Jack Mayer

Q: Airport Express loss of connection to wifi

I have a Gen 2 Airport Express that, until this week, was always part of my local wi-fi (green status light, visible in Airport Utility, etc.). It is always plugged in to power about 40' from my Time Capsule. Now the only time it shows that configuration is when it is actually connected to my Time Capsule with an ethernet cable. As soon as I disconnect the ethernet cable the status light goes to flashing amber, and within a few seconds the warning triangle appears in the Airport Utility. I am told, of course, to be sure "...it is plugged in to a power outlet and still within range of my network." It is plugged in and just 3' from my Time Capsule. I have reset it numerous times, without success. My OS is El Capitan 10.11.6. Any thoughts?

Mac mini, OS X El Capitan (10.11.5), 16 gig ram, 620 gig hard drive

Posted on Jul 3, 2016 7:26 AM

Close

Q: Airport Express loss of connection to wifi

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jul 3, 2016 7:40 AM in response to Jack Mayer
    Level 10 (105,067 points)
    Wireless
    Jul 3, 2016 7:40 AM in response to Jack Mayer

    Temporarily, move the AirPort Express close to the Time Capsule

    Do NOT connect an Ethernet cable to the AirPort Express

     

    Perform a Hard Reset on the AirPort Express by powering it up for a minute or two and then holding in the reset button for 7 to 8 seconds and then release and allow a full minute for the AirPort Express to restart to a slow, blinking amber light status.

     

    New AX Reset Button.png

     

    Power off both the Time Capsule and the AirPort Express

    Wait a few seconds

    Power up the Time Capsule and let it run a full minute

    Power up the AirPort Express and let it run a full minute

    Click the WiFi icon at the top of your Mac's screen and look for a listing of New AirPort Base Station

    Just below that, click directly on AirPort Express

     

    New AirPort Base Express.png

     

    Allow the setup "wizard" a few seconds to analyze the network and display a screen that looks similar to the illustration below, except that you will see your devices and network name.

     

    Extend Wireless 1.png

     

    Type in a short, simple device name that you want to use for the AirPort Express in the box next to Base Station Name

    Click Next

     

    The wizard will set up things for you automatically. When you see the message of Setup Complete, click Done, then move the AirPort Express back to its desired location. The more that you have line-of-sight between the AirPort Express and Time Capsule, the better the network will operate.

     

    Please be aware that this type of setup will result in a loss of about half of the potential wireless speed on the network.

  • by Jack Mayer,

    Jack Mayer Jack Mayer Jul 3, 2016 8:26 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (19 points)
    Wireless
    Jul 3, 2016 8:26 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    Thanks, Bob, for the prompt reply. I never have the computer wi-fi turned on because, except for the Airport Express, all my devices are hard-wired to the cpu and I was told by both Apple and Comcast that it was unnecessary as the Time Capsule was providing the wi-fi signal (Please remember that until a couple days ago my Express was working perfectly.). But, to follow your instructions, I turned it on and selected Airport Express in the menu. The green status light on the device went on, and the Airport Utility is "Setting up this Airport Express to wirelessly extend (my network)." Now I have green lights next to the Express in Airport Utility and on the device itself, which I moved back to its normal place in the TV room. I have now turned off my wi-fi  and Express is still green/green. Is it okay to leave the cpu wi-fi off?

  • by macjack,Apple recommended

    macjack macjack Jul 3, 2016 8:30 AM in response to Jack Mayer
    Level 9 (55,699 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 3, 2016 8:30 AM in response to Jack Mayer
  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jul 3, 2016 8:33 AM in response to Jack Mayer
    Level 10 (105,067 points)
    Wireless
    Jul 3, 2016 8:33 AM in response to Jack Mayer

    Not sure what you mean by "cpu".

     

    Is this a modem/router or gateway device that Comcast has provided?  If yes, and you do not need the additional wireless signal provided by this device, then you can leave the WiFi turned off on the device and use the wireless provided by the Time Capsule, which the AirPort Express is extending.