CCKyle

Q: Ethernet connection Airport Express

I want to connect my Direct TV reciever to the internet by plugging the ethernet cable into my airport express (g model) and then have the Express connect to my wireless network. I used to be able to do this easily, but somewhere in the software updates the options got lost or are confusing. I can join my network, but the ethernet doesn't seem to work. I tried connecting my laptop by ethernet too, and it didn't get a signal. Can anyone help me?

 

My set up is a modem connected to an Airport Extreme in another room, then my Airport Express 802.11g plugged into the wall and connected to my DTV reciever by an ethernet cable.

 

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Airport Express, Mac OS X (10.7.2)

Posted on Jan 11, 2012 1:36 PM

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Q: Ethernet connection Airport Express

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  • by Bob Timmons,Helpful

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jan 11, 2012 1:58 PM in response to CCKyle
    Level 10 (105,268 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 11, 2012 1:58 PM in response to CCKyle

    You will need to use Apple's WDS settings.

     

    This will enable the Ethernet port on the Express and provide some additional wireless coverage where the Express is located as well.

     

    Apple's instructions are here:

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4262

     

    I am not sure if these older types of wireless settings will provide the bandwidth that you need to be able to download a high definition movie, etc., so this is going to be one of those cases where you won't know until you try.

  • by CCKyle,

    CCKyle CCKyle Jan 11, 2012 1:48 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 11, 2012 1:48 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    I tried this, but I don't have a relay between the main (extreme) and remote (express). Maybe I didn't do it right, but when I tried to change the settings on the Express, it said I needed more than one WDS station (or something to that effect, I am not home to check it again right now).

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jan 11, 2012 1:57 PM in response to CCKyle
    Level 10 (105,268 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 11, 2012 1:57 PM in response to CCKyle

    You can set up WDS in two ways:

     

    Main and Remote only

     

    Main, Relay and Remote

     

    You choose the function of each device during the setup.

     

    Here is another setup example of "Main" and "Remote" in a thread by forum expert Tesserax:

     

    https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2641670?threadID=2641670&tstart=0

  • by CCKyle,

    CCKyle CCKyle Jan 11, 2012 6:03 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 11, 2012 6:03 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    I tried following the instructions there. The only choices for my airport extreme are "create a wireless network" or "join a wireless network." There is no option for WDS. There is on the Express, but I can't start the relay.

  • by CCKyle,

    CCKyle CCKyle Jan 11, 2012 6:11 PM in response to CCKyle
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 11, 2012 6:11 PM in response to CCKyle

    It looks like I cannot do this with my 802.11N airport extreme and a 802.11G airport express.

  • by Bob Timmons,Helpful

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jan 11, 2012 6:22 PM in response to CCKyle
    Level 10 (105,268 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 11, 2012 6:22 PM in response to CCKyle

    The only choices for my airport extreme are "create a wireless network" or "join a wireless network." There is no option for WDS.

     

    Sounds like you need more "options", so try the following:

     

    Hold down the option key on your Mac and keep holding while  you click on the Wireless Mode selection box.

  • by CCKyle,

    CCKyle CCKyle Jan 11, 2012 7:09 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 11, 2012 7:09 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    Ok that makes it so I can see the option, but the setup doesn't work. I follow all the steps and then when it reconfigures the Express, I get a blinking yellow light and it no longer shows up in my Airport Utility. I had to reset it and try again and the same thing happened.

     

    I get this message: "The settings for this AirPort wireless device have been successfully updated, but there was a problem re-joining the wireless network or finding the AirPort wireless device. You may need to select your network from the Wi-Fi menu and try again."

     

    I don't think the two units are compatible

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jan 11, 2012 7:38 PM in response to CCKyle
    Level 10 (105,268 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 11, 2012 7:38 PM in response to CCKyle

    Unfortunately, nothing is more frustrating than an answer of "it works for me", but as a check, I just configured an old spare "b/g" Express here using the Apple example and also the step by step offered by Tesserax, which is essentially the same. 

     

    Green lights on both the "main" and "remote". The instructions are correct. My older b/g Express is compatible with my newer AirPort Extreme for WDS.

     

    It's really SLOW because WDS kills the bandwidth, but it does OK on general Internet browsing, light email, etc.

     

    I do not think it will handle video downloads well....my opinion...which could be wrong.

     

    If you want to stay with the old Express that you have, you might want to get on the phone with Apple Support so they can walk you through. WDS is tough, because you don't know if you have make a mistake until it's too late...and then you have to start all over again.

     

    If the budget permits, a new AirPort Express 802.11n can be configured to "extend a wireless network". That is a much simpler setup with much higher performance than WDS can offer.

     

    Sorry that you are having difficulties, but not sure what else can be done at this point.