Setting up multiple AirPort Express units with Netgear router

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Level 1

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Setting up multiple AirPort Express units with Netgear router

We have a setup where we have a cable modem (in bridge mode) connected to a NetGear wireless router. WiFi from the Netgear works fine. Off the Netgear we have a simple switch, from with we have wired ethernet connections to four AirPort Express units working off of, to extend the wireless network. (This setup used to work up until a couple of weeks ago)

We managed to reset and reconfigure each AirPort Express, only after we realized that the
AirPort Utility could not configure a new unit when there was an existing unit on the network. Is that normal? (We also found that after setting up one AirPort, we had to turn our PC's or phone's WiFi off and back on, before the utility recognized the state of the AirPorts). So we would configure one AirPort, and when we got a green light on it and the Utility showed it online, we would disconnect it and do the next unit.

We managed to get three AirPorts setup and on the network at the same time. When we tried the fourth, however, the status of the other AirPorts would start to fluctuate in the AirPort utility. We also noticed that we could no longer connect to our WiFi network from clients -- we kept getting a message that the WiFi password was incorrect, even after confirming the password in our Netgear router. If unplug all of the AirPort Expresses, we are able to connect to our WiFi network again.

So we are completely stumped on this, anyone have any suggestions? The DHCP server on the Netgear router is working as it should.

Thanks!

Posted on May 29, 2015 5:25 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

LaPastenague

Level 9

67,202 points

May 29, 2015 5:39 AM in response to Jeetah

I suspect you are setting the Express up wrongly.

You must set the Express in bridge mode.. that is router bridge.

So the page looks like this.

You must create a wireless network.. You MUST NOT extend.. unless there is no ethernet connection.. so it is a choice.. ethernet and create.. or wireless extend to have no ethernet.

At least one Express must be plugged in by ethernet... and it should have a different wireless name and password to the Netgear router.. if you plan to extend it.

If you plan to have all the express in wired ethernet connection.. then all create a wireless network.. all can use the same wireless name and password.

All must however have different base station names.. eg to make this easy.. DO NOT FOLLOW apple recommended names.

Use AEx1 AEx2 etc. for eg.

Use simple wireless name..eg AEwifi

Use simple password.. mixed case and numbers but can be 8-20 characters.

NOTE.. the airport utility in the Mac has this really dumb change where items connected by ethernet will show up easier by ethernet.. plug the Mac also into the switch.. by ethernet and select ethernet in the airport utility.

The amazing thing is Ethernet is under, Other Wi-Fi Devices..

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Answer 2

Jeetah Author

Level 1

10 points

May 29, 2015 8:12 AM in response to LaPastenague

LaPastenague,

Thank you very much for the advice and explanation! I know that we did not look at the Router Mode options, we'll try this today.

Also, am I correct in understanding that the WiFi network name that we set on the AirPorts need to be different than what our Netgear router uses?

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Answer 3

May 29, 2015 3:22 PM in response to Jeetah

Also, am I correct in understanding that the WiFi network name that we set on the AirPorts need to be different than what our Netgear router uses?

If you use ethernet only to all of the Express.. then you can use the same wireless name = SSID.. same security setting and password..

Leave it to the client to choose which it will join to .. the strongest signal should win.

HOWEVER.. if you plan to extend wireless.. I would recommend you use two different wireless names.. one for netgear.. and one for the express..

This is not 100% required.. I could build the system without doing it.. but I think it will be less reliable.. keep to using two different wireless .. or even turn off the netgear wireless.. since you are pretty well covering the area with express.. it is easier when things are kept simple.

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