Airport Express not extending via Ethernet

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Level 1

21 points

Airport Express not extending via Ethernet

This seems like one of the easiest things to do. It's outlined in apple documents and the manual for the device. I've lost two days of my life trying to solve this. I've seen parts of the internet i wish i hadn't. There's been sadness, and there has been joy. I've seen so much. Just haven't found anything that resolves my issue.

I have a part of the house that has no wifi. It does have an ethernet connection back to the router. It is not an apple router. The ethernet extension is good. I know because we had the sparkie test it. I have been able to set a new network from it and it works. I just can't extend the wifi network in the house from it.

Airport utility will not see the ethernet in WAN or LAN and begin to set up the network via ethernet. It just goes to wifi which is a weak connection.

I have disabled wifi at the router and tried set up yet again after doing yet another reset. No luck. It still looks for wifi networks to extend. My only option is to set up a new network. I don't get any screens that show the stuff that so many threads and videos show. None of it.

Looking on Airport utility, the airport express wifi network is linked with a solid line to the router, and it is marked as bridged in the advanced settings. It is connected via Ethernet in the advanced settings. It just isn't a simple extension of the existing wifi network.

We now have two networks in the house which makes me sad.

What am I doing wrong? Is there a router setting I need to change?

It is deeply frustrating that I need to become a network engineer to do a straight forward task. I miss Apple products being easy to use.

Hope someone can help, I'm going crazy.

AirPort

Posted on Jan 12, 2024 12:15 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Bob Timmons

Community+ 2024

Level 10

168,668 points

Jan 12, 2024 6:20 AM in response to DuckSocks

My only option is to set up a new network.

That is the correct setting. Set up the AirPort Express to "Create a wireless network" that uses the exact same wireless network name and password as your main router.

In this type of setup, the AirPort Express will be set up as a WAP, short for Wireless Access Point. You will have what is known as a "Roaming Network". That is network where all the wireless access points connect back to the main router using a wired Ethernet cable connection.

Post back if you need step by step.

"Extend" would only be used if the AirPort Express was connecting to another Apple router using a wireless connection......not Ethernet.

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Answer 2

Jan 13, 2024 10:32 AM in response to DuckSocks

Network Name.......AirPort Utility will suggest a default name for the wireless network. Simply edit the name to match exactly with the name of the wireless network provided by your main router.

Base Station Name.....This is the device name. Call it whatever you want......AirPort Express.....for example

Password......The exact wireless network password that your main router is using

Verify......Type in the same name again to confirm.

Click Next and AirPort Utility will set up the AirPort Express for you. Should be a green light on the Express in a minute.

However, the AirPort Express may need a firmware update. Post back if you see a blinking amber light and we'll give you the steps that you need.

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Answer 3

DuckSocks Author

Level 1

21 points

Jan 12, 2024 6:27 PM in response to Bob Timmons

What? It’s that easy? You are a wonderful human. Thanks.

I’ve spent two days in deep internet tunnels and have PTSD from it, and here you are. Like a light in a dark room.

I’ll do a factory reset and have another go at it to learn a little better from it.

It does request I create a name and password for it. To clarify:

I physically call it the same name and password, or it automatically configures it as such?
The Ethernet is connected to WAN port or LAN port?

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Answer 4

Jan 14, 2024 8:03 AM in response to DuckSocks

Nice work! Glad that things are working for you!

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Answer 5

DuckSocks Author

Level 1

21 points

Jan 14, 2024 1:14 AM in response to Bob Timmons

No update required on the APX.

I reset it again. Followed your guide exactly Grandmaster @Bob Timmons. It was so easy.

Patch lead connected to WAN port (the dotted circle).

I have LAN connected to the Apple TV. (That instantly recognised the ethernet connection)

Network name the same. PW same.

Gave the device a name (Which did not alter the outcome)

I am now the most skilled network engineer on my estate. The clouds cleared, the sun came out. Birds were singing. The internet did shine upon me.

I now have a working roaming network. As I move from one wing of my castle to another, the network remains the same, however the receptions bars are always maximised.

This dank internet was so full of old and outdated tutorials, guides, the burnt dreams of those previous and general vague misguidance. There is also a shinto load of threads that you never find out the solution or result, as is so often the case when inexperienced forum users fail to follow forum etiquette and update with the conclusion.

The mist and fog cleared, and you Bob Timmons, you appeared like a lit beacon of hope and knowledge, offering shelter and sustenance to a weary troubled internet traveller. Behind me now are happy children overcome with joy. My wife, she is giving me the look. Oh yeah. Oh it's business time.

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Airport Express not extending via Ethernet

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