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6 Replies Last post: Mar 3, 2009 5:01 AM by Paulinderwick

KPO'M

1,852 posts since
Nov 29, 2001

Mar 6, 2008 9:32 AM

Adding an Airport Express to a Time Capsule Network

I installed my new Time Capsule yesterday, and while it works OK as a wireless internet hub and a backup device, I can't seem to extend it using my old Airport Express. Here's the sequence:

My old setup was an Airport Express connected to my DSL and a printer, with a WDS bridge to another Airport Express connected to a Sling Box.
I installed the Time Capsule, first trying to use the new Airport 5.3 software to replace the main Airport Express with the Time Capsule. It goes through the motions, gets freezed up while trying to write the settings to the Time Capsule, and throws and error message.
I figure, forget trying to "replace" the Airport on my existing network. I set up the Time Capsule as a new network, and hard reset the old Airports Express. I get the Time Capsule working.
I try to add the Airport Express as a WDS bridge. It gets to the last step (where I identify the new network that I want to hook it up to), but then throws an error message, suggesting that I quit Airport Utility and try again. It still doesn't work. I try with the other Airport Express, and get the same result.

For the record, yes, I checked the box indicating that I'd like to be able to extend the wireless network on my Time Capsule. I tried both the automatic settings, and the manual setup routine. I even tried changing the channel on both devices. For that matter, I also tried setting up the Airport Express using my old Windows PC. Every time, it gets to the last step, fails to form a bridge, and then throws the same error message. All the Airports and Time Capsule have the latest firmware (at least according to Airport Utility 5.3).

Any suggestions? Has anyone else tried to use an old Airport or Airport Express to extend a Time Capsule?

I know everyone is focused on the iPhone announcement today, but if this is a bug, hopefully Apple doesn't abandon those of use who bought last month's hot new product.

gochira

12 posts since
Mar 2, 2008

1. Mar 7, 2008 3:09 AM

in response to: KPO'M

Re: Adding an Airport Express to a Time Capsule Network

My Time Capsule works together like a charm.

First off, let me know if I'm being stupid but remember the Airport express doesn't support N draft it only supports B/G.

Also I haven't checked the box about being able to extend my network but it seems to work anyway?

Lars

KPO'M

1,852 posts since
Nov 29, 2001

2. Mar 7, 2008 5:10 AM

in response to: gochira

Re: Adding an Airport Express to a Time Capsule Network

Thanks. I've noticed a number of posts on the Apple discussion forums about people having the same problems as I am having. Maybe a bad batch or firmware got out. Would you mind telling me, step by step, how you got your TC up and running, and then connected the Airport Express.

Something I noticed in the many attempts that I have had to make this work is that if I do a factory reset of the TC, the Airport Utility often only sees the TC if I click on the Airport icon in the main menu bar (the little icon that looks like a fan next to the volume indicator) and manually select the network ("Apple 6xxxxx" before I name the TC, and my network name after that). When I reset the AE, it can see the base station, but it can't change the settings unless I "switch" my wireless network to the AE base station. It gets to that last step where I try to complete the bridge. It takes a little while (and usually requires a click on the drop-down box) before my TC wireless network appears on the menu. When I click to finish the connection, that's when the error message comes up.

If I have a defective unit, I'll go ahead and send it back.

gochira

12 posts since
Mar 2, 2008

3. Mar 7, 2008 5:54 AM

in response to: KPO'M

Re: Adding an Airport Express to a Time Capsule Network

It seems to me that I did what you describe in your post, I had to manually choose the TC in the main menu bar then start airport utility. I also had to do a hard reset of the AE and after that manually choose it in the main menu bar. After that I configuring the AE was a breeze keep in mind though that I am merely letting the AE connect to my existing TC network I am not using the WDS feature.

Lars

KPO'M

1,852 posts since
Nov 29, 2001

4. Mar 7, 2008 7:45 AM

in response to: gochira

Re: Adding an Airport Express to a Time Capsule Network

Thanks. Unfortunately, I need WDS since I want the Airport Express to truly share the Internet connection so my Slingbox (near my TV) can access my broadband modem (which is in another room). The other option, I suppose, is to move my modem near my TV, and just use the Airport to connect the printer. But the point is that Apple equipment is just supposed to work.

KPO'M

1,852 posts since
Nov 29, 2001

5. Mar 8, 2008 6:34 AM

in response to: KPO'M

Re: Adding an Airport Express to a Time Capsule Network

I think I am starting to figure it out. First I had to set the Airport Express to join the network (to share USB printers, etc.), the way you did, and then I restarted Airport Utility and was able to add WDS, except that it further along (to the point of actually setting up the WDS bridge) and then gave an error message.

Paulinderwick

1 posts since
Mar 3, 2009

6. Mar 3, 2009 5:01 AM

in response to: KPO'M

Re: Adding an Airport Express to a Time Capsule Network

Phew! Just succesfully installed the time capsule and then added an existing exress to extend it as a WDS bridge (whatever that may be).

I used my MacBook Pro and after deciding to add the further express I reset it using the reset button and plugged it in. It could now be accessed on the airport menu as a separate broadcasting device, clicked on that and then airport set-up utility recognised it. I then named it for the room it is in and set a different password for it, ticked the appropriate boxes and lo - it worked.

For those with problems perhaps the setting of a different password/name for it is useful?

But then do we need it? My set up before was an express in the office, a second in my son's bedroom at the other end of the house, enabling my wife's macbook to pick-up a signal, the new base station seems to put out a signal strong enough I might not need it...

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This Question is Possibly Answered

Mar 6, 2008 9:32 AM

Adding an Airport Express to a Time Capsule Network

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