because i need to send my network to 9 airport express units, do I really have to buy multiple airport extremes in my control room. or is there another option?

Byron Lumley wrote:

... There must be a better solution than joining 4 airport extremes together.

Of course. Purchase an inexpensive Ethernet switch.

An eight port switch provides six additional ports, so buy two of them. Eight port Gigabit switches are available for less than $50 US and can occasionally be found for half that much.

John,

Stupid question, I know, but I'm no networking expert...

...if I buy a 5-port switch, do I just use a port on my Airport Extreme (5th gen) to get 'service' to the switch?

Thanks,

Clinton

Yes you need to connect the switch to the Extreme.

Great - already have one picked out - just need some more ports...

Thanks,

Clinton

Yes, but if you think you will ever have need for more ports an eight port switch is often just another few dollars. Right now Amazon is selling a five port Trendnet switch for $27.76 and an eight port version of the same thing for another $2.23. 100% more ports for 8% more money.

True. I'd also always go for Gigabit as it is easily worth the extra £5-10.