HT204371: AirPort Express: What is client mode?

Learn about AirPort Express: What is client mode?
GPRogers
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Q: Hallo - I'm sure this question has been asked many times before but still can't get my head around it

I have an 'n' version Airport Express (1st Generation) and want to use it to AirPlay music from iTunes on my Mac to my HiFi in the next room. That's all I want to use it for. Have set it up to join an existing wireless network. However it will only work with an ethernet cable connected to the router. Loses the green light when cable is unplugged. As the hifi is in the next room I want it to work wirelessly, otherwise there'll be cables everywhere (as at present - ugh!) What do I have to do?  What setting needs to be changed. Thanks.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Apr 23, 2014 7:21 AM

by GPRogers,Solvedanswer
GPRogers GPRogers
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A:

Well, I'd all but given up and decided I'd live with it ethernet connected with wires draped everywhere...then I had another look this moring and found this:

 

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2098

 

I have a non Apple, older (Thompson) router. After a factory reset, and when going through the 'join existing network' procedure when sked for the WEP password you need to put a $ before the password...and hay presto...the set up completes and...AirPlay works!  I suspect many might not have discovered this page of support information and will have been as frustrated as me for many many hours!

Posted on Apr 26, 2014 4:29 AM

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GPRogers

Q: Hallo - I'm sure this question has been asked many times before but still can't get my head around it

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Apr 23, 2014 9:02 AM in response to GPRogers
    Level 10 (105,018 points)
    Wireless
    Apr 23, 2014 9:02 AM in response to GPRogers

    If you want the Express to connect wirelessly, you must set it up that way.

     

    If you connect an Ethernet cable to the Expess and go through the setup, the utility assumes that this is the way that you will permanently install the AirPort Express and configures it accordingly. Then, when you remove the Ethernet cable, it breaks the connection.

  • by GPRogers,

    GPRogers GPRogers Apr 23, 2014 12:27 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 23, 2014 12:27 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    Thanks Bob. Have read other of your posts on similar issues. Only resorted to ethernet after many frustrating attempts to set up wirelessly - usually getting the "unexpected error" at the end of the process / the airport not connecting. Had hoped that could start with ethernet and modify settings to wireless later.

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Apr 23, 2014 12:38 PM in response to GPRogers
    Level 10 (105,018 points)
    Wireless
    Apr 23, 2014 12:38 PM in response to GPRogers

    Use an iPhone or iPad for the setup if you have one handy.

  • by GPRogers,

    GPRogers GPRogers Apr 23, 2014 1:02 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 23, 2014 1:02 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    Tried an iPad (and another Mac) but no luck there either, and the iPad wasn't finding the AE or also returned unexpected error.

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Apr 23, 2014 1:04 PM in response to GPRogers
    Level 10 (105,018 points)
    Wireless
    Apr 23, 2014 1:04 PM in response to GPRogers

    Unfortunately, most likely you have an Express that is not operating correctly, and will need to be replaced.

  • by GPRogers,

    GPRogers GPRogers Apr 23, 2014 1:14 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 23, 2014 1:14 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    ok. Was hoping there was a solution, but have been trying for days.

  • by GPRogers,Solvedanswer

    GPRogers GPRogers Apr 26, 2014 4:29 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 26, 2014 4:29 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    Well, I'd all but given up and decided I'd live with it ethernet connected with wires draped everywhere...then I had another look this moring and found this:

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2098

     

    I have a non Apple, older (Thompson) router. After a factory reset, and when going through the 'join existing network' procedure when sked for the WEP password you need to put a $ before the password...and hay presto...the set up completes and...AirPlay works!  I suspect many might not have discovered this page of support information and will have been as frustrated as me for many many hours!