HT202076: Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring a Wireless Distribution System (802.11b/g)

Learn about Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring a Wireless Distribution System (802.11b/g)
mpballday
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: AirPort

I bought my airport a few years ago and set it up on my old mac. That computer was stolen, but I still use my airport. The problem is it is not password protected and my neighbors use it and slow down my connection. Is there anyway I can password protect it now or do I have to buy a new one?

AirPort

Posted on Jan 12, 2014 4:36 PM

by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer
Bob Timmons Bob Timmons
Level 10 (105,198 points)
Wireless
A:

Thanks for the clarification.

 

To check your AirPort Express from your Mac......

 

Open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility

Click on the AirPort Express icon that appears

Click Edit in the smaller window

Click the Wireless tab at the top of the window

 

Change the setting for Wireless Security to read WPA2 Personal

Enter a password of 8 characters or more than you want to use

Verify the same password

 

Might be a good idea to write down that password and store it in a safe place

 

Click the Update button at the lower right of the window

 

Wait a full minute for the AirPort Express to restart

 

Now when you want to log onto your wireless network, you will be asked for the password. You should not have to enter the password on subsequent log ins.

 

 

Screen Shot 2014-01-12 at 10.08.47 PM.png

Posted on Jan 12, 2014 8:09 PM

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mpballday

Q: AirPort

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jan 12, 2014 4:58 PM in response to mpballday
    Level 10 (105,198 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 12, 2014 4:58 PM in response to mpballday

    You do not have to buy a new AirPort Express, but you will need a Mac or PC to be able to change the settings on the AirPort Express to add a wireless network password.

  • by mpballday,

    mpballday mpballday Jan 12, 2014 7:39 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 12, 2014 7:39 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    Do you know how I can go about setting up a password for it? I have a new Macbook Pro.

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jan 12, 2014 7:54 PM in response to mpballday
    Level 10 (105,198 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 12, 2014 7:54 PM in response to mpballday

    Unfortunately, the information that you provided originally is now changing. Now you are telling us that you have a new Mac.

     

    That new Mac may likely not be compatible with the "old" AirPort Express.

     

    Do you still have the "old" Mac that you used to set up the AirPort Express?

     

    We are going to need to ask some questions in order to understand what you have and provide the correct answer to you question.

     

    Please look on the side of the AirPort Express for the model number. It starts with an "A" followed by four numbers, as in A1084, or A1088 for example.

     

    Post back with that model number.

     

    Next on your Mac, click the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen and click About This Mac.

     

    Post back with the OS X Version number that you see there.

  • by mpballday,

    mpballday mpballday Jan 12, 2014 8:02 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 12, 2014 8:02 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    I didn't mean to imply that I don't have a computer, I was just saying that my old mac had been stolen and I don't know how to password protect my airport express from my new mac. Sorry for any confusion.

     

    The AirPort model number is: A1264

     

    The OS X Version is: 10.9.1

     

    I apreciate your help with this matter.

  • by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jan 12, 2014 8:09 PM in response to mpballday
    Level 10 (105,198 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 12, 2014 8:09 PM in response to mpballday

    Thanks for the clarification.

     

    To check your AirPort Express from your Mac......

     

    Open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility

    Click on the AirPort Express icon that appears

    Click Edit in the smaller window

    Click the Wireless tab at the top of the window

     

    Change the setting for Wireless Security to read WPA2 Personal

    Enter a password of 8 characters or more than you want to use

    Verify the same password

     

    Might be a good idea to write down that password and store it in a safe place

     

    Click the Update button at the lower right of the window

     

    Wait a full minute for the AirPort Express to restart

     

    Now when you want to log onto your wireless network, you will be asked for the password. You should not have to enter the password on subsequent log ins.

     

     

    Screen Shot 2014-01-12 at 10.08.47 PM.png

  • by mpballday,

    mpballday mpballday Jan 12, 2014 8:23 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 12, 2014 8:23 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    Thank you Thank you Thank you! Now my neighbors will stop piggy backing off of my internet and free it up. Thanks Bob. Have a great day!