AirPort Extreme 802.11n (5th Generation) won't reset
I have a MacBook Pro 2015 running Monterey with a Thunderbolt ethernet adapter plugged into the WAN or LAN port via ethernet cable, doesn't make a difference, it won't let get the Airport base station to reset with the indentation to the left of the kensington lock. I put a paperclip in there, before and after I plugging the base station to power. The Airport Utility constantly wants to ask me to insert its password, even though I forgot the password from long ago.
The utility Base Station menus are all grayed out, and I'm using the utility version 6.3.9.
The reset gives a glimmer of hope with a brief switch from orange to green light, only to go back to orange light.
There used to be a utiltiy version that I remembered had menu items for WDS, and other options, but I don't see that in this utility. The 6.2.1 utility won't work in Monterey, and it won't work in Sierra, the highest system I can install from recovery.
So I'm stuck. Is there a newer version of the utility?
I want to create a WDS to strengthen my network from the basement to the 2nd floor.
Any suggestions?