Set up wireless network on MacBook Pro using AirPort Express w/Comcast cable modem.

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Level 1

7 points

Set up wireless network on MacBook Pro using AirPort Express w/Comcast cable modem.

I have a MacBook Pro running Snow Leopard. I'm trying to set up a wireless network using an Airport Express in my new apartment. The apartment is wired for Comcast & I have a Comcast cable modem. Comcast won't suply any network support or answer any questions about what I need. The only thing they told me was that to set up the wireless network, I need to start with the cable modem connected to the MacBook Pro w/an ethernet cable and the MacBook Pro connected to the airport express using another ethernet cable. After I set it up, I can remove the cables and keep only the ethernet cable between the airport express & the cable modem; the MacBook Pro will then be wireless and able to pick up the network I created.

This doesn't make sense to me. The MacBook Pro only has one Ethernet port. If I use that to connect the MacBook Pro to the cable modem, how do I connect the MacBook Pro to the AirPort express at the same time? There isn't a way to connect a second ethernet cable to the AirPort Express.

What am I missing here? Is Comcast explaining this incorrectly? Do I need other cables or another way to connect things to set up the network? I'm completely baffled and frustrated.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Sheri

Posted on Sep 25, 2011 6:14 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Bob Timmons

Community+ 2024

Level 10

159,266 points

Sep 25, 2011 8:23 AM in response to srlanza

Sheri,

It's unfortunate that your service provider says that they cannot help, but when they do go ahead and tell you how to hook things up, the instructions are wrong.

You will need to start all over again as follows:

Disconnect the Ethernet cable that is coming from the modem
Push the reset button on the modem (if presenet) and then power it down by pulling the power plug either from the back of the device or from the AC socket in the wall.
Leave it off for at least 20 minutes, longer will not hurt.

Perform a Factory Default Reset on the AirPort Express as follows:

Power down the Express by unplugging it from power
Wait a moment or two
Hold in the reset button (next to the audio port) and continue to keep holding it in for another 8-10 seconds while you plug the Express back in to power
Release the reset button after the hold period and allow 40-45 seconds for the Express to restart to a slow, blinking amber light
Now power down the AirPort Express

When 20-30 minutes have passed after you poweed down the modem....

Connect the Ethernet cable from the modem to the AirPort Express

Power up the modem and let it run by itself for 4-5 minutes

Power up the AirPort Express exactly the same way

On your Mac....

Open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility
Click Continue to follow the guided setup as summarized below

Page 1.....Name the AirPort Express and establish a device password (write that down)
Page 2.....Create a new wireless network
Page 3.....Enter the name that you want for your wireless network and establish a wireless network password (write that down)
Page 4.....Share a public IP address
Page 5.....Configure IPv4 using DHCP. No other information is needed on this page
Page 6.....Summary of settings and Update to save settings

Allow 40-45 seconds for the AirPort Express to restart and display a green light

Using your Mac, locate the name of the wireless network that you setup and enter the password to connect

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Answer 2

srlanza Author

Level 1

7 points

Sep 25, 2011 12:27 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Bob:

Thanks so much; that's exactly what was needed. I was doing this setup for my daughter in her new apartment and had never worked with Comcast before. After this experience, I don't think I'll ever work with them again.

We're up and running now. All I have left to do is get her printer onto the network, which I haven't tried to do yet. Hopefully, it will go smoothly now that the network is up and running.

I appreciate your help.

Sheri

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Answer 3

Sep 25, 2011 12:51 PM in response to srlanza

Glad that you got things going. 🙂

Please start a new post if you need some assistance with the printer setup.

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