Airport Express as second router and airplay device

Question

Airport Express as second router and airplay device

I have a D-Link DIR655 as my primary router / wifi network and an old airport express which is used only as a client to stream music to the home stereo. Wifi is not turned on on the APExpress.

The D-Link is connected to the APExpress via ethernet since wifi drops off across the house.

Although it works fine for this limited use, I was considering upgrading the AP Express to a new one, mainly to solve the outdated utility problem. In addition to acting as a client for iTunes, I would like to configure this router to have it's own wifi network for internet access in that part of the house, either as an extender for the first router or a second wifi network. (If dual networks, I can already see a possible issue with airplay if the source computer is on the d-link network).

How would you all set this up?

Kevin

Posted on Nov 2, 2013 6:13 PM

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Answer 1

Tesserax

Level 10

158,502 points

Nov 2, 2013 8:05 PM in response to Kevin on Vashon

In addition to acting as a client for iTunes, I would like to configure this router to have it's own wifi network for internet access in that part of the house, either as an extender for the first router or a second wifi network. (If dual networks, I can already see a possible issue with airplay if the source computer is on the d-link network).

If you intend to have a wireless connection between the D-Link and the new AirPort Express you will NOT be able to extend the D-Link's wireless network in this manner as the two are incompatible for this feature. If you can still use an Ethernet connection between them then you can extend the network by configuring both routers into a "roaming" network. The Express will still support iTunes streaming in this configuration.

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Answer 2

Nov 2, 2013 8:15 PM in response to Kevin on Vashon

This is the approach I'm looking for. I am using Ethernet so I'm happy to hear that the roaming will work. I'm going to upgrade the APExpress anyway, but out of curiosity, will the old ones (maybe 8 years old) go into roaming mode as you describe?

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Answer 3

Tesserax

Level 10

158,502 points

Nov 2, 2013 8:21 PM in response to Kevin on Vashon

I'm going to upgrade the APExpress anyway, but out of curiosity, will the old ones (maybe 8 years old) go into roaming mode as you describe?

Yes they should. Actually with this mode you can "mix and match" wireless routers or wireless access points from different router manufacturers. However, to fully support a roaming wireless client transitioning between base stations you will want all of those base stations to be able to use the same radio mode. That is, 802.11g or 802.11n, etc.

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