MAC Address filtering / access control - OK with Airport Express?

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MAC Address filtering / access control - OK with Airport Express?

I am trying to install an Airport Express as a "client" within an existing wireless home network [which is created by a third-party access point] for AirTunes streaming.

Support article TS2098 starts out with the note "be sure that the third-party access point is not restricting clients based on MAC address."

*_Can anyone tell me if MAC address filtering will cause an Airport Express to NOT CONNECT with an existing third-party access point?_*

Or does this merely mean that I need to be sure to add my Airport Express MAC Address to the list of accepted devices.

(I know the MAC address filtering is not a security feature by itself, but I use it anyway, along with password control, etc.)

Thanks for your help - mb

Macbook, Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Posted on Jul 28, 2010 6:09 AM

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Answer 1

Tesserax

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Jul 28, 2010 8:27 AM in response to mbartner

Hello mbartner. Welcome to the Apple Discussions!

Can anyone tell me if MAC address filtering will cause an Airport Express to NOT CONNECT with an existing third-party access point?

Yes, that is correct, the AirPort Express will NOT be able to connect. Looking at it a different way, when you configure the Express to "join" another wireless network, it is performing just like any other wireless client on the network and not a router.

Or does this merely mean that I need to be sure to add my Airport Express MAC Address to the list of accepted devices.

Since it is a wireless client, its MAC address would need to be added to the MAC filter for access to that network.

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Answer 2

mbartner Author

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Jul 28, 2010 8:54 AM in response to Tesserax

Tesserax wrote:
Yes, that is correct, the AirPort Express will NOT be able to connect. Looking at it a different way, when you configure the Express to "join" another wireless network, it is performing just like any other wireless client on the network and not a router.

Since it is a wireless client, its MAC address would need to be added to the MAC filter for access to that network.

Thanks Tesserax for the followup - just to be dumb-simple-clear about it, based on your answer:

IF I add the AX's MAC Address to the "allowed" list on my third-party access point (and then complete all other setup correctly), the AX _should be able to connect as a "client"_ (just like my Macbook, phone or similar wifi client device) _WITH MAC Address filtering/control still in place on the network_ - correct?

_*Thanks again*,_ I really appreciate the confirmation from a knowledgeable user.

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Answer 3

Tesserax

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158,658 points

Jul 28, 2010 9:03 AM in response to mbartner

IF I add the AX's MAC Address to the "allowed" list on my third-party access point (and then complete all other setup correctly), the AX should be able to connect as a "client" (just like my Macbook, phone or similar wifi client device) WITH MAC Address filtering/control still in place on the network - correct?

That is correct!

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Answer 4

mbartner Author

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Jul 28, 2010 10:04 AM in response to Tesserax

THANKS!!!

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