Mike Howells
Level 1 (5 points)

Q: Why won't my WPS printer and Tbox connect to my extended AirPort network?

I have an AirPort Extreme (7.6.4) in my home network and recently added an Airport Express to improve the signal coverage. Most devices connect quite happily to the extended network (iPad, iPhones, iMac, Windows PCs).

 

However, my Epson XP-200 (WPS) printer and Telstra Tbox refuse to connect when the Express is on. If I turn off the Express they both connect fine.

 

What do I need to do in the AirPort Utility to allow these devices to connect with the Express on?

AirPort Express, Other OS

Posted on Dec 1, 2013 2:53 AM

Close
Mike Howells

Q: Why won't my WPS printer and Tbox connect to my extended AirPort network?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Dec 1, 2013 1:32 PM in response to Mike Howells
    Level 9 (52,991 points)
    Wireless
    Dec 1, 2013 1:32 PM in response to Mike Howells

    You need to tell us precisely how the express is connected.

     

    Are you using the express in extend wireless wireless mode??

     

    Or is it plugged in by ethernet and setup as roaming network?

     

    Or set to join the network.

     

    I cannot see why the printer or the Tbox should fail in normal extend wireless.

     

    But I would recommend you simply start over.. Since both printer and Tbox are not apple devices  ensure all the names are fully windows compatible.

    ie on the Extreme.. do a full factory reset and use new names.. short, no spaces and pure alphanumeric.

     

    Then redo the setup of the Express.

     

    Once you have done both of those and got them working.. setup the printer and the Tbox again.

  • by Mike Howells,

    Mike Howells Mike Howells Dec 1, 2013 6:49 PM in response to LaPastenague
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Dec 1, 2013 6:49 PM in response to LaPastenague

    Yes, I'm using the Express to extend my network (see original question). I used the default options that came up when AirPort Utility detected it, which was to extend my existing network.

     

    My network name is "hogwarts" which should cause no compatibility issues. My Extreme has the same name and my Express is called "hogsmeade", but surely devices don't care about those names, only the network name.

     

    I could re-do it all but I'll use the same names (so I don't have to reconnect everything) so I doubt there'll be any change.

  • by Mike Howells,

    Mike Howells Mike Howells Dec 1, 2013 6:51 PM in response to Mike Howells
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Dec 1, 2013 6:51 PM in response to Mike Howells

    By "extend" I mean wirelessly, not with a cable.

  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Dec 2, 2013 1:29 AM in response to Mike Howells
    Level 9 (52,991 points)
    Wireless
    Dec 2, 2013 1:29 AM in response to Mike Howells

    Are you using the guest wireless network?

     

    Sorry but the solution to some of these things is usually arcane.. if you are not prepared to reset and try again.. it is really hard to suggest other things to do.

     

    But here are some of them.

     

    1. Set specific channels for 2.4ghz wireless.. Do not use 12 or 13 even though allowed in Australia because often US drivers are unaware of those channels.

     

    2. Remove all wireless security.. only as a test.. do the printer and Tbox work if there is no security. You are only testing briefly and do not need to reset everything.

     

    3. Do not use WDS to setup the printer. Plug the printer in by USB to the computer and redo its setup manually from scratch using the utility that came with the printer. This is often much more successful than using WDS with apple stuff. You will need to remove all the existing setups of the printer in the computer and start over.

     

    4. You can also always export the settings.. just change the AE and Express back to factory defaults.. and do as little setup as possible.. you don't have to change anything else except the one computer you use for the setup.. if it fails.. simply restore the settings. If it works you can then change the settings on all the rest of the equipment.. is it really that big a hardship??

     

    5. Why don't you extend using ethernet.. and see if you have the same issue?? You setup using the roaming network method.

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4260

     

    If the issue is only when you extend wireless then it at least gives you a headstart to complain to Apple about their multiple incompatibilities.