Airport Utility Doesn't Recognize Airport Express

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Level 1

4 points

Airport Utility Doesn't Recognize Airport Express

I'm trying to setup a basic music streaming network, as illustrated in Apple's Airport Express Setup Guide:

"Using Airport Express on an Existing Wireless Network and Stream Music to Powered Speakers or Your Home Stereo."

I have an older Airport Extreme Base Station (model #A1034) connected via Ethernet LAN to my Dual Core 2.3 GHz PowerPC G5 Desktop Computer. I'm trying to introduce an Airport Express module (MB321LL/A , Model 3A1264) to the network so I can stream iTunes to the Airport Express module connected to a satellite stereo w/speakers. Everything is located in the same room, for now, for the sake of simplicity and testing in order to get the network up and running.

For some reason Airport Utility does not recognize the Airport Express. The Airport Express shows a blinking amber status light. I've reviewed the documentation but I'm unable to figure out how to configure this so my system recognizes the Airport Express.

I appreciate any advice to get this up and running.

Hardware and Software:

Computers

-Dual Core 2.3 GHz PowerPC G5 Desktop Computer (note: NO internal airport WiFi card), OS 10.4.11

Airport Units

-Airport Express module 802.11n (MB321LL/A, model #A1264)

-Airport Extreme Base Station model #A1034 (older unit with 2003 date)

Software on my G5:

-Airport Admin Utility v5.4.2

-Airport Disk Utility v1.5.3

-OS 10.4.11

-iTunes 9.2.1

Thanks a bunch,

Lovegasoline

iBook

Posted on May 5, 2012 9:12 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

John Galt

Level 10

156,080 points

May 7, 2012 2:41 PM in response to Lovegasoline

Thanks, this helps understand what you propose. It should work.

I think if you're having difficulty it is due to the inconvenience from having to configure the Express given the limitation of having only one Ethernet port and no wireless connection. Though it should be possible for AirPort Utility to recognize the Express in its present unconfigured state, it may be necessary for you to connect it to your G5 with an Ethernet cable to configure it.

Configure your Express as in the following screenshots.

"Join a wireless network" will ensure your Express joins the network created by your Extreme. Ensure the security is exactly the same as your Extreme's wireless network and be absolutely certain of the password.

I generally omit security entirely for the purposes of configuration, and enable it after I determine everything works:

Given the above settings the following will be "greyed out" since they are the only ones that make sense given the above. Verify they are as follows:

Verify you are using DHCP. The IP address and other fields may be blank. Don't concern yourself with them.

Make sure AirPlay is enabled (the precise terminology may have changed since your version of AirPort Utility though). Speaker password is optional.

The following settings should not matter:

Click Update, and let it reboot.

If your Extreme is still creating its wireless network, after a moment or two you should be greeted with a green light on the Express, but AirPort Utility may complain that it can no longer communicate with it. That is to be expected, since it is "joining" your wireless network in client mode. So ignore AirPort Utility from then on - just quit the program.

At that point you should be able to unplug the Ethernet cable from your Express, reattach your G5 to the Extreme, and deploy the Express to its location near the stereo.

Any uncertainty at this point will be related to your Extreme's wireless network. Without any wireless devices (other than the Express) I don't know a good way to determine the Extreme's wireless is really working.

It's likely that I omitted some step so expect some frustration at some point during the above, just let me know where you get stuck and I'll try to determine what I forgot.

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Answer 2

John Galt

Level 10

156,080 points

May 6, 2012 8:54 PM in response to Lovegasoline

Hi Lovegasoline,

-Airport Admin Utility v5.4.2

I assume that you mean AirPort Utility for Tiger? AirPort Utility 5.4.2.

Forget about the older AirPort Admin Utility - AirPort Utility does everything the old Admin Utility does and more.

Connect the Express to your Extreme's LAN port with an Ethernet cable. AirPort Utility should be able to recognize it then. If it does not perform another "hard reset" and configure it anew.

Such a connection is really the only way you are going to add the Express to your network. Attempting to get it to "wirelessly join" the wireless network created by your older Extreme will require a WDS. This is tedious enough to create even for experienced users, despite Apple's step by step instructions linked below, and will likely result in poor performance even if you get it working reliably:

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

Finally, this will present a problem for you since the Extreme has only one LAN port which I assume is already allocated to your G5. You will need to buy a switch (another $50 or so) in order to add additional wired clients to your network.

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Answer 3

Lovegasoline Author

Level 1

4 points

May 7, 2012 1:52 PM in response to John Galt

John, thanks for your input.

I stand corrected, I meant AirPort Utility 5.4.2 for Tiger (and I'll take your advice and remove AirPort Admin Utility from my computer).

John Galt wrote:

Connect the Express to your Extreme's LAN port with an Ethernet cable. AirPort Utility should be able to recognize it then. If it does not perform another "hard reset" and configure it anew.

