use a "g" Extreme or Express as they do not have this functionality.

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Answer 2

Peruchito Author

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Aug 23, 2009 8:22 PM in response to Bob Timmons

ahh thats why. i have an extreme n/g and express g.

ok. so i need to get an express that supports n.

i read around the web, of people doing it with g and even b expresses. i guess this is false?

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Answer 3

Aug 24, 2009 6:35 AM in response to Peruchito

This functionality, called ProxySTA was implemented in the "n" Express. The main router must also support ProxySTA (the Apple devices, of course do).

So, it's possible to have an Express(n) with another manufacturer's router and the "enable ethernet client" will not be active if the router does not support ProxySTA.

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Answer 4

Duane

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Aug 24, 2009 6:55 AM in response to Peruchito

You can do this with the equipment you have. Configure the AirPort Extreme base station (AEBS) to act as a WDS main base station and configure the AirPort Express (AX) to act as a WDS remote base station. That will allow you to use the Ethernet port on the AX.

Unfortunately WDS also causes the available wireless bandwidth to be cut in half.

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Answer 5

Aug 24, 2009 6:57 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Actually, I neglected to mention the WDS option. If you configure the Extreme and Express in a WDS arrangement, the ethernet port on the Express can be configured to be active.

I wasn't thinking about WDS since it cuts the available bandwidth of the wireless network by 50% for each Express, so that's the penalty. But...it is an option.

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Answer 6

Peruchito Author

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Aug 24, 2009 6:58 AM in response to Bob Timmons

coolies. looks like i will just pick up an new N express.

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