Docsparky
Level 1 (4 points)
Mac OS X

Q: Trying to extend WiFi network (time capsule) with Airport Extreme, but get "an unknown error occurred - try again" every time I find it and try to configure in Airport Utility.  What am I missing?

See title

Airport Extreme, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.4)

Posted on Jul 22, 2013 8:55 AM

by Tesserax,Solvedanswer
Tesserax Tesserax
Level 9 (54,874 points)
Wireless
A:

To help facilitate the setup of an extended network, I would recommend that you place both base station near each other and that you perform a "factory default" reset on each to be sure that you are starting with a "fresh" configuration. Also, temporarily, connect your Mac to Time Capsule by Ethernet during the setup phase.

 

(ref:

Setting up and configuring an extended wireless network (802.11n))

Posted on Jul 22, 2013 9:02 AM

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Docsparky

Q: Trying to extend WiFi network (time capsule) with Airport Extreme, but get "an unknown error occurred - try again" every time I fi ... more

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  • by Bob Timmons,Helpful

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jul 22, 2013 9:01 AM in response to Docsparky
    Level 10 (105,388 points)
    Wireless
    Jul 22, 2013 9:01 AM in response to Docsparky

    Are you trying to "extend" by connecting the Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme using a wired Ethernet cable connection between them?......or......are you trying to "extend" by having the AirPort Extreme connect to the Time Capsule wirelessly?

     

    Is this the new "tower" version of the AirPort Exteme?.....or......or the recent "square" flat version of the AirPort Extreme that you have?

  • by Tesserax,Solvedanswer

    Tesserax Tesserax Jul 22, 2013 9:02 AM in response to Docsparky
    Level 9 (54,874 points)
    Wireless
    Jul 22, 2013 9:02 AM in response to Docsparky

    To help facilitate the setup of an extended network, I would recommend that you place both base station near each other and that you perform a "factory default" reset on each to be sure that you are starting with a "fresh" configuration. Also, temporarily, connect your Mac to Time Capsule by Ethernet during the setup phase.

     

    (ref:

    Setting up and configuring an extended wireless network (802.11n))

  • by Docsparky,

    Docsparky Docsparky Jul 22, 2013 9:09 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 22, 2013 9:09 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    trying to extend wirelessly, and it is the older time capsule (flat) and recent flat square Airport Express (looks like a white Apple TV)

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jul 22, 2013 9:21 AM in response to Docsparky
    Level 10 (105,388 points)
    Wireless
    Jul 22, 2013 9:21 AM in response to Docsparky

    OK, so you have an AirPort Express....and not an AirPort Extreme, correct?

     

    With the AirPort Express powered on, hold in the reset button on the back of the AirPort Express for 9-10 seconds. Then, release and allow a full minute for the AirPort Express to restart to a slow, blinking amber light.

     

    Locate the AirPort Express about half way between the Time Capsue and the general area that needs more wireless signal and power the Express back up for a full minute.

     

    This must be a location where the AirPort Express can receive a strong signal from the Time Capsule. Minimize any obstructions in the signal path between the Time Capsule and AirPort Express as much as possible.

     

    Click the AirPort icon at the top your Mac's screen and wait a few seconds for a listing of New AirPort Base Station to appear.

     

    Just below that, click directly on AirPort Express

     

     

    New AirPort Base Station.png

     

    AirPort Setup will open up automatically and take a minute to analyze the network, then announce that the Express will be configured to extend the Time Capsule network.

     

    Type in a device name that you want to use for the AirPort Express, and then click Next

     

    AirPort Setup will take another minute to configure everything. When you see the message of Setup Complete, click Done.