peckyem
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Is it possible to extend my network with just 1 Airport Express?

I have a wireless router/modem and 1 Airport Express (802.11n Wi-Fi), my Mac is in the kitchen and my router is in the living room and I put the Airport Express in the Dining Room between the other 2 rooms.  I have the green light on the Airport Express - will this make my wireless connection better on my Mac

Posted on Aug 11, 2013 1:00 PM

by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer
Bob Timmons Bob Timmons
Level 10 (105,448 points)
Wireless
A:

You need another AirPort Express connected directly to your wireless modem using an Ethernet cable. Configure that Express to "create" a wireless network, and the second Express willl "extend" the network.

 

The bottom line here is that always takes two Apple routers to extend a network wirelessly.

Posted on Aug 11, 2013 1:08 PM

Close
peckyem

Q: Is it possible to extend my network with just 1 Airport Express?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Bob Timmons,Helpful

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Aug 11, 2013 1:03 PM in response to peckyem
    Level 10 (105,448 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 11, 2013 1:03 PM in response to peckyem

    No, since the Express has "joined" the wireless network. It is not "extending" the network.

     

    You could connect a printer to the USB port on the Express, though....or use the Express for AirPlay.

  • by peckyem,

    peckyem peckyem Aug 11, 2013 1:04 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 11, 2013 1:04 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    Thanks Bob.  So it's not really doing anything? How do I approve my network on my Mac, it works but it seems slow.

     

    Cheers,

    Emma.

  • by peckyem,

    peckyem peckyem Aug 11, 2013 1:07 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 11, 2013 1:07 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    I already have a wireless printer too. So is there anything else it is useful for or have I wasted my money.  I really just want to approve my network connection at home.

     

    Thanks.

  • by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Aug 11, 2013 1:08 PM in response to peckyem
    Level 10 (105,448 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 11, 2013 1:08 PM in response to peckyem

    You need another AirPort Express connected directly to your wireless modem using an Ethernet cable. Configure that Express to "create" a wireless network, and the second Express willl "extend" the network.

     

    The bottom line here is that always takes two Apple routers to extend a network wirelessly.

  • by peckyem,

    peckyem peckyem Aug 11, 2013 1:11 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 11, 2013 1:11 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    Thanks Bob, I'm not sure why the salespeople at Apple didn't tell me this.

  • by Tesserax,Helpful

    Tesserax Tesserax Aug 11, 2013 1:16 PM in response to peckyem
    Level 9 (54,906 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 11, 2013 1:16 PM in response to peckyem

    You basically have three choices to "improve" the bandwidth performance of your Mac:

     

    1. Connect the Express to the other wireless router via Ethernet. Configure them both for a "roaming" network.
    2. If running an Ethernet cable between them is either impractical or impossible, you may want to consider using Powerline adapters. These adapters take advantage of your home's electrical wiring to create a pseudo Ethernet network. You would then require a minimum of two of these; one at the location of the wireless router and the other at the location of the Express.
    3. Getting an external antenna for the Mac. There are a number of vendors that provide these. A couple of examples are: QuickerTec and hField Technologies.