Is it possible to extend a non Apple router network using an Airport Express?

Apple dropped WDS support in AirPort Utility 6.x, so if you have another Mac running the Leopard or Snow Leopard operating system, you can use AirPort Utility 5.x to configure and administer the WDS settings on the AirPorts. A PC would work as well.

Is that a possibility?

You can try a workaround.....not supported by Apple, so there are no guarantees of success.....to install an older version of AirPort Utility on your Mac. So, you will have two versions of AirPort Utility on your Mac, and you can use the one that you need.

There are several methods for this. See details in this thread by forum expert Tesserax:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4415928?answerId=21397085022#21397085022

Another popular method is found in this link:

Installing the Old AirPort Utility (Version 5.6) on Mountain Lion | frank.is

If you can make it as far as installing AirPort Utility 5.6, Apple hides the WDS settings, since they do not want users to use them.

When you open AirPort Utility, click on the AirPort router, then click Manual Setup

Click the Wireless tab just below the row of icons

Hold down the option key on your Mac while you click on the small arrow located on the right of the Wireless Mode settings box. Viola!

I have a somewhat related, although slightly different question...

I find myself needing to extend the wireless network coverage for my home network. I've been in the market for a wifi extender and a friend reminded me that I can use the Airport Extreme as an extender / repeater.

First question is...is this correct?

Second question is...if true, how would I do it?

Thanks

Scott

First question is...is this correct?

Yes, you can use Apple's "extend a wireless network" feature to extend your network wirelessly....IF....your "main" router is an Apple product.

Is that the case? If yes, which model do you have?

Well...that's gonna be a problem then. I have two base stations right now...one is from AT&T and the other is my Airport Extreme...I was tinking I could move the AP-E to the area where I have marginal coverage to enlarge my footprint...

Unfortunately, It always takes a minimum of two Apple routers to extend a network wirelessly.

If you want to use the Extreme with the ATT modem/router, you will need to establish a permanent wired Ethernet cable connection from one of the LAN <-> ports on the ATT modem/router to the WAN port on the Extreme.

Then, configure the Extreme to "create a wireless network" using the same wireless network name, same wireless security settings and same password as the ATT network. As the final setup step, make sure that the Extreme is setup to operate in Bridge Mode.

Hi Bob,

You seem knowledgable and may be able to help me. I have a verizon router connected via cat5 to my AirPort Extreme in another area of the house that I wish to use as a bridge to connect several wired devices and then use as a wireless access point. You mention above that this is possible correct if I set all of the connections to be the same? I have tried this using my iPhone and the airport utility app but cannot get it to work bc my AX won't even connect to the network and turn green( the bulb). I did initiAlly but once I started to mess with the settings it turned amber and no longer will connect. While looking around many people are mentioning that using an apple AX as a second router connected to a non-apple verizon main router is impossible, high is true and if possible, how do I do it? I just bought this AX bc it sounded in ads like it could do this but I can't get it to. Please help me from having to go but another router.

Thanks,

Mike

Sorry, can't help with Verizon, but can confirm that the setup works perfectly with ATT Uverse routers.

If you want to use the [Express] with the ATT modem/router, you will need to establish a permanent wired Ethernet cable connection from one of the LAN <-> ports on the ATT modem/router to the WAN port on the [Express].

Then, configure the [Express] to "create a wireless network" using the same wireless network name, same wireless security settings and same password as the ATT network.

As the final setup step, make sure that the [Express] is setup to operate in Bridge Mode.

K, so how do I connect to my AX if it won't appear on the network and is always blinking green?

K, sorry I meant to say...so how do I connect to my AX if it won't appear on the network and is always blinking amber?

If the AX really is blinking green, it is defective. Please replace the AX or return it for a refund.

With the AX powered on, hold in the reset button firmly for 10 second and release

Allow a full minute for the AX to restart to a slow, blinking amber light

On the iPhone home screen, tap Settings

Tap WiFi

Look for a listing of Setup a new AirPort Base Station

Tap AX

Let the utillty suggest a setup

Tap Other Options

Tap Create a new network. If this option does not appear, you will need to setup the AX with a Mac or PC....not an iOS device.

Enter the same network name and password as the Verizon network

Follow the prompts

When the AX restarts, tap on the amber dot in AirPort Utility.

It will suggest that you change to Bridge Mode, which is the correct setting