Using AirPort Express to extend Cisco E1200 router.

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Using AirPort Express to extend Cisco E1200 router.

I have an AirPort Express that I am attempting to use as a wireless extender for a Cisco E1200 router and am having issues. The person I am helping is using their iPad as the wireless device, but needs the extender to boost the signal for the rest of the house. I was able to get the AirPort configured to where I have the green light. But when the AirPort Utility is opened on the iPad, it does not see the Express. The Express is connected to the Cisco router via Cat5 and the Cisco is going to the modem. I believe that I need to setup the Cisco as my base station. Does this mean that the AirPort utility needs to be installed on the PC that the Cisco is running on? Any help would be great.

Posted on Jan 12, 2013 3:28 PM

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Answer 1

Tesserax

Level 10

148,453 points

Jan 12, 2013 8:55 PM in response to sdrywa

Sorry, but you will not be able to extend the wireless range of the Cisco router with the AirPort Express as the two are not compatible for this feature. At least this is the case if you want the connection between these two routers to be wireless. If they can be interconnected by Ethernet, then they could be configured for a roaming network ... which would effectively extend the wireless range.

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Answer 2

sdrywa Author

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Jan 13, 2013 6:57 AM in response to Tesserax

So do I need to install Airport utility on the Windows PC connected to the Cisco router? Or does it only need to be setup on the iPad?

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Answer 3

edex67

Level 4

3,255 points

Jan 13, 2013 7:06 AM in response to sdrywa

Either device would work. Also, if you can't run an Ethernet cable as Tesserax suggested look into getting a pair of Powerline adapters, which will work in most homes (but you can return them if they don't work).

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Answer 4

Tesserax

Level 10

148,453 points

Jan 13, 2013 1:31 PM in response to sdrywa

There are versions of the AirPort Utility for Macs, PCs, & iOS devices like your iPad. You only need this utility on the device that you want to administer the AirPort as, unlike other router manufacturers, the AirPort do NOT use a web-based administration interface.

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