rogerson
Level 1 (79 points)
iPad

Q: Adding an Airport Express to an existing WIFI Network

I currently am using a pretty inexpensive Belkin wireless router as my home network.  I was using the Airport Express to produce this same home environment, but needed a ethernet out that the Airport Express couldn't provide, so thus switched out the Airport Express to the Belkin wireless router.

 

Now I miss my Airport as I use to use the Airplay Function quite often, something the Belkin can't do.  From time to time I use the Airport just to use the Airplay function from my Iphone, but this is impractical as when employed, yes I can listen to my phone music library, but loose WIFI access with the phone while conntected the AirPort Express.

 

But reading in the notes, it seems that the Airport Express can be added to an existing WIFI network to extend the network and thus remain function as a WIFI access point and have the use of Airplay.

 

I have read the manual and tried to do as shown, and the Airport Express sees my home network, but when I punch in the password, hit continue, it returns with a screen saying no apple devices found.  So does this mean I cannot add the Airport Express as an access point to my Belkin WIFI Network?

 

Any help is appreciated.

 

Jeff

Airport Express, Windows 7

Posted on Feb 19, 2012 12:30 PM

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rogerson

Q: Adding an Airport Express to an existing WIFI Network

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  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax Feb 19, 2012 12:36 PM in response to rogerson
    Level 9 (54,906 points)
    Wireless
    Feb 19, 2012 12:36 PM in response to rogerson

    But reading in the notes, it seems that the Airport Express can be added to an existing WIFI network to extend the network and thus remain function as a WIFI access point and have the use of Airplay.

    The are a number of options and will depend on whether or not your AirPort Express is an 802.11g or 802.11n model. Is it your goal to use the Express to BOTH extend the wireless range of the Belkin AND for AirPlay?

  • by rogerson,

    rogerson rogerson Feb 19, 2012 12:44 PM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (79 points)
    iPad
    Feb 19, 2012 12:44 PM in response to Tesserax

    802.11n and yes, I want to be able to use the Airplay and maintain WIFI access to the internet on the phone while my Iphone is set to the Airport.

  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax Feb 19, 2012 12:49 PM in response to rogerson
    Level 9 (54,906 points)
    Wireless
    Feb 19, 2012 12:49 PM in response to rogerson

    You will only have two choices to be able to extend the Belkin's wireless range with the 802.11n AirPort Express Base Station (AXn):

    • Connect the AXn directly to the Belkin by Ethernet and configure both routers for a roaming network. If runing Ethernet is not practical or desireable, you may want to consider using Powerline adapters instead. These adapters take advantage of your home's electrical circuit to create a pseudo Ethernet one between adapters.
    • Acquire a second AXn. Connect the first to the Belkin by Ethernet, and then, configure both base stations for an extended network.

    Both options should still support AirPlay streaming.

  • by rogerson,

    rogerson rogerson Feb 20, 2012 12:24 PM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (79 points)
    iPad
    Feb 20, 2012 12:24 PM in response to Tesserax

    So, simply put, it is not possible wirelessly.  But, if I were to remove the Belkin and replace it with an Airport Base Station, then it is possible?

  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax Feb 20, 2012 12:44 PM in response to rogerson
    Level 9 (54,906 points)
    Wireless
    Feb 20, 2012 12:44 PM in response to rogerson

    Yes, and yes.