DaveinOL
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Q: how do I extend existing wireless network using airport express connected over the ethernet to motorola NVG510?

I have a separate building on my property where I have been using the airport express (1st gen) to create a separate wireless network address (the signal from the base station in my house does not reach the outbuilidng).  My base station is a motorola NVG510 supplied by ATT.  The Airport Express has been connected by ethernet cable.  The separate network had been working fine, but the airport express suddenly stopped connecting to the internet (the network address is still being broadcast).  I was able to find the  utility for the airport express and it said the airport express could not connect to the internet (something about not having an IP address).  I can no longer find that utility page and have no idea how to get things back up and running.  I forget how the networks were originally configured, so any help would be much appreciated. 

Posted on Dec 26, 2013 5:36 PM

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DaveinOL

Q: how do I extend existing wireless network using airport express connected over the ethernet to motorola NVG510?

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  • by Tesserax,Helpful

    Tesserax Tesserax Dec 26, 2013 10:21 PM in response to DaveinOL
    Level 9 (54,901 points)
    Wireless
    Dec 26, 2013 10:21 PM in response to DaveinOL

    Since you have the AirPort Express connected back to another wireless router, I would recommend that you reconfigure both of them for a roaming network. Both routers will still provide separate Wi-Fi networks but they would have the same Network Name or SSID. That would allow you to literally roam with a laptop and still be on the "same" network between buildings.

  • by DaveinOL,

    DaveinOL DaveinOL Dec 27, 2013 7:13 AM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 27, 2013 7:13 AM in response to Tesserax

    Thanks. That was helpful.  Having a roaming network would be fine.  However, I do not know how to do the reconfiguration you recommended.  I assume that I have to reconfigure both the motorola modem/router and the airport express.  But I am not sure how to do that.  Again, any help would be much appreciated. 

  • by Tesserax,Helpful

    Tesserax Tesserax Dec 27, 2013 9:50 PM in response to DaveinOL
    Level 9 (54,901 points)
    Wireless
    Dec 27, 2013 9:50 PM in response to DaveinOL

    The configuration of each router should be provided in the Apple Support article link I provided you.

     

    Basically you will not need to make any changes to the Motorola router just the AirPort Express.

     

    Roaming Network Setup Basics

    • For the AirPort Express base station:
      • Setup the base station as a bridge. Network tab > Router Mode: Off (Bridge Mode)
      • Provide a unique Base Station Name.
      • The Network Name (SSID) should be identical to that of the Motorola.
      • If using security, use the same security type (WEP, WPA, etc.) and password. Note: It is highly recommended that you use WPA2 Personal for best bandwidth performance.

     

    The following are the basic setup steps:

    • Power all the networking hardware down.
    • Perform a "factory default" reset on the AirPort Express. Note: You may have to perform this more than once to make sure they "stick."
    • Connect one Ethernet cable between the Ethernet port on the Motorola router to the Ethernet port on the Express.
    • Power up just the Motorola router. Verify that you can get Internet connectivity with network clients either by wireless or by wire connections to the Motorola router.
    • Power up the Express base station. Use the AirPort Utility to select it.
    • Configure the Express with the Network Mode option set to: Create a wireless network. (Note: Do NOT set it to "Extend a wireless network."
    • Set the Wireless Network Name, Wireless Security, & Wireless Password options to be exactly the same as that used for the Motorola.
    • Set the Router Mode to: Off (Bridge Mode).
    • Select Update and allow the Express to restart.
    • Once restarted verify that you can roam with a wireless laptop or iOS device between base stations and still gain Internet access.