Can an Airport Express convert a wireless signal to Ethernet?

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Can an Airport Express convert a wireless signal to Ethernet?

I'm thinking this probably can't be done, but I figured I'd ask to verify. I know the manual says the Ethernet port on an Airport Express can only be used to connect to an existing network, but can it also convert the wireless signal to a wired one?

My Express is set to "Join a wireless network" so it essentially is extending my wireless network. I have a receiver that has an ethernet port for internet connectivity and I was hoping to use an ethernet cable between it and the Airport Express to join my network. Didn't appear to work.

I also have a Netgear WNCE2001 which is a WiFi Internet Adapter used for a different device. When I plugged that into the receiver, it was able to join the network. I was hoping to do the same with the Express. I have a 1st generation and it doesn't work. Wondering if later generations support that functionality? Thanks in advance!

Posted on Mar 16, 2012 9:39 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Bob Timmons

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159,716 points

Mar 16, 2012 10:06 PM in response to SoCal Cal

but can it also convert the wireless signal to a wired one?

Yes, if you have an AirPort Express 802.11n and you configure it using manual setup to "Join a wireless network" and check mark the option to "enable Ethernet clients".

My Express is set to "Join a wireless network" so it essentially is extending my wireless network.

The "join" setting does not provide any additional wireless coverage in the area where the Express is located. But, you can connect a printer to the USB port and "enable" the Ethernet port with the 802.11n version of the Express.

I have a 1st generation and it doesn't work.

If by this, you mean that you have an older "b/g" AirPort Express....then it will not do what you want. Check the Model Number on the side of the device. If you have Model No A 1084 or A 1088, that is the older "b/g" wireless version of the Express.

The 802.11n version is Model No A 1264.

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Answer 2

SoCal Cal Author

Level 1

41 points

Mar 16, 2012 11:13 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Thanks for the concise answer, Bob. That answered my question. You are correct that I have a b/g Express. I guess it hasn't been functioning like I wanted it to, as far as extending the network. I was also using it for AirPlay so at least that part works. Time for a new Express, I suppose!

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Answer 3

Mar 17, 2012 6:22 AM in response to SoCal Cal

The Express will only provide more wireless coverage...using wireless only...when it is configured to "Extend a wireless network"...not "Join a wireless network".

But, the "Extend" feature appears to be a proprietary function that will only work with other Apple products. It is not compatible with routers from other manufacturers.

The AirPort Express 802.11n will do everything that you want.....except....extend the wireless network. You can use with a printer, for AirPlan, and to provide an Ethernet signal to another device.

If you happen to need more than one Ethernet port, you can add a simple 5-port Ethernet switch to the Express.

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Answer 4

SoCal Cal Author

Level 1

41 points

Mar 17, 2012 7:21 AM in response to Bob Timmons

My wireless network is on an Airport Extreme, so I should be able to extend the network with the Express, no? But I'm assuming even if I get the latest Express I would still need to use the Join function rather than the extend to use the Erhernet port the way I intend, correct?

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Answer 5

Mar 17, 2012 7:26 AM in response to SoCal Cal

so I should be able to extend the network with the Express, no?

Yes, if both your AirPort Extreme and AirPort Express are the newer 802.11n versions.

When you configure the Express to "extend", the Ethernet port is automatically enabled.

The "Join" setting would not provide any additional wireless coverage.

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Answer 6

Evildude

Level 1

11 points

May 6, 2013 12:03 PM in response to SoCal Cal

How do I "enable Ethernet clients" in the new airport utility?

I don't see that option, the internet coming from the ethernet port is all choppy.

Someone please help!

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Answer 7

Sep 27, 2014 9:04 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Where can I find "enable ethernet clients"? I am running utility 6.3.1 and have and 1st gen express

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Answer 8

Sep 27, 2014 9:06 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Never mind. I noticed I am in "extend network" , so enable should be automatic…however i still do not see my receiver on the network.

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Answer 9

Sep 27, 2014 10:16 AM in response to Evildude

however i still do not see my receiver on the network.

AirPort Utility 6.x does not display Ethernet clients on a network. Only wireless clients are displayed.

If you still have a Mac running a 5.x version of AirPort Utility, both wireless and wired clients are displayed.

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Answer 10

Sep 27, 2014 11:02 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Thank you for the clarification.

My receiver has airplay, but it doesn't show as one of my options for airplay audio.

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Answer 11

Sep 27, 2014 11:32 AM in response to applegrl78

AirPlay options would be found in iTunes on your Mac or PC.

If the receiver is wired up correctly, then it will appear as an option to select in iTunes. Below, you can see a Denon AV receiver selected as an AirPlay "speaker".

(Apple is having problems with screenshots on the forums,, so hopefully you see an image below).

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