HT204617: Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring an extended wireless network (802.11n)

Learn about Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring an extended wireless network (802.11n)
JBrasile

Q: Airport Express that were part of another network

I have two Airport Expresses that were part of another network and I am now trying to configure them on a new network to wirelessly extend it, but can not discover them on the AirPort Utility and I factory reset them as well and still they are not being discovered.  They plugged in only about 4-6 feet away from the base station (Airport Extreme). What should I do?

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.4)

Posted on Aug 5, 2012 9:05 AM

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Q: Airport Express that were part of another network

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  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Aug 5, 2012 9:47 AM in response to JBrasile
    Level 10 (105,273 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 5, 2012 9:47 AM in response to JBrasile

    Work with one AirPort Express at a time.

     

    Perform a Factory Default Reset on the Express

     

    Resetting an AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule FAQ

     

    Locate it in the same room with the AirPort Extreme for the configuration with AirPort Utility, then once you have a green light, you can move the Express to a location that is approximately half the distance from the AirPort Extreme to the general area that needs more wireless coverage.

     

    Then do the same thing for the second AirPort Express

     

    Here, I am assuming that you have a recent version of the AirPort Extreme, and the "new" version of the Express or the previous Express version, which you can verify by checking the model number on the side of the device. That would be A1264.

  • by JBrasile,

    JBrasile JBrasile Aug 5, 2012 11:12 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 5, 2012 11:12 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    The the two express are in the same room as the base station (Extreme) and are model A1264, but I have factory rest both and no green light and in the AirPort Utility they are not discovered. Any suggestions?

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Aug 5, 2012 11:23 AM in response to JBrasile
    Level 10 (105,273 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 5, 2012 11:23 AM in response to JBrasile

    What version of AirPort Utility are you using?

     

    If you are not sure, click the AirPort Utility menu at the upper left of the screen near the Apple icon. Click About AirPort Utility.

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Aug 5, 2012 11:40 AM in response to JBrasile
    Level 10 (105,273 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 5, 2012 11:40 AM in response to JBrasile

    If you are using Lion 10.7.4 as your profile indicates.....

     

    Open AirPort Utility and look at the rectangular box in the upper left hand corner of the AirPort Utility window.

     

    It should read Other AirPort Base Stations (1) if you have reset the Express correctly.

     

    Screen Shot 2012-08-05 at 1.27.06 PM.png

     

    Click on Other AirPort Base Stations (1), then click on the the AirPort Express xxxxxxx

     

    AirPort Utility will take a minute to analyze your network, then announce that the Express will be configured to Extend your wireless network

     

    Edit the name of the AirPort Express device if you wish, then click Next

     

    Allow a minute or two for AirPort Utility to configure the Express

     

    When you see the message that Setup is compete, click Done

     

    Configure the second AirPort Express the same way.

  • by JBrasile,

    JBrasile JBrasile Aug 5, 2012 12:02 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 5, 2012 12:02 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    I have looked at the box and they still do not show up in that box called 'Other AirPort Base Stations'. I have now rest them multiple times.

  • by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Aug 5, 2012 12:29 PM in response to JBrasile
    Level 10 (105,273 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 5, 2012 12:29 PM in response to JBrasile

    I am not able to duplicate the error that you are reporting. The Express always appears in AirPort Utility.

     

    Try a reset exactly as follows:

     

    Power down the Express and wait a minute

    Hold in the reset button first, and keep holding it down for 9-10 seconds while you simultaneously plug the Express back in to power

    Release the reset button after the full 9-10 second hold period and allow 45 seconds for the Express to restart to a slow, blinking amber light

     

    Shut down the Mac and then restart

    Make sure that you have a good wireless connection to the Mac

    Open AirPort Utility to see if it will discover the Express

     

    If still no luck, I suggest that you have the Express devices checked out an Apple store or Apple servicer

  • by JBrasile,

    JBrasile JBrasile Aug 5, 2012 2:00 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 5, 2012 2:00 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    That worked, thanks.

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Aug 5, 2012 2:08 PM in response to JBrasile
    Level 10 (105,273 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 5, 2012 2:08 PM in response to JBrasile

    Glad that this worked. So that we learn, how were you trying to reset the Express devices before I provided the instructions?