Q: Airport Express Set Up to Extend Wireless Signal

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).

If your goal is to extend the Netgear's wireless range, you basically have two choices: 1) Get another Netgear product that can do this, or 2) Connect the AX directly to the Netgear by Ethernet and configure them both for a roaming network. If running Ethernet cable is impractical or undesireable, 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. You would need a minimum of two of these adapters to create the "Ethernet" circuit between the Netgear & AX routers.

FWIW, I currently use a 4th Gen AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBSn) and 4th Gen Time Capsule in a roaming network. However, I have found that just the AEBSn or TC alone can provide a sufficient signal to both stories of my 2-story home. There is no guarentee, of course, that replacing the Netgear with an AEBSn will provide a stronger signal, but based on how old your Netgear is, it may certainly be worth a try.

Sorry, I just used my network as an example that the AirPort Extreme or Time Capsule alone may be all that you need. However, I would recommend that you get either and use it in conjuction with your AirPort Express to create an extended network.

It looks as though the only difference between going ahead with the AEBSn and the TC is whether I want the back-up capabilities of the latter.  Otherwise, the wireless network capabilities are relatively equal, especially when extended with the AE, right?

That is correct!

No need to be hard on yourself. We are all fellow Apple-product users/abusers here in these Communities. I would venture to say that just about every single one of us, especially myself, had to do a lot of "living" before "learing" ourselves. Before you know it, you wlll be a regular contributor to the Communities and I look forward to having you join us with helping others from your experiences.

I use a Netgear Wireless N Dual router.  I also have a multistory home -basement, main level and 2nd story.  My solution to adequate coverage was to position the modem and router as close to the center of my home as possible.  The signal disperses well through all levels.  It is not such a good idea to place the router in a basement.

I ran CAT5E cable and jacks all over the house too  (my slight OCD).  This was so I could use Apple TV or a Roku box for movie/video streaming at the best bandwith.  Also Xbox live performs best with a wired connection.  At least in theory.

I would really like to get WiFi out into my back yard through some wireless network booster or extender so I can use an iPad to watch movies or access music off the main Apple computer.

It doesn't seem like the Airport express works all that well when trying to mix it with a non Apple wireless router.

I might try to put CAT5E in a conduit pipe and send it out to my yard with a jack.  I would have to get outdoor rated cable.  A good summer project.

It doesn't seem like the Airport express works all that well when trying to mix it with a non Apple wireless router.

Well, it is not compatible with routers from other manufacturers if you are trying to use the Express to provide more wireless coverage by connecting using wireless only.

Good rule of thumb.....always use the same manufacturer for all of your routing needs to insure compatibility...if you are trying to connect using wireless only. Netgear likely has a "repeater" or "extender" that would work well with your "main" router.

The Express works just fine with an Ethernet connection. Configure the Express to "Create a wireless network" using the same wireless network name, same wireless security settings and same wireless network password in Bridge Mode.....and computers will be able to "roam" from the house to outside, stay on the same network, and automatically connect to the wireless access point with the strongest signal.

Thanks for the information. 

Not having used the forum before i really appreciate the Apple assistance. 

Maybe you can help on another question.

I have an old Apple Airport base station (the white one that looks like a flying saucer).  It is not wotrh very much so I thought I would plug this into an Ethernet CAT5e jack that I have installed (router wired to a 10/100/1000 switch that sends internet into each connected ethernet jack) and see if I could get another wireless zone going in my home.  When I use the Airport utility on my MacPro running Lion it sees the Airport but it asks for a WEP.  Since i don't remember setting one up for the Base Station that i can recall I cannot get my Mac Pro to join it.  i tried the paper clip reset button but that didn't seem to work.  Is it too old and should I just pitch it or use it as a paper weight?

Is there a default WEP?

Any help  is appreciated.

Not having used the forum before i really appreciate the Apple assistance.

You do understand that we are all users....just like you, correct? No one from Apple is here, although they may possibly peek at us from time to time.

You will not be able to configure the older AirPort Exteme that you have using Lion unless you download and install AirPort Utility 5.6 for Mac OS X Lion

After that, it would be a good idea to perform a Factory Default Reset on the AirPort Extreme to get it back to a known state.  This support document will help:

Resetting an AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule FAQ

Then set up the AirPort Extreme to "create a wireless network" and AirPort Utility should suggest Bridge Mode for this during the configuration...which would be correct.

Sorry, I do not have one of these models here to provide a step by step for you.