Q: Need help configuring my Airplay on new network
Hi there,
I recently moved and now have a new modem/router from a new ISP. Previously, my router was a combination of my Time Capsule and Airport Express, but this new router provides much faster wireless speed, so I would like my computers and devices to remain connected to it.
My issue is that I have not been able to get the Airport Express working, while the Time Capsule works fine. I have tried plugging in the Airport Express into the Time Capsule using the method shown here: Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring a roaming network (802.11 a/b/g/n) - Apple Support but, for some reason, when I do this I lose connectivity with the primary modem/router network. Perhaps this is because I already tried to configure the Airport Express using the guidelines listed here: Wi-Fi base stations: How to set up and configure AirPort Express for AirPlay and iTunes - Apple Support under "Connecting to an existing Wi-Fi network as part of a roaming network" ... I was unable to successfully do this, it just returned an error and the device went offline. Meanwhile, if I plug in both the Time Capsule and Airport Express at the same time into different ports the primary modem/router, the Time Capsule goes offline.
The only reason I want to use the Airport Express is for Airplay purposes, so I can send audio from my computer or phone to my stereo. I really like this feature but otherwise it's not needed. (Although if I could use it to extend my network reach to the 2nd floor, that would be useful.)
Any help is appreciated!
Dan
MBP Yosemite 10.10.3
iPhone 5s ios8.1
Posted on Sep 2, 2015 11:08 PM
OK, thanks for the info. You are probably tired of resetting the AirPort Express, but that needs to be done one more time.
With the Express powered on for a few minutes, hold in the reset button on the Express for 7-8 seconds and then release. Allow a full minute for the Express to restart to a slow, blinking amber light status.
Connect an Ethernet cable from any one of the LAN <--> ports on the modem/router to the WAN "O" port on the Express.
Click the WiFi icon at the top of the Mac's screen and look for a setting for New AirPort Base Station. Click directly on AirPort Express
under that heading
Wait a few seconds for a screen that looks similar to this to appear, except that you will see a picture of the AirPort Express version that you have.
Network Name........Enter the exact name of the wireless network that the ISP router is providing
Base Station...........Enter a short name that you want to call the AirPort Express. Mine is Express, for example
Password...............Enter the exact same password that you use to connect to the ISP wireless network
Verify......................Confirm the password again
Click Next
The setup "wizard" will configure everything for you. When you see the message of Setup Complete, click Done. That's it.
The Express is now acting as a second wireless access point (your ISP router is the other), so you have just configured what is known as a "roaming" network. AirPlay is always enabled by default on the Express.
If for some reason you do not want the Express to provide additional wireless coverage, then open AirPort Utility, click on the AirPort Express, then click Edit in the smaller window that appears. Click the Wireless tab at the top of the screen and change the setting for Network Mode from "create a wireless network" to "Off", then click Update to save the changes. If you do this, the Express will still connect using Ethernet, and AirPlay will still be enabled.
Posted on Sep 4, 2015 8:05 PM


