Airport Extreme does not give option to join network

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Level 1

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Airport Extreme does not give option to join network

I am trying to set up a repurposed airport extreme in bridge mode. Previously I have always been able to use the "join network" option but now it is only giving me the option to create, extend, or off. I have a model a1521 (6th gen) that I have as my main router. I also have an older airport express that I have in bridge mode. I am trying to add the a1143 (3rd Gen) to the network and just put it in bridge mode. Purpose is to use it as a wireless print server until I can move my printer and 6th gen to the same location. Was this option removed? am I just missing something?

Mac mini, OS X El Capitan (10.11.4)

Posted on Apr 28, 2016 4:00 PM

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Answer 1

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Bob Timmons

Community+ 2024

Level 10

159,368 points

Apr 28, 2016 4:29 PM in response to YoJr

Apple removed the "Join" option for the AirPort Extreme (and Time Capsule) when the 6.x version of AirPort Utility was introduced with Lion (10.7.3) about 3 years ago.

If you have....or can borrow for 15-20 minutes.....an older Mac running the Leopard (10.5.x) or Snow Leopard (10.6.x), or a PC with AirPort Utility for Windows installed on the device......you might be able to manually configure the older A1143 AirPort Extreme to "join" the network using a 5.x version of AirPort Utility.

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Answer 2

YoJr Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 28, 2016 4:21 PM in response to Bob Timmons

That is really annoying. This limits their routers by a lot. Is there an advanced way of doing it through CLI in the router? Been awhile since I have ever gone that route but I do know the older ones you could ssh into them and do more advanced configuration. You just had to know what you were looking for.

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Answer 3

Apr 28, 2016 4:36 PM in response to YoJr

Cannot say, but AirPort Utility 6.x is totally different than the earlier 5.x version, so I don't think that this is case of finding a "hidden" setting, although I suppose there might be setting in there somewhere, since the AirPort Express can "join" a network.

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