Connect Airport Express to Motorola Surfboard Modem/Router

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31 points

Connect Airport Express to Motorola Surfboard Modem/Router

I have purchased a Motorola SURFboad eXtreme Wireless-N Cable Modem and Router (model SBG6580). In order to extend the network to all rooms of my condo, I purchased a 2nd generation Airport Express.

I was able to setup the Airport with my Mac using the Airport Utility and I was able to connect to the my network; got a solid green light on the aiport!

When I tried to access the network, using the Mac, in a room farthest from the Cable Modem but next to the Airport Express, I was not able to see my network. As I walked closer to the modem, the network became visible and I was able to connect.

I then tried to turn off all security on the network and got the Airport Express to connect to the network and and got the solid green light again. I tried the same experiment, and got the same result.

So wondering what I need to do to get the Airport Express to connect to the Wireless Modem and extend the network?

Any ideas and suggestions are appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

iMac, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Jan 28, 2013 7:24 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 28, 2013 7:40 AM in response to Lute Q

Unfortunately, Apple tells us that the "extend a wireless network" feature will only work when you have the Express extending another Apple router.

In other words, to "extend" it takes a minimum of two Apple routers.

Your Express has "joined" the network. You can use it for AirTunes or connect a remote printer, but it will not "extend" the signal from the Motorola modem/router and provide more wireless signal coverage.

You would need to connect the Express to the Motorola modem/router using a wired Ethernet connection if you want it to provide more wireless coverage. In this case, the Express would be configured to "create" a wireless network using the same wireless network name, same security settings and same password as the Motorola network. The Express must also be configured to operate in Bridge Mode in this type of setup.

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Answer 2

Lute Q Author

Level 1

31 points

Jan 29, 2013 1:01 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Thanks Bob for the quick response and help. I now understand how I need to connect the Express with the Motorola.

To confirm, if I want to extend the range of the network, I need to purchase another Express and set it up to "extend a wireless network" in order to get the range of the network expanded. Is this correct?

All the best,

Lute

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Answer 3

Jan 29, 2013 1:08 PM in response to Lute Q

One Express must be connected to your Motorola modem/router with an Ethernet cable. That Express must be configured to "Create a wireless network".

A second Express needs to be located approximately half to two-thirds the distance from the main Express and the general area that needs more wireless coverage. That second Express will pick up the signal from the main Express using wireless only and re-broadcast the signal, providing more wireless signal coverage in the general area where it is located.

You will not be using the wireless signal provided by the Motorola wireless modem/router at all, so unless you really need a second wireless network, you should turn off the wireless function of the Motorola modem/router.

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Answer 4

Lute Q Author

Level 1

31 points

Jan 29, 2013 1:40 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Thanks Bob for the additional information!

Appreciated the information and sharing!

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Answer 5

Mar 8, 2013 9:39 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Bob I wished I would have known about the not being able to extend the range between the non apple to apple (as I am using a Motorola wireless). Not knowing too much about the hardware and I hope I am not putting you on the spot but would I get more performance with a TimeCapsule (airport extreme) with my wifi turned off on my SBG6580? I had bought a Airport express for the visions of extending the range of my signal to the far end of my house. Being new to Apple I just assumed my problem was a subtle problem I was missing.

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