trouble setting up AirPort Express

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adepew1975 Author

Level 1

14 points

trouble setting up AirPort Express

I am really hoping someone (much smarter than me) can help ease my suffering...

My husband brought home the AE yesterday to help boost our signal from the router, which is located at one far corner of the house - in the garage, actually. Since then, it's been nothing but hair-pulling and indecent language. No matter what I do, our iPhones (4s) and our iPads (3rd generation) cannot "find" the AE.

I've tried "joining an existing network," "creating a new network," and "extending a network," all without avail. I am absolutely certain that I am doing something wrong when setting it up; it's not supposed to be this hard. I cannot configure it wirelessly from the phone or iPad because I can't "find" the AE. I can, however, set it up on my Mac. But that doesn't help me either, as it's my portable devices that need the signal boost in other parts of the house. I've been reading so many threads on so many websites: some say I need to change gigahertz or channels, some say I need an ethernet cable, some say I just need vicodin and a large glass of wine. The latter of these options is highly appealing at the moment.

Anyone out there with the patience of a saint willing to help me? Why can't I use the AE with my portable devices?

Thanks so much, in advance!

iPhone 4S, iOS 6.1.2, iPad 3, Mac OS X 10.7.5

Posted on Mar 17, 2013 5:00 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Philly_Phan

Level 7

20,707 points

Mar 17, 2013 5:27 PM in response to adepew1975

First, the AE will not do what you want. A WiFi signal can not be boosted. All routers put out the maximum power allowd by law. The AE can, however, extend a signal. Technically, it's "repeating" the signal. However, the AE can extend a signal ONLY from another Apple AirPort Router. It cannot extend the signal from a non-Apple router.

However, the "Join" should have worked (although it won't help you). The "Join" is intended to receive a WiFi signal, decode it and send audio to a set of speakers.

Post back if you wish to continue your efforts after reading the above.

I've found bourbon to be much better than wine!

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Answer 2

Mar 17, 2013 5:33 PM in response to adepew1975

My husband brought home the AE yesterday to help boost our signal from the router, which is located at one far corner of the house - in the garage, actually.

The AirPort Express can "extend a wireless network" to provide more wireless signal coverage....IF....it is used with a recent version of another Apple wireless router.

So, before we go any further with this, we need to verify that your "main" router in the garage is an Apple product.....an AirPort Extreme, a Time Capsule, or another AirPort Express.

Is that the case? If yes, which model do you have? Look on the bottom or side of the device for the model number and post back with that info, please.

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Answer 3

adepew1975 Author

Level 1

14 points

Mar 17, 2013 5:47 PM in response to Philly_Phan

However, the AE can extend a signal ONLY from another Apple AirPort Router. It cannot extend the signal from a non-Apple router.

Ah, and therein lies the rub. Sigh...at least now I know I am not crazy. ****** at the salesman who convinced my husband to buy this...but at least not crazy.

I've found bourbon to be much better than wine!

Another excellent tip. I shall have to try that next...right after this glass of wine. 😉

Thank you very much.

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Answer 4

adepew1975 Author

Level 1

14 points

Mar 17, 2013 5:51 PM in response to Bob Timmons

So, before we go any further with this, we need to verify that your "main" router in the garage is an Apple product.....an AirPort Extreme, a Time Capsule, or another AirPort Express.

That's the problem, right there! You guys (or gals) are so quick! Alas, it is some cheap AT&T router. I guess this AX will have to go back to the store. 😟

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Answer 5

Mar 17, 2013 5:58 PM in response to adepew1975

Netgear makes a "universal" extender or repeater that might work with the AT&T router. No way to know though, without actually trying it out....so make sure that you understand the store's return policy...in case the product is not as "universal" as the advertising claims.

Universal WiFi Range Extender (WN3000RP) - Netgear

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Answer 6

edex67

Level 4

3,255 points

Mar 18, 2013 9:20 AM in response to adepew1975

Alternatively, you could use a Powerline extender like this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TL-WPA281-Powerline-Extender-Wireless-Access/dp/B0067GS0 YO (needs to be paired with another TP-LINK adapter)

http://www.netgear.co.uk/home/products/powerline-and-coax/work-and-play/XAVNB200 1.aspx (Netgear pair of Powerline adapters).

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Answer 7

Mar 18, 2013 10:18 AM in response to adepew1975

That's so odd. The sales man also told me that it would extend even if I wasn't using AirPort Extreme.

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Answer 8

Mar 22, 2013 2:39 AM in response to adepew1975

Tis discussion might explain the problems I'm having too. I have an ADSL 2 gateway, which I can't replace with an AirPort Extreme, because it does VOiP. Besides it is a perfectly good product. I bought the AE exactly because I thought it would amplify the wireless signal which is weak in various parts of the house. But it works extremely erratically - if at all! It possible, reading this thread, that I have actually been connected to the gateway directly for the whole week I've hd the AE.

Solution - going back to Apple Store tomorrow for refund negotiations.

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