WranglerNJ
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Q: can you use another airport express to boost

I already own one airport express as my primary wi-fi, can I use a second one to boost the signal across the house?

Macbook

Posted on Dec 5, 2012 4:59 PM

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WranglerNJ

Q: can you use another airport express to boost

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  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Dec 5, 2012 7:09 PM in response to WranglerNJ
    Level 10 (105,388 points)
    Wireless
    Dec 5, 2012 7:09 PM in response to WranglerNJ

    There are at least 3 versions of the the Express and not all of them are compatible for the purpose that you ask about.

     

    Can you provide the model number for the Express that you have?  On most devices, it is found on the side of the device in faint print and will likely read either A1084 or A1264.

     

    If you purchased a "new" Express in the last few months, you may have the "new" 2nd Generation Model.  You will not be able to find the model number on this device, but it looks the device in this document:

     

    AirPort Express

     

    If you can post back with info about the Express that you have, we will be able to answer your question correctly.

  • by WranglerNJ,

    WranglerNJ WranglerNJ Dec 7, 2012 5:05 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 7, 2012 5:05 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    It is an A1084 model, which I purchased a few years ago. Thank you for any assistance you can provide.

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Dec 7, 2012 6:16 AM in response to WranglerNJ
    Level 10 (105,388 points)
    Wireless
    Dec 7, 2012 6:16 AM in response to WranglerNJ

    Unfortunately, the older A1084 model would not be compatible with the  "extend a wireless network" feature of the newer 802.11n models of the AirPort Express.

     

    You would need two of the newer models....A1264 or A1394 to do what you want.

  • by WranglerNJ,

    WranglerNJ WranglerNJ Dec 7, 2012 8:58 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 7, 2012 8:58 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    Ok.  Thanks for the info.  However a friend of mine has the same model and bought a new one.  Would using the same model gain me the extending that I require?

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Dec 7, 2012 10:09 AM in response to WranglerNJ
    Level 10 (105,388 points)
    Wireless
    Dec 7, 2012 10:09 AM in response to WranglerNJ

    Your friend has two AirPort Express devices, but the second that he bought is not configured to "extend a wireless network", despite what he might believe.

     

    As I previously mentioned, the "extend" setting can only be used when the Express devices are 802.11"n" models. Your version of the Express is an older 802.11"b/g" model.

     

    This Apple Support document will confirm that you must use 802.11"n" versions to "extend". Notice that the title of document reads Setting Up and Configuring an Extended Network 802.11n:

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4259

     

    Your friend's Express has likely "joined" the wireless network....a setting which can be used for AirTunes or attaching a remote printer....but his second Express is not providing any additional wireless signal for his network.

     

    You need to purchase two new AirPort Express devices if you want to "extend" your network.