Such a connection is really the only way you are going to add the Express to your network. Attempting to get it to "wirelessly join" the wireless network created by your older Extreme will require a WDS. This is tedious enough to create even for experienced users, despite Apple's step by step instructions linked below, and will likely result in poor performance even if you get it working reliably:

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

Finally, this will present a problem for you since the Extreme has only one LAN port which I assume is already allocated to your G5. You will need to buy a switch (another $50 or so) in order to add additional wired clients to your network.

I want to be sure we are on the same page about the network I'm trying to setup, perhaps I was unclear?

If I connect the Airport Express to the Airport Extreme Base Station's LAN port via Ethernet cable as you suggest, it will negate my purpose for using the Airport Express, which is to stream iTunes wirelessly. The goal is to have the Airport Express located in a different room than the Airport Extreme Base Station. I want the Airport Extreme Base Station to transmit iTunes wirelessly to the Airport Express, without an Ethernet cable.

I'm trying to implement what appears to be a basic straightforward network as illustrated in Apple's Airport Express Manual, page #17:

http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/airport_express_setup_guide_v4.2.pdf

I have the necessary hardware as specified in my first post above.

However, I cannot get the Airport Utility software configured to correctly recognize the Airport Express. Airport Utility appears to identify the Airport Express as a second Base Station and the Airport Express' status light is amber.

Is it really necessary to implement WDS, and buy a separate switch, to obtain this basic network setup?

???

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Answer 4

Lovegasoline Author

Level 1

4 points

May 16, 2012 3:15 PM in response to John Galt

Wonderful.

My roommate will be happy to share the service.

It's good to know that the hardware still has a future, I was under the impression that 802.11g was somewhat obsolete ... realistically (besides the attendant general OS improvements) is there no compelling reason to upgrade to hardware with the 802.11n protocol? I notice that Apple's newest generation Airport Extreme doesn't appear compatible with my older PowerPC computers and older OS (my Extreme has firmware 5.4.2, which I believe is last compatible update for my OS) .

I was under the impression that my newer Airport Express units with 802.11n would be hampered by the older Extreme unit, as a weak link in the chain. A friend (who also contracts with Verizon for DSL) gave me the Airport Extreme to use, as Verizon had supplied him for free with one of their own DSL modems/wireless routers ... he said Verizon's unit did everything his older round Airport Extreme did, but with the benefit of several additional Ethernet LAN ports, so he was able to connect multiple hard drive, printers, etc. to the network to improve its functionality.

I suppose now that I have my head wrapped around the networking concept, other compatible router hardware is always an option, though I'm somewhat hesitant because I'm confident that if anyone can bring setup and operation to a more or less user friendly level, it's Apple.

Thanks again John for your technical expertise, patience, and exceptional Airport networking mini clinic. You've guided me past a major hurdle in my improving my Apple IQ 🙂

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Answer 5

Lovegasoline Author

Level 1

4 points

May 5, 2012 10:13 PM in response to Lovegasoline

If I connect the Airport Express to the G5 via Ethernet LAN, it appears as a Base Station in Airport Utility, but I cannot get it configured to join a wireless network and also have it's speaker options appear in iTunes (I turned the preference on in iTunes to look for remote speakers) .

If I remove the Ethernet cable from the Airport Express, Airport Utility is unable to discover it as a wireless device.

???

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Answer 6

Lovegasoline Author

Level 1

4 points

May 6, 2012 8:40 PM in response to Lovegasoline

...I neglected to mention:

-I pressed the little default button on both the Airport Extreme and Airport Express to reset/default them, several times but that didn't resolve the issue.

Any ideas what to try?

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Answer 7

Lovegasoline Author

Level 1

4 points

May 7, 2012 4:02 PM in response to John Galt

John, thanks so much for following up, it's much appreciated.

Late this evening I'll have a opportunity to adjust the Airport Express setup configuration as you illustrated.

I'll report back with the results.

Thanks again.

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Answer 8

Lovegasoline Author

Level 1

4 points

May 14, 2012 2:19 PM in response to John Galt

John,

I followed the setup that you demonstrated and everything works splendidly: the Airport Express is identified and integrated into the network and iTunes is streamed flawlessly from the G5 to the Airport Express/satellite stereo via the Airport Extreme Base Station.

Thank you kindly for generously offering the solution.

Although I've been a Mac user for over two decades, my experience in implementing and administering networks is extremely limited. I have a few followup questions regarding configuration options and network security, if you (or anyone who wishes to provide input) wouldn't mind fielding:

1) Guest Networking.

I was reading the specs on Apple's newest generation Airport Extreme BaseStation, "Set up a separate Wi-Fi network with a separate password for your visitors. Simply enable the guest networking feature, and your guests can use the Internet but can’t access other parts of your private network, such as your computers, printers and attached hard drives." Can this be done with my hardware/software? I want to permit my roommate to use my WiFi internet access, but I want to retain scrupulous security for my own computer and internet access. How best to set this up?

