AirPort Express set-up for client mode

Question

AirPort Express set-up for client mode

I'm having difficulty restoring AE to client mode, using "add to existing network" in the AE utility, version 638.9. I purchased the AE this year, and got it to stream iTunes music. A week ago the wifi modem was accidentally turned off for several hours. The modem was subsequently powered up successfully, but the AE would not auto-connect to the wifi (unlike my AppleTV). The AE's LED status has since been displaying a slow blink. The wifi signal throughout my small apartment is excellent. I also have no AE main base station. I've read the relevant support notes and guides; followed the client-mode set-up instructions, to no avail. I've reset the AE numerous times, also returned it to factory default, then attempted client set-up, again to no avail. Am I missing something? Any solutions? Here are some relevant screen shots, approximately in sequential order:

AirPort Express 802.11n (2nd generation), macOS High Sierra (10.13.5), Apple TV 2nd gen.

Posted on Oct 11, 2018 4:00 AM

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Answer 1

Oct 11, 2018 6:59 AM in response to bernard@lanecove

There are a lot of other WiFi networks around you, and one or more of them may be interfering with the setup of the Express. After you performed a factory default reset on the Express, did you temporarily move the Express to a location in the same room or close proximity to your main router?

If not, give that a try. If the Express connects, then move it back to the desired location to see if it will connect there. If the Express still won't connect at the desired location, then you will need to experiment to find a better location for the Express.

If the Express still won't connect to your main router when it is located in the same room as the router, then your next option would be to try to manually configure the Express......rather than use Apple's automated setup "wizard".

A manual setup.....for which Apple really provides no documentation that I can find......will require that your Mac connects to the AirPort Express using a wired Ethernet cable connection during the setup, so your Mac will need to have an Ethernet port. If it doesn't, then you will need to use a Thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter to establish the connection.

Post back if you are still having difficulty with the wireless setup of the Express, and we'll go through the manual setup steps.

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Answer 2

Oct 12, 2018 9:08 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Thanks for the reply, Bob. Paranormal solution. Two days ago, after slow-blinking orange for a fortnight, the AE came to life, all of its own accord, and now displays a steady green LED. All is well, it seems. Actually, this scenario happened previously not long after the first installation - it blinked orange for a number of days then unexpectedly activated. Weird. Maybe it slowly (very, very slowly!) sorts through all the networks in the apartment block and eventually figures out the correct one. I suspect this issue will recur, so I'll follow your suggestion. Otherwise I'll try to set it up via a cable to the modem. Cheers, Bernard.

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AirPort Express set-up for client mode

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