Connecting to Eero wireless

In order to eliminate dead spots in my four-floor townhouse, I am considering buying a three-device Eero wireless system. I understand that I can continue to use my Time Capsule for backups by connecting it via Ethernet to one of the devices.


But I also have an old printer to which I connect on my existing Wi-Fi system, using an Airport Express.


I am told that the Airport Express will not connect wirelessly to the new Wi-Fi system I set up through the Eero.


Any suggestions on how I can connect that remote non-Wi-Fi printer wirelessly to the Eero system? It's in another room, so connecting via Ethernet is not an option.

Posted on Jun 24, 2016 9:56 AM

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9 replies

Jun 24, 2016 10:13 AM in response to Stephen Bromberg

I am told that the Airport Express will not connect wirelessly to the new Wi-Fi system I set up through the Eero.

Not sure what you were told, but the AirPort Express has been designed to join virtually any wireless network as a wireless client.....assuming that the signal is using industry standards for wireless.....and....the AirPort Express is located where it can receive a strong wireless signal.


When the Express is set up this way, it will deliver an Ethernet signal at the Ethernet port on the device. Here, I am assuming that you have the current A1392 version of the AirPort Express, or the previous A1264 version.

Jun 24, 2016 10:04 AM in response to Stephen Bromberg

I am told that the Airport Express will not connect wirelessly to the new Wi-Fi system I set up through the Eero.

The AirPort Express should be able to connect to any Wi-Fi network as a wireless client, not just those provided by Apple wireless base stations. What you won't be able to do with the Express is use it to extend that network.


As a wireless client, the Express will perform as both a wireless Ethernet bridge (for wired clients) and still function as a print server for a connected USB printer.

Jun 24, 2016 10:37 AM in response to Bob Timmons

THANKS!


The Airport Express is A1264. It connects to the printer via its USB port. Right now it connects to the Wi-Fi network I've set up through my Time Capsule.


The Eero says it is Dual-band WiFi radios, simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless, 2x2 MIMO, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth® Smart Ready


Dual auto-sensing Gigabit ports for WAN (cable or DSL modem) and/or LAN (networked device) connectivity, USB 2.0 port

Eero said they didn't think I could connect my Airport Express to this network. If they're wrong, I'll be delighted.

If you're right, am I correct that I would have to reset my Airport Express to original settings and then set it again to be a client to the Eero network?

Jun 24, 2016 10:52 AM in response to Tesserax

THANKS!


The Airport Express is A1264. It connects to the printer via its USB port. Right now it connects to the Wi-Fi network I've set up through my Time Capsule.


The Eero says it is Dual-band WiFi radios, simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless, 2x2 MIMO, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth® Smart Ready


Dual auto-sensing Gigabit ports for WAN (cable or DSL modem) and/or LAN (networked device) connectivity, USB 2.0 port

Eero said they didn't think I could connect my Airport Express to this network. If they're wrong, I'll be delighted.

If you're right, am I correct that I would have to reset my Airport Express to original settings and then set it again to be a client to the Eero network?

Jun 24, 2016 10:51 AM in response to Stephen Bromberg

The version of AirPort Express that you have is single band, so it will not be able to connect simultaneously to both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz signal that is being provided by your Euro device.


Assuming that your Euro device is using a different wireless network name for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz signals, you should configure the Express to connect to the stronger 2.4 GHz signal in most cases......since 5 GHz signals only work well when devices are in the same room as the router or in close proximity.


Reset the AirPort Express back to factory default settings and then set it up again using Apple's setup "wizard".


Then, set up the USB printer again if needed.

Jul 5, 2016 5:54 PM in response to Stephen Bromberg

I just added a three Eero set up and forgot that my solar was connected to my wifi through an Airport Express. I reset the express, found it through the AirPort Utility, and though I had several failed attempts the last one worked. I had first set it up as it's own new network, that didn't work, I made it forget it, then tried the set up again this time I happen to click on an advanced option that asked if I wanted to set it up by joining another network (not it's own and not as a bridge), which I did, also this time I joined the main network not the Eero guest option. I am not a techie person, I know just enough to play around and get most things done. I don't know nothing else other than it works, it's in the garage and it has an "Excellent" connection, green lights all around, both the express and the solar show up on the Eero app, yes it can apparently be done. Life is good.

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Connecting to Eero wireless

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