2) Security:

is WPA/WPA2 Personal the recommended security setting for the Airport Network?

3) Firewall:

I notice that firewall is turned off while using File Sharing, does this have a negative effect on computer security?

4) FIle Sharing

I'd like to create a File Sharing network whereby my G5 and iBook G4 (iBook has w/internal AIrport Extreme Card) can communicate with each other wirelessly (primarily to share files already on the G5). I've tried following Mac Help's steps but the G5 doesn't show the network in the Internet Connect software (perhaps because G5 has no internal Airport Card, just the Airport Express Base Station connected *** LAN Ethernet)?

Any advice on configuring this?

5) Remote Control for iTunes

I just installed and formatted a new hard drive in my iBook G4 so it's up and running: it has an internal Airport Extreme Card, and also Bluetooth capability. I've added it to my Airport Wireless Network and can successfully access the internet via WiFi. To complete the streaming iTunes network I'd like to have remote control, but I do not own an iPod Touch, iPhone, or iPad, and the G5 doesn't have an internal Airport card.

Is there a way to incorporate this iBook as a remote control device for iTunes in the network (iTunes is running on the G5)?

Thanks a again,

-Lovegasoline

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Answer 9

John Galt

Level 10

156,080 points

May 14, 2012 3:10 PM in response to Lovegasoline

Good! You'll be a network expert in no time.

1) Guest Networking. ... Can this be done with my hardware/software?

You need a newer model AirPort Extreme or Time Capsule to create the "guest network". Other than that all your existing wireless computers, iOS devices, etc. regardless of type or age will be able to use the "guest" network.

The intent is to enable a network for itinerant users to communicate with each other or to provide them with Internet access. This network can have completely separate security settings, or none at all. Since it is completely separate from yours no one can use or interfere with your "other" network, and you don't have to provide your network password to those who otherwise would like to use your Extreme's wireless. It's perfect for a roommate or anyone with whom you do not want to share your computers or other network equipment.

2) Security: ... is WPA/WPA2 Personal the recommended security setting for the Airport Network?

Yes. Older (very old) 802.11b AirPort cards support WPA but not WPA2.

3) Firewall: ... I notice that firewall is turned off while using File Sharing, does this have a negative effect on computer security?

For all practical concerns, no. I don't bother with OS X's firewall. Your local network is "behind" your router and inaccessible to anything beyond it. A firewall merely prevents computers within your own network from communicating among themselves, unless you specifically enable the ports used to communicate. As such it is only an inconvenience for yourself that will convey no practical benefit.

4) FIle Sharing

There is no reason that you cannot share files via afp among computers on your network, no matter how they are connected. Wired or wireless makes no difference. However, file sharing has become much easier with every succeeding OS X version. File sharing in Tiger works but for some reason it always seems to be a royal pain. Try initiating the connection from a different computer. You can find the computer's name in System Preferences > Sharing.

I may be able to come up with some more suggestions but I need to boot a Tiger machine and one is not at hand right now.

5) Remote Control for iTunes … Is there a way to incorporate this iBook as a remote control device for iTunes in the network

I am not aware of any utility similar to iOS's Remote that can be used to control another Mac's iTunes library. Unless I am misunderstanding your question though, Home Sharing ought to accomplish what you describe.

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Answer 10

Lovegasoline Author

Level 1

4 points

May 14, 2012 4:20 PM in response to John Galt

John,

Thanks for the clarification. Persently, I'm unable to upgrade my hardware, so I'm limited to OS10.4.11, although I recognize it's getting pretty long in the tooth.

Sharing Wifi

As Guest Networking is not available with my hardware, how best to configure the network so my roommate can share the Wifi signal 24/7 (with password), but also secure the network so that same roommate cannot access my computer data (ex. via File Sharing when I finally get it working or via any other method), and also cannot access any of my internet settings and data?

Is it simply a matter of password protecting the Airport Wireless Network (i.e. setting a password as per the first screenshot in your reply upthread) or is more needed?

File Sharing

I'll try experiemnt with file sharing and see if I can get to to work.

Home Sharing as Remote Control for iTunes

This I'm not clear on? Is this the same as/related to file sharing?

Thanks!

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Answer 11

John Galt

Level 10

156,080 points

May 14, 2012 5:15 PM in response to Lovegasoline

Sharing: Your roommate cannot access any of your files on your Macs unless 1. you have specifically enabled file sharing in System Preferences > Sharing, and 2. your roommate can log in to your Macs using the same user name and password that you use to log in to your Mac.

If you do not use a login password (in other words, your Mac's account password is blank) obviously no password would be required. It's up to you to determine how secure your password ought to be.

