walkedl

Q: Install - won't connect to existing wireless

Hi All,

 

I have a couple of Airport Express' that I've used to simply stream music to using Airplay.    These are the older devices and I hadn't used them in a while (been sitting in a drawer for a few years), but decided to put them to use again. 

 

I have performed a reset to each device and connected to my Mac.  Using the Airport Utility, I've connected to the device, but  I don't see the option to add to my existing wireless network.  I see they have updated that app since I last used it.

 

There is an option to 'extend' my network, but I don't think that is what I want as I am not extending a Airport Express network... I just want to stream music to this one.

 

Any hints on where that option to add to an existing wireless network went?

OS X El Capitan (10.11.6)

Posted on Aug 21, 2016 8:36 AM

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Q: Install - won't connect to existing wireless

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  • by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Aug 21, 2016 8:46 AM in response to walkedl
    Level 10 (105,003 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 21, 2016 8:46 AM in response to walkedl

    You will see an option to "extend a network" if your network is being provided by another Apple router.  Apple assumes that this is what you want to do.

     

    Go ahead and set up the Express to "extend".  Then, if you don't want to do that, you can go back in using AirPort Utility and change the settings for Network Mode from "Extend" to "Join".  In the "Join" setting, the AirPort Express will not provide additional wireless coverage for the network.

     

    If your network is not being provided by another Apple router, go ahead and start up the setup "wizard", then choose Other Options to see the "Add" option.

     

    Other Options.png

     

    Both "Extend" and "Add" assume that the AirPort Express will be using a wireless connection to join the network.

  • by walkedl,

    walkedl walkedl Aug 21, 2016 9:21 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 21, 2016 9:21 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    That worked!   It didn't occur to me that I had to set it up as a WAP first, then add it to join my other non-Apple wireless network.  Thanks again!