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Second Airport Express brings my network down

I tried adding a second Airport Export to my Airport network (presently I have an Airport Extreme plus an Airport Express upstairs to extend the network). However when I try to add the second AE downstairs, the network comes to a stand still. I set it up and it automatically detects my network and tries to extend it. But then when ever I tried to access any of the other devices, I am always asked to enter my device password. Also, It seems to be forever reading the network configuration. Either this second AE is defective or could it be that adding a second AE to extend my network will not work?


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MacBook Air, OS X Mavericks (10.9), Yosemite

Posted on Oct 22, 2014 9:47 AM

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Oct 24, 2014 7:49 PM in response to Lyle Phillips

I tried adding this AE again using Airport Utility. Like earlier, I let the Utility configure the AE for extending the network. But again the AE acted erratic and messed up the network. The added AE kept changing numbers in the name. It seems that I can't add more than one AE to the Airport Extreme network. I have added a screen shot of the activity. Notice that the Downstairs has a (4) in the name. Anyone have any thoughts as to whether adding a second Airport Express is possible?

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Oct 24, 2014 8:19 PM in response to Lyle Phillips

Unfortunately, screen shots are not working on the Apple forums.


You might be able to see what you have posted, but no one else can see them at this time.

So, you'll need to describe things that you see in the screenshots as much as possible. Thanks.

As far as having two AirPort Express devices extend the network, that opens up a can of worms. We'll assume that you are trying to configure the Express devices to extend using a wireless connection and not wired. As you know, when you extend using wireless, about half of the potential speed on the network is lost in the process.

Adding a second Express can really complicate things and really drag down the performance of the network significantly.

It is possible to have two Expresses both connect using wireless to extend the network, but here is the rub:

1) Both Express devices need to be about the same distance from the AirPort Extreme

2) Both Expresses need to be closer to the AirPort Extreme than they are to each other

The second Express cannot extend the signal from the first Express, it must connect to the AirPort Extreme and extend that signal. If both Expresses are connecting to the AirPort Extreme and extending the AirPort Extreme signal, both Expresses will appear side by side horizontally under the AirPort Extreme in the AirPort Utility network display.

You do not want the AirPort Express devices to appear vertically, one on top of the other, in the display.


Notice that the Downstairs has a (4) in the name.


I have not ever seen that type of error, so more troubleshooting will be required.

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Oct 24, 2014 8:20 PM in response to Lyle Phillips

I tried adding this AE again using Airport Utility. Like earlier, I let the Utility configure the AE for extending the network. But again the AE acted erratic and messed up the network. The added AE kept changing numbers in the name. It seems that I can't add more than one AE to the Airport Extreme network. I have added a screen shot of the activity. Notice that the Downstairs has a (4) in the name.

User uploaded file

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Oct 24, 2014 8:28 PM in response to Bob Timmons

I Did not realize that screen shots cannot be seen. So what good does adding pictures? What I was hoping was to have an Airport Express for the second floor and another one downstairs. Both expresses are setup as wired Ethernet. They show up horizontally in the AP Utility. The main router, an AirPort Extreme, is setup in a closet where the modem and other things are located. Hence not a great place for coverage. All I was hoping to do is add better coverage through out my house.

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Oct 24, 2014 8:45 PM in response to Lyle Phillips

Both expresses are setup as wired Ethernet. They show up horizontally in the AP Utility.

Thanks for clarifying that for me.


If by chance the second Express was set up to "extend" and then the Ethernet connection was made later, that is a sure recipe for a network crash, since it creates a massive feedback loop on the network that can do all sorts of nasty and unpredictable things.


The solution is to start all over again on the second Express.....we'll provide the steps.....but set things up in a "test" mode first. That will require a short Ethernet cable....any length will do......where you can connect the second Express directly to the AirPort Extreme to make sure that things are working correctly that way.


If they are, then you can locate the second Express wherever you want, assuming that the long Ethernet cable is working correctly. You have tested the long Ethernet cable, correct?


Might you have a spare Ethernet cable that could be used for the "test" setup?

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Oct 24, 2014 10:08 PM in response to Lyle Phillips

Before you try to configure the second Express, please power off the modem, AirPort Extreme, and the entire network....in any order you wish.


Wait a minute, then start the modem and let it run a full minute or more. Start the AirPort Extreme next and let it run a minute. Start the first Express next the same way. Keep starting devices one at a time about a minute apart until the entire network is back up.


Then, setup the second AirPort Express in the "test" and check the network. Watch the setup screen carefully to confirm that the second Express is being set up to "extend using Ethernet".


If things work OK, then the second Express will operate correctly when it is connected to the longer Ethernet cable...assuming that the cable is working correctly.


If the second Express will not setup correctly during the "test", then you likely have a defective Express.


If the second Express sets up OK during the "test", but you have problems when you connect it to the longer Ethernet cable, you have an issue in the wiring.

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Oct 25, 2014 5:45 PM in response to Bob Timmons

I finally gave up and installed an ethernet cable to my family room, requiring an install under my house. Then I moved the router (Airport Extreme) to the family room. Now I have excellent signal all around. When I returned the Airport Express, an Apple tech said that I should be able to install up to three Airport Express devices. Thank you Bob for taking the time to walk me through my many attempts to make this right. Hopefully I gained some insight into Apple network devices.


Lyle Phillips

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Second Airport Express brings my network down

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