The third requirement is that your computers must be connected to one another; usually this means they are connected to the same wired or wireless network.

You can share your wireless network password with your roommate so that he or she can use your wireless connection, and your Mac and its files will remain "off limits" until the above two criteria are also met. Anyone with physical access to your AirPort Extreme Base Station can easily reset it, then reconfigure it to use a different password or none at all, so sharing your wireless network password is little more than a courtesy for someone who can physically access your AirPort anyway. It's meaningless for an absentee landlord, for instance.

iTunes Home Sharing enables you, from one computer, to "see" and play music from all the other iTunes Libraries on all your computers, Windows or Macs, connected to your local network. I believe they all require the same Apple ID but I am not certain of that. You must specifically enable this feature in System Preferences > Sharing, and in iTunes itself.

Home Sharing requires iTunes 9 or later, download it here: iTunes 9.2.1

Some features such as the Store will run slowly, but iTunes and Home Sharing will work with your "round" Extreme.

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Answer 12

Lovegasoline Author

Level 1

4 points

May 16, 2012 12:52 PM in response to John Galt

John,

Based on your instructions I successfully got the file sharing to work wirelessly between the G5 and the iBook (I haven't explored file sharing via Ethernet, but I assume it is similar).

John,

You're remote control solution for streaming iTunes (Btw, I did already have iTunes 9.2.1 installed) using the Home Sharing feature is working perfectly and I'm now able to control my G5's iTunes remotely via my iBook. This comes as a huge relief and I now regret not implementing the streaming iTunes sooner. The remote control seemed to be the theoretical stumbling block as all the Apple sound technicians I consulted with (about three years ago) erroneously told me that remote control of iTunes would not be possible with the G5 (no internal Airport Card)/iBook and/or without an iPhone or iPod Touch ... and I was recoiling from the prospect of hardware upgrades to make it work.

I'm surprised and pleased with how well your solution works! Thank you! In fact, it works so well that last evening I purchased a second Airport Express 802.11n (second hand) in anticipation of expanding the streaming iTunes to another room.

The wireless network, the streaming Airtunes, and the remote control of iTunes via the iBook all work flawlessly thus far. John, please accept my sincerest thanks for walking me through this.

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Answer 13

Lovegasoline Author

Level 1

4 points

May 16, 2012 1:29 PM in response to John Galt

John,

I'm at the point where I'm confident enough in the stability and functionality of the wireless network to share WiFi access with my roommate. One remaining primary concern regards speed.

My current DSL service download speed is contracted at 1MB/second.

My primary internet connection will be via the G5 connected to the Airport Extreme via ethernet LAN.

My secondary internet connection will be via iBook/Airport WiFi network, and my roommate will also be accessing via Airport WiFI, but with a newer Mac laptop. Am I correct in assuming that the internet speeds could conceivably be halved if we are both online at the same time?

Recall, that I have the older 'circular' Airport Extreme: do you know if the WiFi internet download speeds have a limited ceiling based on the this older hardware?

If both of us being online translates into slower download speeds, I'd be willing to upgrade to the next tier of DSL service, which is 3MB/second, as long as the Airport Extreme would be able to translate the speed improvement (in particular to the G5/Ethernet LAN connection).

Any thoughts?

Btw, is there a simple way to monitor who else, if anyone, is connected to my Airport Network?

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Answer 14

John Galt

Level 10

156,080 points

May 16, 2012 2:08 PM in response to Lovegasoline

Glad it's working for you. You can extend the useful life of Apple equipment for a long time.

Your 802.11g Extreme can handle nearly any residential ISP speed available in the United States with ease. Ten times your current DSL service would be no problem for it. Verizon FiOS allegedly offers 50 Mbps which most of us here could only dream of - that would be close to its limits but still theoretically OK.

Your DSL speed of 1 Mbps is divided among all your devices. If your roommate is streaming a Netflix movie while you are doing something equally bandwidth-hungry both devices will slow down since your ISP will still be delivering the same 1 Mbps (or ought to - it's difficult to get them to admit what their real throughput is. Most ISPs attach a lot of wiggle words to their bandwidth "guarantees"). Paying for 3 Mbps will likely result in a quantifiable improvement.

To determine all the wired and wireless clients connected to your Extreme, use Airport Utility, select the "advanced" pane, change the "syslog level" to its highest setting (a lower one may be OK though), click the Logs and Statistics button, and the Logs tab. That will show a running log of all the MAC addresses of everything connected to your network and when it connects.

This is very cryptic information but if you keep a record of the MAC addresses of your own devices (I maintain a printed list of mine) you will be able to determine if a hitchhiker is present. Having a decent WPA password will thwart any such attempts anyway.

MAC addresses of your computers can be found in  > About this Mac > More Info... > Network > Locations. Look for the entries next to "Hardware (MAC) Address".

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