Use express as a wifi extension wirelessly with 3rd party router

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Use express as a wifi extension wirelessly with 3rd party router

Hello,

I've just purchased an Airport Express. I want to use it to extend the wifi range to upstairs of my Virgin Media Superhub (downstairs).

I have read that you need to connect the two together with an ethernet cable if using a 3rd party router (not Airport Extreme or Time Capsule). I have connected the AE it to my macbook pro via airport utility wirelessly (without an ethernet cable) and the light is green and the signal seems to have slightly extended. So it seems to have worked for my MBP.

The problem is when I use it with my iPhone 5, despite showing up on the airport utility app, when I go close to the Airport express (upstairs) it doesn't improve the wifi signal at all and sometinmes lose signal completely. The airplay also works with my MBP but cuts out with the iPhone.

Is it possible to connect it wirelessly like I have done or have I just been tricked into thinking the signal has improved?

I'm currently running OS 10.8.5 on MBP and iOS 7 on the iphone 5.

I've tried to articulate this easily and I'm sure someone has already asked this but any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Airport Express-OTHER, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5)

Posted on Sep 26, 2013 2:34 PM

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Answer 1

Bob Timmons

Level 10

187,346 points

Sep 26, 2013 2:43 PM in response to ARegan

Your AirPort Express has been configured to "join" the wireless network. It does not provide any additional wireless signal coverage in this type of setting, but you can use the Express for AirPlay, or connect a printer to the USB port on the device.

The Express will only "extend" or provide more wireless signal coverage if it connects to a wireless network provided by another Apple router.

Another way of saying the same thing.....is that you always need two Apple routers to extend a network wirelessly.

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Answer 2

ARegan Author

Level 1

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Sep 26, 2013 2:48 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Thanks for the quick response Bob.

I presume that connecting it to the router with the ethernet cable will "extend" the signal? If I did connect it via ethernet and put it next to the router, would it provide any more coverage than the original router on its own? I know it depends on the router but just to get a rough idea.

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Answer 3

Bob Timmons

Level 10

187,346 points

Sep 26, 2013 2:57 PM in response to ARegan

The trick would be to locate the Express where you need more wireless signal coverage and connect it back to the SuperHub using an Ethernet cable.

You can run an Ethernet cable up to 330 feet or 100 meters with no signal loss.

If you cannot run an Ethernet cable, you might want to take a look at a pair of Ethernet powerline adapters to send the Ethernet signal over the AC powerlines in your home. The theory here is that you already have the wiring in place, you just need the adapters.

Any computer/electronics superstore will have a selection of powerline devices on hand from which to choose.

I doubt that you would notice any improvement at all if you located the Expess close the SuperHub, and it might actually interfere with the signal from the SuperHub, so that location would not be recommended.

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