HT201577: AirPort Express frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Learn about AirPort Express frequently asked questions (FAQ)
noelfromouterspace
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: how to connect airport express as an extender for airport extreme with El Capitan

I have an airport extreme model A1521 and an airport express model A1392 and upgraded my OS to El Capitan. I want to use the express as an extender for the extreme because my old house is long and has thick walls. My problem is that Airport Utility won't "see" the express, regardless of its proximity to the main router (extreme). I tried moving it and resetting it.

 

Of course, once I get the utility to see it I need instruction on how to set the express up as a booster for my extreme.

 

Any ideas?

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.2)

Posted on Dec 4, 2015 2:06 PM

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noelfromouterspace

Q: how to connect airport express as an extender for airport extreme with El Capitan

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  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Dec 4, 2015 2:23 PM in response to noelfromouterspace
    Level 10 (104,852 points)
    Wireless
    Dec 4, 2015 2:23 PM in response to noelfromouterspace

    Unplug the Express and move it to the same room as the AirPort Extreme.

    Power up the Express for a few minutes, then hold in the reset button on the back of the Express for 7 to 8 seconds and release.

    Allow a full minute for the Express to restart

     

    New AX Reset Button.png

     

    Click the WiFI icon at the top of the Mac's screen

    Look for a listing of New AirPort Base Station

    Click directly on AirPort Express

     

    New AirPort Base Express.png

     

    When you click on AirPort Express, the setup "wizard" will open up and take a few seconds to analyze things, then display a screen that looks similar to the illustration below, except that you will see your devices pictured.

     

    Extend Wireless 1.png

     

    Type in a short, simple name that you want to call the Express

    Click Next

    The setup wizard will take care of everything for you

    When you see the message of Setup Complete, unplug the Express and move it about half way between the AirPort Extreme and the area of the house that needs more wireless signal coverage

    Power up the Express and you are all set

     

    Important Note......the Express can only extend the signal quality that it receives. About half of the potential speed on the entire nextwork is lost when you extend using a wireless connection between AirPorts.

     

    It would be much better if  you could connect the Express to the Extreme using a permanent, wired Ethernet cable connection since there is no signal loss through the Ethernet cable and there will always a good deal of signal loss through the air, walls (especially thick walls), ceilings, etc.

  • by noelfromouterspace,

    noelfromouterspace noelfromouterspace Dec 4, 2015 2:55 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 4, 2015 2:55 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    Thanks for the reply Bob, as you can see from this screen shot, as I stated in my question, the express is not showing up. In fact, this is the second time I have tried moving it Right Next To the extreme. It is next to the extreme, reset, and has a yellow light.

     

    Screen Shot 2015-12-04 at 2.51.56 PM.png

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Dec 4, 2015 2:59 PM in response to noelfromouterspace
    Level 10 (104,852 points)
    Wireless
    Dec 4, 2015 2:59 PM in response to noelfromouterspace

    If the Mac is behaving and AirPort Express is behaving....the Express will show up.

     

    Do you have an iPhone or iPad that you could use for the setup?

     

    If yes, on the iPhone / iPad home screen, tap Settings

    Tap WiFi

    Tap on AirPort Express under the heading of Set Up New Base Station

     

    The same basic screens will appear for setup

  • by noelfromouterspace,

    noelfromouterspace noelfromouterspace Dec 4, 2015 3:38 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 4, 2015 3:38 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    Ok. I followed the directions for set up and reset three times with no results.

    I finally called apple care and Johnna told me to watch for the flashing indicator light on the express. Holding the reset button for 7-8 seconds is what all the instructions say and what I did, what it Should say is to watch the indicator light.

    When the reset button on the airport express is pressed, continue pressing until the yellow light flashes quickly, then release, wait for the yellow light to pulse slowly and then it should turn to green.

    The express was visible on my iPad (it was handy, otherwise I would have used the utility on my iMac) and the connection was easy.

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Dec 4, 2015 5:49 PM in response to noelfromouterspace
    Level 10 (104,852 points)
    Wireless
    Dec 4, 2015 5:49 PM in response to noelfromouterspace
    When the reset button on the airport express is pressed, continue pressing until the yellow light flashes quickly, then release, wait for the yellow light to pulse slowly and then it should turn to green.

    If you hold in the reset button for 7-8 seconds, the light will begin to blink rapidly after a few seconds and then blink rapidly until you release the reset button. The light will not turn green until you set up the Express with the correct settings, which you did with your iPad.