Airport express won't work with Extend Network, only Create Network

Not that it helps your issue but wanted to share that I am having the same exact issue. I have airport extreme and looking to extend the network via Ethernet to the airport express units (for audio purposes). I can get the units to extend wirelessly but as soon as I introduce the ethernet cable, I get "unexpected error occurred...try again". It was painful yesterday and could not get it to work with the ethernet.

No answer but sounds like a common problem.

My Airport Express when it is setup to extend my network while plugged into Ethernet will Create a network under settings

This is the correct setting to "extend" the network using an Ethernet connection. Technically, this is called a "roaming" network.

If I change this to Extend A Network it doesn't work properly.

This is because "Extend a wireless network" is used only when AirPort devices communicate with each other using wireless only......not Ethernet.

It would help if Apple used settings like "Extend a network using Ethernet" and "Extend a network using wireless only".....but they don't.

The AirPort Extreme will need to be configured as the main router if you want it to provide a Guest Network. It cannot do this if it is configured in Bridge Mode.

Bob -

So if I understand correctly. I need to go into Airport Utility and reconfig the Airport Extreme to set-up a guest network for the airport express units to connect them via Ethernet?

Thanks

Take a look at this Apple article on how to setup a "Roaming Network" when you are connecting your base stations via an ethernet cable.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4260

Get the Expess setup correct to extend the main network first. Then, we'll see if your AirPort Extreme can be configured to 'create" a Guest Network.

I need to go into Airport Utility and reconfig the Airport Extreme to set-up a guest network for the airport express units to connect them via Ethernet?

No, your post did not ask about a Guest Network. We are extending the main network. See my step by step instructions on your other post.

you da man. Thanks Bob.

Please start another post if you have a question about extending the Guest Network. Apple has recently introduced new firmware which allows this "feature".

Include the model numbers of your AirPort router along with the current operating system that your Mac is running.