Can Airport Extreme be set up in client mode?

Question

Can Airport Extreme be set up in client mode?

I've set up the Express in client mode before but I am having trouble setting up the Extreme. During set up it sees that I am on an existing network but it bypasses that and asks me if I would like to create a new one. When I try and force it to connect to an existing network it says that an unexpected error occurred. I also tried to set it up as a new network and then went into Airport Utility to force it to connect to the existing network. It takes the password and restarts and then never reappears in Airport Utility after I switch back to the existing network.

Posted on Aug 26, 2016 2:32 PM

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Answer 1

Bob Timmons

Level 10

187,808 points

Aug 26, 2016 5:33 PM in response to Broadwaybaby84

Can AirPort Extreme be set up in client mode?

No, not using any 6.x version of AirPort Utility.

Maybe, if you have an older "flat or square" shaped AirPort Extreme and you can use an older 5.x version of AirPort Utility to maybe set it up.

But, even if you could do this, the Extreme doesn't really do anything in client mode. The Ethernet ports are not enabled, and the Extreme would not "extend" or "repeat" the network. The only thing that would work would be the USB port, which runs at half the speed of a normal USB 2.0 port.

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Answer 2

Aug 26, 2016 2:42 PM in response to Bob Timmons

That's what I was afraid of. I have a Phillips Hue bridge that I need to connect to a router but in this location I don't have access to it physically. I only have the network name and password so I was hoping that I would be able to connect the Extreme to the network as a client so that the lights would be accessible over the network.

Thanks for the quick reply!

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Answer 3

Bob Timmons

Level 10

187,808 points

Aug 26, 2016 5:29 PM in response to Broadwaybaby84

An AirPort Express would likely do what you want.

When the Express "joins" a network, it is a "client" of the network. The Ethernet ports are enabled on the Express, as well as the USB port for a printer. AirPlay is also enabled.

But, the Express cannot wirelessly "extend" or "repeat" a network when it is set up to join a wireless network.

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Answer 4

Aug 26, 2016 5:33 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Yea I just happened to have an Extreme handy and was hoping I wouldn't need an Express. I've set up Expresses for Airplay purposes and as wireless adapters for older desktops and it was extremely easy to connect to existing networks without extending. Thanks again for the quick response!

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