Express to extend network - ethernet

here you go: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4260

As I understand it you have one Express set up to "extend" the network, and an additional Express as a wired access point. That's all good. The important thing about the wired Express is that it is configured to connect via Ethernet, that its connection sharing is "off (bridge mode)" and that it uses the exact same network name and security settings as your existing wireless network.

If you goal is to extend the wireless network across the house using the first AirPort Express Base Station (AX) as a relay and the second as a remote, then the only available method to do so is a WDS. Please check out the following Apple Support article for details.

Start from the beginning. You have an AirPort Extreme base station, then added an Express and configured it to "extend" the network created by the Extreme, correct?

Now, if I understand correctly, you want to add a second Express, so you connected it to your AirPort Extreme Base Station, right? Not the Express. Then configure it as I explained. Its Ethernet cable must be connected to the AEBS either directly or through a switch - nothing else.

... the ethernet wired Express comes up, and works, but as a separate network.

Then it doesn't have the exact same network name and security settings as your existing wireless network.

There's your clue - the new Express must be set up to create a wireless network (with the exact same network name and security settings). You will find those settings in the AirPort pane > Wireless tab. You have to type in your wireless network name, I expect copy and paste would work fine also.

If that's not an option go back to the Internet pane, Internet Connection tab, and select Connect Using: Ethernet, and Connection Sharing: Off (Bridge Mode). Then return to the AirPort pane > Wireless tab and confirm the above wireless network settings.

Tesserax... I have a vague memory of some setting that disables the LAN ports on an Extreme, or am I imagining that? Just wanted to be sure that it's not "allow this network to be extended" (apparently that's not it).

No, that setting would not disable the Extreme's LAN ports. However, if the Extreme was configured with Wireless Mode = Join a wireless network, it would.

I interpreted the OP's suggested network configuration as a combination of a "roaming" and "extended" network which would not work as a single network ... thus my suggestion for a WDS to cover the range. Ideally, to cover a long linear range, I would suggest connecting both Express base stations back to the Extreme via Ethernet and use the roaming configuration (if feasible.)

Thanks!

... I would suggest connecting both Express base stations back to the Extreme via Ethernet and use the roaming configuration (if feasible.)

(to the OP) that would be ideal and could convey additional advantages.

Thank you for this John. Helped me as well.

Will this work with the first generation extreme also? The flat one but the first one out.

Yes.