AirPort Express Connectivity

Question

Level 1

4 points

AirPort Express Connectivity

I have an AirPort Express 802.11n (1st generation) in an outbuilding connected to the main home router via an underground ethernet cable (category 4 ethernet I believe).

The WIFI SSID's are different. The outbuilding is approx 15 - 20 meters from the main house.

When in the outbuilding, I cannot join the main house WIFI SSID and vice versa - due to the respective WIFI's being out of range.

When in the outbuilding, I can access devices connected to the main home router (tested via streaming Spotify music on SONOS / Alexa Speakers inside the main house etc).

However when in the main house, I cannot access devices connected to the AirPort Express in the outbuilding (tested via attempting to stream Spotify music on the SONOS inside the outbuilding).

Does anyone know why this might be the case?

Many thanks in advance

Posted on Dec 30, 2022 9:14 AM

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Answer 1

John Galt

Level 10

146,180 points

Dec 30, 2022 2:12 PM in response to Herario

Step 1 is to prepare for a lot of weeping and gnashing of teeth because my personal philosophy about networking is "changing anything changes everything," and a router is the heart of a network. Expect nothing to work at first. Find a toothpick and get used to performing "hard resets" of the Express and whatever router you have: How to reset your AirPort base station - Apple Support.

Then, you will be ready to repurpose the Express. Follow these instructions: Set up a new base station using AirPort Utility on Mac - Apple Support.

Then, blame me for having wasted the better part of your day because I think you're asking for trouble with two separately named wireless networks.

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Answer 2

John Galt

Level 10

146,180 points

Dec 30, 2022 9:32 AM in response to Herario

I understand the Express is a client of your main router and is creating its own wireless network.

The most likely reason is that those services (Spotify and Amazon) rely upon an Internet connection and are registered or otherwise linked to a subscription. If you were to disconnect your main router from the Internet they would have no way to communicate with those services.

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Answer 3

Herario Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 30, 2022 9:53 AM in response to John Galt

Hi John - thanks for taking the time to reply.

I'm not following - why can I access devices in the house (connected to the main router) when in the outbuilding, but not the other way around - i.e. devices in the outbuilding (connected to the AirPort Express) when in the house?

I have a full subscription to Spotify if it helps ?

The reason for this is I am looking to install wireless thermostats in the house and outbuilding, however concerned I will not be able to access the thermostat in the outbuilding when in the house (and potentially vice versa). The other option is to go for hive, however still not confident I have the correct WIFI set up. I was speaking to my ISP today and he suggested I replace the AirPort Express with a second router. Just trying to minimise cost and trouble shoot.

Let me know if you need any further information?

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Answer 4

John Galt

Level 10

146,180 points

Dec 30, 2022 10:01 AM in response to Herario

No... although using identical SSIDs could work. As it is, your AirPort Express is merely a client on the main router's network.

I'm afraid I don't use Spotify or Amazon's Alexa so my ability to suggest potential workarounds will be limited, other than the fact I know they are subscription-based services. It's likely they implement DRM or other obstacles to streaming protected content (audio) to what is essentially a separate network. The wireless thermostats might not be so limited.

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Answer 5

Herario Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 30, 2022 10:04 AM in response to John Galt

So I just thought I would go into the outbuilding and attempt to connect to my wireless printer in the house - it could not be located.

Is this what you would expect given my set up?

Would replacing the AirPort Express with a router resolve the issue and give me full access to all devices across both buildings?

Sorry to be a pain.

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Answer 6

John Galt

Level 10

146,180 points

Dec 30, 2022 1:03 PM in response to Herario

Is this what you would expect given my set up?

Yes.

Would replacing the AirPort Express with a router resolve the issue and give me full access to all devices across both buildings?

I don't think that's going to help. Besides, the Express is a router, if you choose to configure it that way. Right now it's not configured to act as a router.

You're not being a pain. I just wish I could be of more help. All my network equipment is Apple which simplifies things for me.

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