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How do I know my airport express (configured as range extender) is working?

hi all,

my imac is connected to my wireless ISP router (TanNet). However, the signal strength is low hence I bought an Airport Express to extend range.

However, I am not too sure about configuring it.


After some tries, managed to get the airport express up, "green" via LAN cable from Imac to airport express, changed the name to APE2. Managed to join to my TanNet with the correct security settings and password.


However, I found that my imac is connected still to TanNet.


My question is should my Imac or Ipad or iphone be connected to "TanNet" or "APE2"?

How would I know whether I have successfully connected to the wireless ISP router (TanNet) via the airport express? or directly Imac to ISP router?

Would the naming be transparent to me?


Thanks alot.

Airport Express-OTHER, Mac OS X (10.7.4)

Posted on Jun 1, 2012 7:49 AM

Reply
5 replies

Jun 1, 2012 8:16 AM in response to LLyna

The Express provides no additional wireless coverage when it is setup to "join" a wireless network. It need to be set to "extend" a wireless network to provide additional signal coverage.


Unfortunately, Apple says that the Express can only extend the network provided by another Apple router, so it is extremely unlikely that it will work with a router from another manufacturer for the purpose that you want.


If you can connect the AirPort Express to your router using a wired Ethernet connection, it can be configured to provide more wireless coverage that way.

Jun 1, 2012 9:32 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Hi Bob Timmons,


You said that the Express can only extend the network provided by another Apple router, so it is extremely unlikely that it will work with a router from another manufacturer for the purpose that you want.

Do you have any manual for reference this?


Now I have problem with my AE every time I try to config it as a extend the network after update my PC can't find the AE device.



Phanumart

Jun 1, 2012 9:58 AM in response to Phanumart _Kaew

Do you have any manual for reference this?

As I said, Apple states that the Express (and "extend" feature) will only work with other Apple routers. Specifically, the quote from Apple is as follows:


"AirPort Express can extend the range only of an AirPort Extreme or AirPort Express wireless network."


Seems pretty clear to me. As far as I know, there are no other devices from other manufacturers that will work with this setting. But, no one has tested all other devices...that would not be possible....so I say that it would be extremely unlikely that another device from another manfacturer will work.


Check the Features page of the AirPort Express and footnote #3.


http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/features/wi-fi.html


Now I have problem with my AE every time I try to config it as a extend the network after update my PC can't find the AE device.

If you are trying to extend your TanNet router using wireless only with the AirPort Express, it's is extremely unlikely that the Express will allow you do this...for the reasons above. Suggest that you see if TanNet has a compatible device to work with their router for this purpose.

How do I know my airport express (configured as range extender) is working?

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