Airport Dropping Connection

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Airport Dropping Connection

About two years ago I purchased an Airport Express to use as an Airplay access point for a stereo. It worked fine up until recently when it will frequently drop connection.

If I factory reset the device it will maintain connection for about 3 days. After that, when I unplug the device and plug it back in the Airport will reconnect long enough to initiate an Airplay session, but most of the time it will still drop the connection after a couple minutes (it will show as unavailable in the Airport Utility) despite the music still playing.

I've tried several fixes I've discovered from Google, but the results are still the same. My most recent attempt at fixing it was dropping the firmware from 7.8.1 to 7.8. I know it is not a proximity issue because it will still disconnect when the Airport is in the same room as my router.

The only change that's occurred between now and when I purchased the Airport is the purchase of a new router. I would assume it is not a compatibility issue with the router since I can still maintain an Airplay session despite the Airport not showing in the Airport Utility.

Any help is appreciated

Posted on Oct 8, 2020 7:41 AM

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Answer 1

Tesserax

Level 10

151,665 points

Oct 8, 2020 10:08 AM in response to wasert456

wasert456 wrote:

I have not tried measuring the SNR, but I wouldn't even know where to begin with that.

Thanks for the additional information. To measure SNR, take a look at the following user tip article. Although it was written around extending an AirPort wireless network, the SNR measurement section still applies here.

Ref: AirPort - Optimal Base Station Placement - Apple Community

Other Fixes: I've tried changing the IPv6 to "Local Link Only" in the Airport Utility for the Express, turning off the DHCP, and enabling IPv6 connection sharing.

Setting IPv6 to "Local--link Only" should be done on both the Express and your network clients. Unless your ISP is providing IPv6 service, I suggest not enabling IPv6 connection sharing AND only if it is required. Otherwise you are opening your local network to IPv6 traffic from the Internet.

The Express should also not be configured to extend the wireless network from the new router, but only as a wireless client for the purpose of streaming.

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Answer 2

Tesserax

Level 10

151,665 points

Oct 8, 2020 8:33 AM in response to wasert456

Let's start with a few clarifying questions, if you don't mind:

Which exact model is your AirPort Express base station?
What is the make & model of your new router?
I'm assuming that the Express is connected back to that router by wireless ... correct?
Where is the Express located, in relation to that router: same room, different room, or different floor?
What is the basic construction material used in your home's walls?
Have you made SNR measurements of your new router at the location of the Express to determine the signal quality there?
What else have you tried to remedy this issue besides downgrading its firmware?

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Answer 3

wasert456 Author

Level 1

10 points

Oct 8, 2020 8:48 AM in response to Tesserax

Airport: 802.11n(2nd generation, A1392)

Router: Linksys EA7300 V2

Connected by wireless

The router is located in an office in the middle of the house, while the airport is roughly two rooms away.

Walls are drywall

I have not tried measuring the SNR, but I wouldn't even know where to begin with that.

Other Fixes: I've tried changing the IPv6 to "Local Link Only" in the Airport Utility for the Express, turning off the DHCP, and enabling IPv6 connection sharing. I am sure there are others, but these are the primary things I've attempted to fix the issue with.

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Answer 4

wasert456 Author

Level 1

10 points

Oct 10, 2020 3:12 PM in response to Tesserax

I checked the SNR, it showed 37 where the airport was placed.

My ISP has IPv6 and IPv4 stacked. When I looked at the devices on my network it looks like some where using 6 and some using 4. if I am understanding you correctly, it would explain why I cannot use the Local Link option

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Answer 5

Tesserax

Level 10

151,665 points

Oct 11, 2020 7:36 PM in response to wasert456

wasert456 wrote:

I checked the SNR, it showed 37 where the airport was placed.

Then the Wi-Fi signal quality, at the local of the Express, should be sufficient and not the issue. At least not for connectivity.

My ISP has IPv6 and IPv4 stacked. When I looked at the devices on my network it looks like some where using 6 and some using 4. if I am understanding you correctly, it would explain why I cannot use the Local Link option

Yes, that is correct. You will not want to use IPv6 Link-local only in this situation so that you can take advantage of your ISP's IPv6 services.

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Answer 6

wasert456 Author

Level 1

10 points

Oct 8, 2020 8:50 AM in response to wasert456

I should note, all of the fixes I've attempted have been with the Airport settings. I have not tried anything with the router since everything else connected to it works.

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Airport Dropping Connection

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