Airport Express v2 problems extending network

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Airport Express v2 problems extending network

Hello again,

After popping and clicking issues with my airport express v1 I bought a new V2.

I had no problem setting up the V1 on my network. I have a dlink dir-655 wireless router and I want the airport express to extend my wireless network via ethernet. This is what I've tried.

Plug in the airport express and use the airport utility to extend the network. No matter what I try, the airport starts out connecting via ethernet and then switches to wireless.

If I use the guided setup I get to a page that reads "Select the device or Network Airport Express will connect to using ethernet". My only option is the wireless network. Is that what I should choose? If I do that, then the airport switches from "connect using: ethernet connetction" to "connect using: wireless network". I want the airport to connect using ethernet and extend the wireless network.

What am I doing wrong?

Airport Express-OTHER, iOS 5.1.1

Posted on Jul 2, 2012 10:43 PM

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Answer 1

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John Galt

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Jul 2, 2012 10:55 PM in response to Mark Petzold

… If I use the guided setup I get to a page that reads "Select the device or Network Airport Express will connect to using ethernet". My only option is the wireless network.

It sounds as though the Express's WAN port is not connected to the DIR-655's LAN port.

I want the airport to connect using ethernet and extend the wireless network.

Then do not select the wireless network. If you configure the Express manually, select "Connect using" > Ethernet.

Refer to this KB article to determine the correct settings: Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring a roaming network (802.11 a/b/g/n)

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Answer 2

Mark Petzold Author

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Jul 2, 2012 11:43 PM in response to John Galt

You're right. I was using the lan port because that's all that the v1 express had. I'll try it out using the lan port and report back tomorrow.

Thanks for your help!

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Answer 3

Mark Petzold Author

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Jul 3, 2012 12:09 AM in response to Mark Petzold

I switched ports but I have the same problem. As soon as I select "extend a wireless network" the connect using option changes to wireless.

I don't see anywhere in the configuration that lets me change that. There are two places that show me how the unit is connected (wireless network right now) but neither are editable fields.

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Answer 4

John Galt

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Jul 3, 2012 7:31 AM in response to Mark Petzold

… As soon as I select "extend a wireless network" the connect using option changes to wireless.

Use AirPort Utility, select your Express and then select "Manual Setup". Next, select the Internet pane, Internet Connection tab, and change the dropdown box for "Connect Using" to "Ethernet", and "Connection Sharing" to "Off (Bridge Mode)".

Next, in the AirPort pane, Wireless tab, select "Create a wireless network" and make 100% certain the wireless network name, security, and password are completely identical to the wireless network created by the DIR-655.

Click Update and allow the Express to reset.

If you're not already using it download AirPort Utility 5.6 for Lion: AirPort Utility 5.6.

For Leopard or Snow Leopard: AirPort Utility 5.5.3.

"Extend a wireless network" is for Apple AirPort base stations only and will not work with other manufacturers' base stations so you must use Ethernet to accomplish what you intend.

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Answer 5

Mark Petzold Author

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Jul 3, 2012 1:57 PM in response to John Galt

Thanks so much for your advice John.

I did all that and I'm able to use the settings you described.

I'm still confused though. Why am I choosing "Create a wireless network" when I already have a wireless network? It seems to me that I ought to choose "Extend a wireless network" because that's what I want to do.

Also, if I use these settings, will my wireless devices see a single wireless network with multiple access points or will they have to choose one and stick with it?

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Answer 6

John Galt

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Jul 3, 2012 2:27 PM in response to Mark Petzold

It's just a question of nomenclature. What Apple calls "extending" a wireless network refers to their ability to effectively relay the wireless signal that originates from another Apple base station. Apple came up with the terminology so we're stuck with it.

What you implemented is a "roaming network" that really does create two wireless networks. Giving them the exact same name and password ensures your wireless devices can roam among them, and switch more or less seamlessly from one to the other. Your wireless devices will "see" only one network, and you won't have to concern yourself with which device they happen to be connected. This is the preferred way to embiggen a wireless network.

The only disadvantage is having to connect the two base stations to each other with an Ethernet cable, but you did that already.

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Answer 7

Mark Petzold Author

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Jul 3, 2012 2:36 PM in response to John Galt

Great explanation. Bonus points for "embiggen". 🙂

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