Airport Express: How can I set Ethernet / Wireless Priority?

Question

Level 1

29 points

Airport Express: How can I set Ethernet / Wireless Priority?

I have an Airport Express that extends my network and then connects to my Stereo.

Right now it is set up for Wireless.

But I tend to have a lot of interference in my apartment building.
I already clicked off on Interference Robustness -- but now and again - someone in my building must be doing something that interferes and the music will cut out here and there.

I have the ability through Ethernet in my wall to Hardwire the Express to my Extreme Base Station at my network's origin point.

I would like to do this - and then set the priority for my Express to choose Ethernet - and then Wireless if need be.

Every time I plug in my Express to the hardwire - it disappears from my Airport Utility menu.

Any ideas?
As always -- thanks to everyone in advance.

-Pete

iMac G5, Mac OS X (10.5.8), several iPods / 1 PC laptop / 1 TB LaCie xHD / 2 LaCie 250 gig ex-HDs

Posted on Nov 18, 2010 9:41 AM

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Answer 1

Bob Timmons

Level 10

187,358 points

Nov 18, 2010 9:58 AM in response to nysepete

nysepete, welcome to the discussions!

If you configure your AirPort Express to work using ethernet, you won't be able to go back to having it connect using wireless only unless you reconfigure the device again.

Since you are connecting the AirPort Express to your AirPort Extreme using ethernet, you also have the option to configure the Express to provide more wireless coverage and effectively extend your wireless network if you need that capability.

Can you clarify if you want to configure the AirPort Express to provide more wireless coverage, or do you simply want to use it for AirTunes to connect to your stereo system?

Every time I plug in my Express to the hardwire - it disappears from my Airport Utility menu

That is to be expected since the Express has not yet been configured to connect using ethernet, so it does not recognize the connection.

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Answer 2

nysepete Author

Level 1

29 points

Nov 18, 2010 3:14 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Hey Bob.
Thanks for the response.

I DO want to extend the network [if possible]

I ABSOLUTELY want to play my music through it -- that is absolutely my primary reason for it.

I want to extend the network because I want to boost signal strength of my network as there is so much interference in my building.

I did a renovation - and while my walls were open I ran the ethernet in the walls to hopefully give me a way to skirt some of the interference

Your last comment is important - because I do not know how to find the menu that will allow me to have the Express choose an Ethernet connection over the obvious default of Wireless

Does this help you [to solve my problem?] : )

Thanks in advance

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Answer 3

nysepete Author

Level 1

29 points

Nov 18, 2010 3:38 PM in response to nysepete

Hey Bob-

I figured out how to configure my Express using Ethernet...

Unfortunately - while the music is playing without all the little skips from whichever of my neighbors is running interference -- I guess that means the whole "extending the network" is no longer possible.

Since while I was reconfiguring the Express it asked me to turn off the Wireless functionality and connect directly over an ethernet wire -- I gotta believe that means that it is no longer picking up the signal and sending it onward

If it means sacrificing the "extend" to get my music to play flawlessly -- so be it.
I can live with that.

It seems weird to me that I cannot hardwire my Express to my Extreme and then let the Express retransmit the wireless signal however -- I don't get that drawback?

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Answer 4

Bob Timmons

Level 10

187,358 points

Nov 18, 2010 3:39 PM in response to nysepete

OK, thanks for the info. Here is how to do what you want using an ethernet connection.

First, hold in the reset button on the AirPort Express until you see the amber light begin to blink more quickly. Hold another few seconds when you see this and then release.

Connect the AirPort Express to the ethernet cable that you will be using. This should be plugged into one of the LAN <-> ports on the AirPort Extreme.

Then open AirPort Utility and click Manual Setup

Click the Base Station tab below the row of icons to name your device, establish a device password, and adjust Time Zone settings.

Click the Wireless tab
Wireless Mode = Create a wireless network
Wireless Network Name = Exact same name as your AirPort Extreme network
Radio Mode = 802.11n 802.11b/g compatible
Channel = Automatic
Security = Exact same setting as your AirPort Extreme network
Password = Same password as your AirPort Extreme network

Click the Music icon and make sure AirTunes is enabled

Click the Internet icon
Connect Using = Ethernet
Connection Sharing = Off (Bridge Mode)

Update and the AirPort Express will restart and you should have a green light in about 30-45 seconds.

It would be a good idea to restart both your AirPort Extreme and AirPort Express and you should be all set.

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Answer 5

nysepete Author

Level 1

29 points

Nov 18, 2010 3:40 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Bob-

See above response -- we were typing at the same time!

Thanks!

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Answer 6

Bob Timmons

Level 10

187,358 points

Nov 18, 2010 3:50 PM in response to nysepete

You will have additional wireless coverage if you configure things as I suggested. I have exactly the same setup in one area of the house. Works perfect.

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Answer 7

nysepete Author

Level 1

29 points

Nov 18, 2010 4:05 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Bob -
Little wiped out and happy it's simply playing for the moment - will re-read your post and make necessary adjustments in a short while.

Been moving all week... today included -- and simply wiped out.
Time for a Bud Lite

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