Airport Express with Belkin G PLUS MIMO ADSL

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Airport Express with Belkin G PLUS MIMO ADSL

Hi All,

I have just purchased an Airport Express to improve my upstairs signal utilising WDS via the Belkin router.

I had a few issues setting up but this thread (from '06) helped me:

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=225216

I set up the Belkin router accordingly (set up the wireless bridge, configure the MAC address, etc) and seem to have managed the Airport Express config stages.. I have now got a full signal on my Mac Pro with the Airport Express unit plugged in at the top of the stairs halfway between me and the router. All seems fine, there's a green light, the settings/config as per the thread yielded a "SETUP SUCCESS" result, so why worry?

Well I just expected to see the Airport Express as the wireless network in my OS network bar - it is currently still showing "Belkin MIMO". Is this correct? I guess it makes sense on one hand, seeing as ultimately the Airport Express is communicating to it in order to access the Internet, but I wanted to check for peace of mind after forking out £81...

Is anyone else using this as a signal booster with non-Apple routers with similar results?

Andy

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Posted on Jul 3, 2010 9:08 AM

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Answer 1

Bob Timmons

Level 10

185,120 points

Jul 3, 2010 9:52 AM in response to Alphadelta

+Well I just expected to see the Airport Express as the wireless network in my OS network bar - it is currently still showing "Belkin MIMO". Is this correct?+

Correct. You are extending the Belkin network so you simply have one larger wireless network.

If you want to confirm that your Mac near the AirPort Express is connecting to the AirPort Express, hold down the option key on your computer while you click on the fan shaped AirPort icon at the top of your screen. Look for the BSSID. That should be the same address as the AirPort ID of your AirPort Express.

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Answer 2

Alphadelta Author

Level 1

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Jul 3, 2010 4:05 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Cheers Bob.

It is different to the ID of the Airport Express so I'm concerned.. In fact, if I now click on my Airport Utility it doesn't even detect it. Strange considering the green light is on and the setup was flawless...

Any ideas?

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Answer 3

Bob Timmons

Level 10

185,120 points

Jul 4, 2010 7:12 AM in response to Alphadelta

There are only a few other routers that have been reported to be compatible with Apple's WDS arrangement.

The two Belkin models that are listed as being compatible are FSD-7230 and FSD-7231. Do you have one of these models?

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Answer 4

Alphadelta Author

Level 1

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Jul 5, 2010 9:34 AM in response to Bob Timmons

I have the 9630 (v4) so that could go some way to explaining this!! I have a refund now, but really would love to get this sorted for future as I like the idea of Apple hardware managing my connection. The Apple reseller told me (on further inspection!) that a time capsule or similar, alongside this unit is the way forward for wireless bridge connections.

Never mind, I seem to have full bars at the moment so for now I can access my internet OK. Thank you for your help,

Andy

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Answer 5

Alphadelta Author

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Jul 5, 2010 9:35 AM in response to Alphadelta

Oh, it also may be helpful to mention, that we did 'kind of' get it connecting via our main Belkin router, BUT only with security OFF.. I can't figure that one out..

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