HT204617: Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring an extended wireless network (802.11n)

Learn about Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring an extended wireless network (802.11n)
bt238
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: network doesn't show up when I try to extend it with express

I have an old first generation Airport Express that I'd like to use to extend my wireless network. I connect to the internet through a cable modem hardwired to a time capsule. I can get Airport Utility to recognize the Express when it's conencted by Ethernet to the Time Capsule. But after "successfully" configuring the express, it won't re-start when I plug it in without the ethernet connection. I really want it to connect wirelessly.

 

When I re-try, by starting airport utility, clicking on the express, and asking it to "extend wireless network", my current network doesn't show up as an option.

I remember this being a problem the last time I had it connected but somehow ssolved it then.

Any help would be much appreciated.

AirPort Express 802.11n (1st Gen), Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on May 29, 2013 12:46 PM

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bt238

Q: network doesn't show up when I try to extend it with express

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  • by John Galt,

    John Galt John Galt May 29, 2013 7:58 PM in response to bt238
    Level 8 (49,522 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 29, 2013 7:58 PM in response to bt238

    A first generation model A1084 Express cannot "wirelessly extend" a network. That feature is for 802.11n - capable AirPort Base Stations only.

     

    Your options are to connect it to the Time Capsule with an Ethernet cable (preferable), or to resort to the horribly inefficient and tedious to configure WDS.

     

    But after "successfully" configuring the express, it won't re-start when I plug it in without the ethernet connection.

     

    The reason is that the Express is expecting its Ethernet cable to be connected. This would be true even if you have an 802.11n Express. If it is configured to "extend" using Ethernet, an Ethernet connection is what it expects to find.