Airport Express as wireless Extender to Time Capsule

John.Romey wrote:

... However, None of my computers, Ipads, or Iphones are benefitting from this as an extender.

How were you able to determine this?

The older devices should still function identically under ML as Lion. You can use AirPort Utility 5.6 for the Time Capsule as well, unless it is the newest model. Simply copy the app from the older Mac to the newer one. Make sure it has a unique name so that it does not overwrite the newer AirPort Utility version, which should not be removed.

How is the Express configured to "extend" the Time Capsule's network? The only way I know to do that is to connect them to the TC using Ethernet. Older 802.11b/g Expresses, model numbers A1084 and A1088, cannot "wirelessly extend" a network.

If you turn Wi-Fi off on the subject devices, then turn it back on when it is near the Express, does that make a difference?

It may be necessary to perform a complete reset of your network, starting with a "hard reset" of all the devices. This will not erase your Time Capsule's backups.

That article addresses installing AU 5.6 on a Mountain Lion system, not the ability to "wirelessly extend" an 802.11b/g - only Express. That ability is available for 802.11n - capable base stations only:

Multiple Wi-Fi base station network types

If you need to extend the range of your wireless network, which method should you use?

For 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi base stations:

• Roaming Network (Recommended)
• Wirelessly Extended Network

For 802.11g Wi-Fi base stations:

• Roaming Network (Recommended)
• WDS

Which of the above configurations applies to your network?

John.Romey wrote:

and my AirPort Express is 802.11g running Version 6.3

Then you are using a WDS or a roaming network. Which one?

If the Express is connected to the Time Capsule with an Ethernet cable, then you can implement a "roaming network".

If not, then you can implement a WDS.

Of the two, the "roaming network" is far more preferable. A WDS can be accomplished, but it's tedious even for experienced users and results in a significant reduction in network performance even when it's working perfectly. You will enjoy a good Wi-Fi signal at the Express but your potential network throughput will be reduced by more than 50% while connected to either base station.

I guess Apple just wants me to buy a new airport express....

Of course. You can only beat your head against a wall so much.

OK, perhaps you need to reconfigure your WDS. Here are the instructions:

Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring a Wireless Distribution System (802.11b/g)

Use AirPort Utility 5.6.

The last time I did this I found it helpful to have all the equipment together on one desk. That way, it's easier to read their MAC addresses, and to "hard reset" them if you should make a mistake which will invariably occur. Make everything work, then deploy the base stations to their permanent locations.

Be sure to read the Additional Information at the end! In particular: "... be sure that all base stations have the same network name, channel, and security (password)."

I was never able to successfully implement a WDS "automatically" even after following the steps with care. In the end it was necessary to configure each one manually anyway.

Good luck!