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

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Q: Airport extreme as bridge/print server to Linksys EA6500 wireless router

Greets, all:

 

I used to have two Airport Extremes, one was my "main" wireless router and the other was used as a wireless bridge/print sever for a Dell laser printer in another office space.

 

 

I replaced my "main" Airport Extreme with a Linksys 6500 wireless router but can't get it to talk to the Airport Extreme in the other room. Got any ideas? Is proprietary Apple software the issue?


TIA for your help!

Airport Extreme, 2nd Generation, A1143

Posted on Jul 5, 2013 6:48 PM

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Q: Airport extreme as bridge/print server to Linksys EA6500 wireless router

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  • by LaPastenague,Helpful

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Jul 5, 2013 8:31 PM in response to WF7A
    Level 9 (52,655 points)
    Wireless
    Jul 5, 2013 8:31 PM in response to WF7A

    Is proprietary Apple software the issue?

     

    Apple stuff is indeed proprietary.. they do not want you to mix with the riff raff.. !!

     

    Is the printer plugging in via the USB port.. if so it might still work.. but you cannot use the ethernet or wireless on the AE.. you can only use usb.

     

    There is a hidden method called "join a wireless network".

     

    If you reset the AE to factory a v6 airport utility should be able to join it to the main wireless network.. otherwise just use the older 5.6 utility.. and do it manually.. you will need to load the utility which is tricky on Mountain Lion so if possible use windows computer or up to Lion Mac OS.

     

    Tell us if you get stuck.

     

    Hold down the option key when you select wireless and you will get the hidden option, "join a wireless network"

     

    wirelessmode options.png

     

    Install 5.6 onto Mountain Lion .. if you get stuck.

     

    How to load 5.6 into ML.

     

    1. Download 5.6 for Lion.

    http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1482

    Click to open the dmg but do not attempt to install the pkg.. it won't work anyway.

    Leave the package open on the desktop so you can see the file. AirportUtility56.pkg

     

    2. Download and install unpkg.

    http://www.timdoug.com/unpkg/

     

    Run unpkg on the desktop.. If your Mac refuses to run the software, because it wasn’t downloaded from the Apple store, go to security in preferences and allow other software to work.. this is limitation of trade methinks. You can set back later if you like.

     

    Now drag the AirPortUtility56.pkg file over to unpkg.. and it will create a new directory of the same name on the desktop.. in finder, open the new directory, drill down.. applications, utilities .. there lo and behold is Airport utility 5.6 .. drag it to your main utilities directory or just run it from current location.

     

    You cannot uninstall version 6 (now 6.3 if you updated) so don't try.. and you cannot or should not run them both at the same time.. although I have had no problems when doing so.