ben1228
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Extend WiFi using old & new airports

I have an older 2008 model Apple AirPort Express M9470LL/A and a newer 2012 AirPort Extreme and I want to know if I can use the airport utility to configure a wifi extender from the base to the older airport express. Will they be compatible? And if not, is there another solution using other non-apple routers to accomplish this goal with airport utility app?

AirPort Express M9470LL/A

Posted on Feb 12, 2013 11:09 AM

by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer
Bob Timmons Bob Timmons
Level 10 (105,388 points)
Wireless
A:

but I thought Apple routers could extend the interent WiFi wirelessly, see pic. So if this is true,then shouldn't that work? Check the link for yourself: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4259

The article that you reference applies when both AirPorts are newer 802.11"n" versions.

 

Your AirPort Express is an older 802.11"b/g" version, which does not have a setting to "extend a wireless network".....so it is not compatible for this purpose.

 

edex67 is correct when he states that:

 

Put simply, no Apple 802.11g AirPorts can extend another AirPort's network wirelessly.

 

If you add another "new" AirPort Express, then you will be able to configure that product to "extend" using wireless only. Otherwise, if you want to use the Express that you have, you will need use the Ethernet connection method.

Posted on Feb 13, 2013 7:12 AM

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ben1228

Q: Extend WiFi using old & new airports

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  • by edex67,

    edex67 edex67 Feb 12, 2013 11:28 AM in response to ben1228
    Level 4 (3,250 points)
    Feb 12, 2013 11:28 AM in response to ben1228

    Yes, if you use Ethernet or Powerline. Make sure the network name, password and security type are exactly the same as your current WiFi network.

    No, if you use wireless only.

    Put simply, no Apple 802.11g AirPorts can extend another AirPort's network wirelessly. Powerline adapters are a good solution to this problem (if you don't have Ethernet through the house, but if you did you wouldn't want to extend wirelessly).

  • by ben1228,

    ben1228 ben1228 Feb 13, 2013 6:45 AM in response to edex67
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 13, 2013 6:45 AM in response to edex67

    I get what you are saying about a Powerline to extend the network but I thought Apple routers could extend the interent WiFi wirelessly, see pic. So if this is true,then shouldn't that work? Check the link for yourself: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4259. Not saying you are wrong but I am just hearing two things and I am not sure what works or not. AND if it works, can I use the older models with the new models to create a WiFi extention by using the AirPort Utility?

     

     

      Screen Shot 2013-02-13 at 9.37.41 AM.png

  • by JoeMY,

    JoeMY JoeMY Feb 13, 2013 6:58 AM in response to ben1228
    Level 1 (120 points)
    Feb 13, 2013 6:58 AM in response to ben1228

    Yes you can connect them wirelessly.  Setup the primary as create a wireless network and the secondary as extend a wireless network. 

  • by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Feb 13, 2013 7:12 AM in response to ben1228
    Level 10 (105,388 points)
    Wireless
    Feb 13, 2013 7:12 AM in response to ben1228

    but I thought Apple routers could extend the interent WiFi wirelessly, see pic. So if this is true,then shouldn't that work? Check the link for yourself: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4259

    The article that you reference applies when both AirPorts are newer 802.11"n" versions.

     

    Your AirPort Express is an older 802.11"b/g" version, which does not have a setting to "extend a wireless network".....so it is not compatible for this purpose.

     

    edex67 is correct when he states that:

     

    Put simply, no Apple 802.11g AirPorts can extend another AirPort's network wirelessly.

     

    If you add another "new" AirPort Express, then you will be able to configure that product to "extend" using wireless only. Otherwise, if you want to use the Express that you have, you will need use the Ethernet connection method.

  • by ben1228,

    ben1228 ben1228 Feb 13, 2013 7:08 AM in response to JoeMY
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 13, 2013 7:08 AM in response to JoeMY

    Even if the AirPort is the older one? Reason I ask is because I have been reading mixed feedback about this. (Older models working with the newer models or the newer AirPort Utility software to enable wirless extention).

     

    Screen Shot 2013-02-13 at 10.06.49 AM.png

  • by Bob Timmons,Helpful

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Feb 13, 2013 7:13 AM in response to ben1228
    Level 10 (105,388 points)
    Wireless
    Feb 13, 2013 7:13 AM in response to ben1228

    The Refurbished 802.11n Express would be able to "extend" using wireless only since it is an "n" version.

     


  • by ben1228,

    ben1228 ben1228 Feb 13, 2013 7:12 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 13, 2013 7:12 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    That's the answer I needed thanks Bob Timmons! But sadly unfortunate. Oh well, the newer ones are only $15 more and they do put out a way better WiFi range.

  • by JoeMY,Helpful

    JoeMY JoeMY Feb 13, 2013 7:15 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (120 points)
    Feb 13, 2013 7:15 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    Connected my old 802.11g Express using Airport Utility 5.6.1 and the option to extend or participate in a WDS network is there.  This is the original Express which dates back almost a decade ago.

  • by ben1228,

    ben1228 ben1228 Feb 14, 2013 5:47 AM in response to JoeMY
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 14, 2013 5:47 AM in response to JoeMY

    So the question is: how can you "downgrade" the version of AirPort to 5.6.1?

  • by actual561,

    actual561 actual561 Jun 23, 2013 2:43 PM in response to ben1228
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 23, 2013 2:43 PM in response to ben1228

    Ben, Here is where to download Airport Utility version 5.6.1 and an automator to unpac it.

     

    http://www.tuaw.com/2013/01/22/use-automator-to-get-the-airport-utility-5-6-1-wo rking-on-os-x-1/

     

    Works in systems up to 10.8.4 great. I am trying to do the same thing as you. We have a long house with users at both ends and internet modem in the middle. Time capsule purchased in jan 2013 is in my room connected via ethernet drop. My father is at opposite end of house with new iPad and signal drops out just before that. His end of house is not wired.

     

    I could put the Time capsule with the modem to cover both areas, but want to keep it located with my mac. I am trying to use my older Airport Express (M9470LL/A  Model No. A1084) with the Time Capsule to create an Extended Wireless Network. If successful, I can still place the Express in the same room as the modem and plug it in anywhere that's convenient. Although it wont support Hard Drives, it will put his printer on the network without using his computer and sharing.

     

    Hope this helps you. I may still have to buy a newer Express. Just don't like wasting money and equipment.