smdrc4

Q: How can I configure my Airport Express

Hi,

 

I recently bought an Airport Express which I was thinking to use as a repeater. My problem is that when I put it off the box, I instantly connected it to the power source and tried to configure it to Extend the range of my actual network. When it tries to reboot, it is not anymore on my list of wireless apple devices. I've tried many resets (soft and hard) but nothing seems to work. I can only reset and then try again and the result is still the same.

 

So I would appreciate if someone can help me to configure it.

 

My actual network is performed by a Thomson Modem which is the ADSL and that is also my router.

Airport Express, Windows 7

Posted on Jan 19, 2012 9:24 AM

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Q: How can I configure my Airport Express

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax Jan 19, 2012 9:29 AM in response to smdrc4
    Level 9 (54,786 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 19, 2012 9:29 AM in response to smdrc4

    Unfortunately, most non-AirPort routers are not compatible with Apple's implementation of Wireless Distribution System (WDS)...so it very unlikely that your non-AirPort router can be extended wirelessly with the AirPort Express Base Station (AX).

  • by smdrc4,

    smdrc4 smdrc4 Jan 19, 2012 9:37 AM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 19, 2012 9:37 AM in response to Tesserax

    Still, if I choose Extend or Join a network, after it tries to update the configuration on the Airport Express, after rebooting it, it is unreachable. Any suggestions?

  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax Jan 19, 2012 9:56 AM in response to smdrc4
    Level 9 (54,786 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 19, 2012 9:56 AM in response to smdrc4

    I suggest performing a "factory default" reset on the AX. Once complete, the AX will default to broadcasting an unsecured wireless network with a name like: Apple Network NNNNNN. Temporarily connect your PC to this network, and then, access it with the AirPort Utility to make any configuration changes.

  • by smdrc4,

    smdrc4 smdrc4 Jan 19, 2012 9:58 AM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 19, 2012 9:58 AM in response to Tesserax

    I appreciate your quick response. I followed your steps and tried again to setup to join my actual network and it is stuck there. I can't see it on wireless devices

  • by Tesserax,Helpful

    Tesserax Tesserax Jan 19, 2012 9:21 PM in response to smdrc4
    Level 9 (54,786 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 19, 2012 9:21 PM in response to smdrc4

    Let's try the setup again, but this time using the Manual Setup mode of the AirPort Utility.

     

    To set up the AirPort Express Base Station (AX) as a "Wireless Client," using the AirPort Utility, either connect to the AX's wireless network or temporarily connect your computer directly (using an Ethernet cable) to the Ethernet port of the AX, and then, try these settings:

     

    • Perform a "Factory Default" reset on the AX.
    • Launch the AirPort Utility.
    • Select the AX.
    • If not already connected to the AX's wireless network, go ahead and switch to it when prompted.

     

    AirPort Utility > Select the AX > Manual Setup > AirPort > Base Station

    • Base Station Name: <whatever you wish or use the default>
    • Base Station Password: <enter a desired password for the base station>
    • Verify Password: <re-enter the desired password>
    • Remember this password in my keychain: (optional)
    • Set time automatically: (optional)

     

    AirPort Utility > Select the AX > Manual Setup > AirPort > Wireless

    • Wireless Mode: Join a wireless network
    • Network Name: <type in the network name/SSID of the wireless network that you want to join or select it from the pop-up menu>
    • Wireless Security: None OR, if you are using security on your wireless network:
    • Wireless Security: <Select the appropriate level of security for the existing wireless network: WPA/WPA2 Personal | WPA2 Personal>
    • Password: <enter your wireless network security password>
    • Verify Password: <re-enter the same security password>
    • Click Update to write the new settings to the AX.
  • by smdrc4,

    smdrc4 smdrc4 Jan 24, 2012 10:22 PM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 24, 2012 10:22 PM in response to Tesserax

    Hi, Tesserax:

     

    After several tests and configurations, I accomplished to do the following things:

     

    1) Join to existing Wireless Network

    2) Use Airplay
    3) Create Wireless Network

     

    And just today, I found almost, the solution to my WDS problem. My router Thomson does actually work with my Airport Express. But my problem is about the setup. I am not sure if you can help me showing me the steps which normally needs to be done to setup my Airport Express as a Remote Base station or Retransfer the signal. When I tried to configure WDS, it has three options that I am not sure if I have to setup the three of them or just one. They are: Base Principal, Remote Base and Retransmision. Not sure if I have to setup the three of them or just one.

     

    The thing is that I actually made it work but just for a few moments. When I disconnected the Airport Express and plugged again, it seems that any configuration was broken and I was not able to connect to my network in Windows and in the iPod. It was working fine on Linux. So, I am not sure if there is any interference, or if I have issues with my configuration.

     

    Another thing is that I setup the DHCP service on the Airport and it was asking for a range of valid directions. Then researching I found that just one router must have the DHCP enabled, in this case the router connected to the internet. So, if you have any ideas of how to setup step by step, window by window in Airport Utility, I will be always thankfull to you.

  • by smdrc4,

    smdrc4 smdrc4 Jan 25, 2012 2:58 PM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 25, 2012 2:58 PM in response to Tesserax

    Any chance you have for helping me?

  • by Tesserax,Solvedanswer

    Tesserax Tesserax Jan 25, 2012 9:05 PM in response to smdrc4
    Level 9 (54,786 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 25, 2012 9:05 PM in response to smdrc4

    The following Apple Support article provides the details on how to configure Apple routers into a WDS. It may provide you with enough clues to make it work with the Thompson router ... but I suspect that it will not.