I have followed this to the letter but still can't get a wireless connection.

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I have followed this to the letter but still can't get a wireless connection.

Having had no joy doing the setup via wi-fi ("Unexpected Error" message every time), I have connected the AEX via ethernet and seem to be able to complete the process, however on completion Airport Utility tells me it cannot find the wi-fi network I have specified. At no stage during the setup does it ask me for the network key, only for a password for base station. I have gone on to edit the wi-fi password in Airport Utility whilst connected via ethernet, however it still says "This AirPort base station is set up to join a specific wireless network that can't be found."

The status also says it has no Internet Connection or DNS Servers.

I have triple checked both my wireless network SSID and password (I'm connected via it as I write).

Using AirPort Utility 6.1, and updated the Airplay Express firmware to 7.6.1.

Suggestions?

iMac (20-inch Early 2008), Mac OS X (10.7.4), Cisco E2000 router running dd-wrt.

Posted on Jul 9, 2012 6:24 AM

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Answer 1

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Bob Timmons

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Jul 9, 2012 6:56 AM in response to Trolleys

I suggest that you use the full featured AirPort Utility 5.6 for Mac OS X Lion

Download and install it and it will work side by side with AirPort Utillty 6.1 on your Mac.

Reset the Express back to Factory Default Settings and confgure the Express using wireless only.

Resetting an AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule FAQ

Open AirPort Utility 5.6 , select the Express and click Manual Setup

Click the Base Station tab below the row of icons to name the Express, establish a device password and adjust Time Zone settings

Click the Wireless tab

Hold down the option key on your Mac while you click on the Wireless Mode setting box and select Join a wireless network.

Enter the Wireles Network Name of the Cisco network to be joined

The Wireless Security settings must exactly match with the Cisco settings

Enter the Wireless Password and Verify Password.

Click Update, close AirPort Utility as soon as you see that the settings have been stored and you should have a green light in 40-45 seconds.

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Answer 2

Trolleys Author

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Jul 9, 2012 11:46 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Thanks Bob. Worked a treat.

However, nothing like the simple pulg-and-play solution promised by Apple! And the range I'm getting is pretty poor. Might have to look elsewhere for the 'whole house' solution.

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Answer 3

Jul 9, 2012 12:11 PM in response to Trolleys

The AirPort Express does not provide any additional wireless coverage when it is configured to "Join a wireless network."

You would need to configure the Expess to "Extend a wireless network" in order for it to provide more wireless signal coverage.

The problem here.....the "extend" feature appears to be designed by Apple to only work with other Apple routers, and not with products from other manufacturers.

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Answer 4

Trolleys Author

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Jul 9, 2012 12:35 PM in response to Bob Timmons

I was aware that it wouldn't extend my coverage (I bought it to stream iTunes), but I was surprised that my iPod Touch seems to get a better connection to my Cisco router than the Express does from the same location. In my bedroom I can stream video on my iTouch, but can't get a consistent connection even for just audio on the Express.

I got the Cisco because I had reports it had good performance at range, and I was able to install my VPN on it. Not sure an Apple base station would do any better.

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Answer 5

Jul 9, 2012 12:58 PM in response to Trolleys

Thanks for the clarification. As far as range of wireless routers is concerned, the signal power is limited by law, so there is not going to be much difference from one brand to another unless one router might be using external antennas and another internal.

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