how to set up a network

Question

Level 1

9 points

how to set up a network

I am trying to set up a network between 2 imacs(at home)

I can get them to work fine if both are turn on and running WI fi and Airport Express

But if i tun off one -mine the base unit- and leave the other one on it will show my network but it will not go on the internet

the beach ball runs and runs

My unit runs lion nd the other unit runs Snow Leopard

iMac (21.5-inch Mid 2011), Mac OS X (10.7.3)

Posted on May 24, 2012 5:30 AM

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Answer 1

Tesserax

Level 10

158,658 points

May 24, 2012 8:25 AM in response to akurwelnz7

Let's first verify that the AirPort Express Base Station (AX) is providing a Wi-Fi network that has Internet access.

I would recommend that you do the following as a minimum:

Power-down the modem, AirPort base station, and computer(s).
Disconnect the AirPort base station from the Internet broadband modem.
While all of the devices are powered-down, perform a "factory default" reset on the base station. This will get it back to its "out-of-the-box" configuration and make setting it up much easier, especially if you use the "Assist me" process within the AirPort Utility. (ref: Resetting an AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule)
After the base station resets, go ahead and power it back down.
Reconnect the AirPort base station to the Internet broadband modem. For the Extreme and Time Capsule, be sure to connect the cable to the base station's WAN (circle-of-dots) port.
Power-up the modem; wait at least 10-15 minutes to allow it adequate time to initialize.
Power-up the AirPort base station; wait at least 5-10 minutes. Note: The AirPort's status light may continue to flash amber after it has intialized. That is because, there may be some additional configuration items necessary, like setting up wireless security, before the overall setup is completed to get a green status.
Power-up your computer(s).

In this basic configuration, the AirPort base station will broadcast an unsecured wireless network with a Network Name (SSID) of Apple Network NNNNNN. Network clients, connected to the base station either by wire or wireless, should now be able to access the Internet through the ISP's modem. Once Internet connectivity has been verified, you can use the AirPort Utility to configure the base station for wireless security and any other desired options. Please post back your results.

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Answer 2

akurwelnz7 Author

Level 1

9 points

May 24, 2012 11:00 AM in response to Tesserax

Sir

I think I was not quite clear

I have 2 computers that I have set up when the unit I use for myself I can get on the internet with no problem

and the other uniy will get on also with no problem

It is when I turn my unit off the other unit shows that it has a connection but when I try to get on the internet

the unit hangs up

The info you sent me was helpful but it did solve the problemOr for short when units A and B are on together there is no problem but when unit A is shut down B will not go on the internet

Thank You

Al Kurwelnz

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Answer 3

Tesserax

Level 10

158,658 points

May 24, 2012 1:13 PM in response to akurwelnz7

Sorry, I was assuming that you have an AirPort Express router that is providing the Wi-Fi network for both computers. Instead, it sounds like you have one of your computers configured for Internet Sharing that the other is dependent on for Internet access ... Is this the case?

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Answer 4

akurwelnz7 Author

Level 1

9 points

May 24, 2012 1:23 PM in response to akurwelnz7

Yes I think what you stated is my problem

I do wish to thank you for your help

Even when I shut down A and leave the Airport Express on

What I setup shows on unit B but will not connect to the internet

I use comcast(Infinity) as my internet provider

Thank You

Al Kurwelnz

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Answer 5

Tesserax

Level 10

158,658 points

May 24, 2012 1:29 PM in response to akurwelnz7

Ok, I guess my question for you is if you have an AirPort Express Base Station to provide the wireless network, why don't you just have both computers connect to that network? ... or is it because one of them does not have wireless capability?

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Answer 6

akurwelnz7 Author

Level 1

9 points

May 24, 2012 4:48 PM in response to Tesserax

A has Wi Fi B dose not

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Answer 7

Tesserax

Level 10

158,658 points

May 24, 2012 8:33 PM in response to akurwelnz7

Ok, you basically have two choices:

Use Internet Sharing as you currently are doing. This would mean the computer that is sharing the Internet must stay on for the other computer to have Internet access. This is the way it supposed to work.
Get a USB wireless adapter for the computer that doesn't currently have wireless. Then both computers can connect to the wireless network provided by the Express.

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Answer 8

akurwelnz7 Author

Level 1

9 points

May 25, 2012 3:43 AM in response to akurwelnz7

This is what I thought was happening but I was not sure

Thank You for time in this matter

It was very helpful and something I should look into If I my wife wants to use the internet

on the B unit

Thank You

al Kurwelnz

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