Connecting Airport Express to existing network and speakers

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Ewell1946 Author

Level 1

8 points

Connecting Airport Express to existing network and speakers

I have an existing home network based on a Telus Actiontec T1200H router. Also have a 5G extender running at 5Mb/s. Support many devices including iPads, iPhones, MacBook and one WIndows 7PC. All hardware at latest update. Using an Apple Airport Express 2nd Gen connected to my stereo to stream music wirelessly from my Windows 7 PC. Have iTunes and Airfoil to stream music.

My old 1st gen Airport Express worked just fine. When I replaced it with the gen 2, I connected the AP Express to the LAN cable connected to the Actiontec router (port 1), and used the APU Utility on my PC to set up the AP Express. The AP Express was found, I renamed it and typed in the passwords for both the AP Express and network I am connecting it to. All worked fine with the green light coming on the AP Express.

When I disconnected the LAN cable the link should still be there for a wireless connection. But the light goes back to solid orange. I can see on the Actiontec router software that the link is established but as soon as I disconnect the LAN cable the connection list marks the AP Express as inactive. It seems something in the router is not recognizing the wireless connection. Interestingly enough, the Airfoil software still show the connection as active.

I do not want to go into the advanced section of the Actiontec router, but am wondering if there is a way of forcing the router to connect to the MAC address of the AP Express.

WIndows PC-OTHER, Windows 7, Home nework Actiontec T1200H Router

Posted on May 24, 2016 12:29 PM

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Answer 1

Bob Timmons

Level 10

187,874 points

May 24, 2016 12:56 PM in response to Ewell1946

When I disconnected the LAN cable the link should still be there for a wireless connection.

No, that is not correct.

You can set up the AirPort Express to connect using Ethernet.....in which case the Ethernet cable must be left connected at all times......or......you can set up the AirPort Express to connect wirelessly to most existing wireless networks.

But if you want the Express to connect wirelessly, then you would not use an Ethernet cable to connect to the Express at any time. If you do have Ethernet connected, the Express and the setup utility will detect the Ethernet connection and set up the Express accordingly.....to connect using Ethernet.

Start over, reset the Express back to factory default settings, and set it up to "join" the wireless network. Do not use an Ethernet cable to connect to the Express at any time during the setup.

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Answer 2

Ewell1946 Author

Level 1

8 points

May 24, 2016 4:26 PM in response to Bob Timmons

I have since discovered that the way the old Airport Express was set up is no longer valid. And to make it easier, I used my new MacBook to set up the AP Express. Worked just fine. Windows just doesn't play well with others. So now I will use the MacBook to stream to my speakers. I will have to learn a couple of new tricks on the Mac thought, but that's progress!

Thanks for your input Bob.

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Answer 3

Bob Timmons

Level 10

187,874 points

May 24, 2016 5:53 PM in response to Ewell1946

I have since discovered that the way the old Airport Express was set up is no longer valid

This has been the case for about 3 years, since AirPort Utility 6.x versions were released.

And to make it easier, I used my new MacBook to set up the AP Express.

Nice work. Setup is just as easy....and more reliable, in my opinion......using an iPhone or iPad.

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