Can I use Airport Express to extend my wireless network and also use it for Airplay

Can I use Airport Express to extend my wireless network

By "extend", I assume that you mean that the AirPort Express will connect using wireless. You might not be aware that the AirPort Express can also extend a network by connecting back to the main router using a permanent, wired Ethernet cable connection.

The Express will extend a network using a wireless connection......IF......the existing wireless network is being provided another Apple wireless router.....an AirPort Extreme, AirPort Time Capsule, or another AirPort Express.

If you are planning to use a wired Ethernet connection with the Express to extend the network, then the Express will work with virtually any third party router for this purpose.

and also use it for Airplay

For AirPlay, the Express has the capability to "join" most wireless networks, so if your existing wireless router is using standard industry wireless settings, the Express will normally be compatible with this type of network for use with AirPlay.

As we said in our original reply, the AirPort Express can extend a wireless network using a wireless connection if the network is provided by another Apple router.

Another way of saying the same thing would be that if you want to extend a network with the Express, then you will need another Apple router....an AirPort Extreme, AirPort Time Capsule, or another AirPort Express.

The problem here is that if you add another AirPort router like an Express, you will still need a modem, since the Apple AirPorts do not have a modem on board.

In order to do what you want, you would need to keep your Netgear modem/router in place and connect one AirPort to the Netgear using a short Ethernet cable and configure that AirPort to "create a wireless network".

Then, the second AirPort Express could be configured to wirelessly extend the signal from the first AirPort.

Apple is currently offering refurbished Express devices at about 33% off....with new warranty. Things like this go really fast. They were there this morning.....not sure about now. Link is below if you are interested.

http://store.apple.com/us/product/FC414LL/A/airport-express-base-station