How do you extend an airplay signal with a second airport express?

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How do you extend an airplay signal with a second airport express?

I have a speaker system hooked up to an existing AirPort Express. I just bought another AirPort Express to extend that WiFi signal, but also wanted to extend the existing AirPlay signal as well. I set it up as a WiFi extender and it worked fine; however, it created a seperate option for AirPlay and won't "piggyback" the AirPlay signal off the original AirPort Express. Any help on how to resolve this would be appreicated. Thanks!

AirPort Express-OTHER, Other OS, OS 7.6.3

Posted on Jun 22, 2013 1:09 PM

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Answer 1

John Galt

Level 10

156,224 points

Jun 22, 2013 1:23 PM in response to fraz3188

The problem may be that an Express can "wirelessly extend" another AirPort network, but an additional Express can only "join" that network. However, in this configuration it should be possible to send the same AirPlay stream to both of them simultaneously.

Also, can you provide a complete, thorough description of your network? Which configuration in the above article best describes your network?

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Answer 2

fraz3188 Author

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Jun 22, 2013 1:42 PM in response to John Galt

I have a modem hooked up to an ethernet hub. From the hub I have an ethernet plugged into the first AirPort Express. In that AirPort Express under the Wireless tab the Network Mode is in Create a wireless network, and under the Network tab the Router Mode is on Off (Bridge Mode). Under the AirPlay tab the Enable AirPlay is checked

The second AirPort Express is just plugged into an outlet with no ethernet hook ups. In that AirPort Express under the Wireless tab the Network Mode is in Extend a Wireless Network, and under the Network tab all the options are greyed out and unclickable. Under the AirPlay tab the Endable AirPay is unchecked. (I have tried checking that box and unchecking the box to see if either has an effect on AirPlay from the original AirPort Express, and either way it does not work). Checking the box just creates a seperate AirPlay channel.

Let me know if you need any other info.

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Answer 3

John Galt

Level 10

156,224 points

Jun 22, 2013 3:45 PM in response to fraz3188

Checking the box just creates a seperate AirPlay channel.

That is normal.

You must check that box to enable AirPlay. That Express will then appear as an option for AirPlay streaming. You can select multiple devices for iTunes, but for your main speaker output such as in System Preferences, you have to decide which one you want to use.

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