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Airport Express question... please assist

Adokimus

Adokimus

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jun 2, 2007
842
3
Boston, MA
Hi all,

I had a pretty quick question about the airport express: Does the ethernet port on the bottom work as ethernet out as well as ethernet in? I already have a wireless router and I'm considering buying the Airport express to extend its wireless range, but I also wanted to use it to connect the desktop pc in my room via ethernet (no wireless built in).

So, would that work or is the ethernet only an ethernet-in?

(I want cable modem --> wireless router #1 --> Airport Express range extension --> ethernet cable --> ethernet desktop PC)

Thanks!
 
yes this will work just fine, i'm not sure what routers it plays best with in terms of extending networks but i know it is certainly possible.

but just out of curiousity, wouldn't it be easier/more cost effective to just buy a wireless card for the PC?
 
Well, I have a powerbook g4 and I have HORRIBLE reception in my room, so I need to extend my wireless range regardless. Are you absolutely sure that the ethernet port will work as ethernet out? Has anyone tried it? I don't want to waste $100 since I'm currently jobless.

Thanks again!
 
Adokimus said:
Well, I have a powerbook g4 and I have HORRIBLE reception in my room, so I need to extend my wireless range regardless. Are you absolutely sure that the ethernet port will work as ethernet out? Has anyone tried it? I don't want to waste $100 since I'm currently jobless.

Thanks again!
Click to expand...

gotcha. so yes i am 100% positive that it will work as ethernet out.
again i don't know what routers it plays nice with in terms of extending the range though. i have two Expresses and have used it as ethernet out before so no worries there.
 
Ethernet output from airport express. How to do it?

I am trying to do the same. I want to use an airport express to join my existing wireless network and provide wired ethernet service output from its ethernet connection to a DVD player that has no wireless ability only wired RJ45

I have not been able to get it to work so far. It has joined my wireless network (netgear router) as I can see its mac address in the DHCP table of connected devices, but when I plug in the ethernet cable I get nothing.

THanks for any help.
 
Someone correct me if i'm wrong, but the ethernet port on the airport express only works as an ethernet in, for Cable/DSL modems.
 
Ethernet Port

If the AEx is in the "client mode" the Ethernet jack will be active and provide a wired input. If the AEx is in "WDS mode" (or extend my network), the jack is NOT active. In "router mode" it is used as a WAN input. I'm pretty sure that I'm correct on this.
 
rjp said:
... I want to use an airport express to join my existing wireless network and provide wired ethernet service output from its ethernet connection to a DVD player that has no wireless ability only wired RJ45...
Click to expand...

I'm doing a similar thing. It will definitely work if it's a newer, n-capable express. In airport utility, set wireless mode to "Join a Wireless Network" and then check the box under it which says "Allow Ethernet Clients".

If you have the older b/g version, the "Allow Ethernet Clients" checkbox won't be present.

I have both n and g versions, btw. I could never get the g one to work, whereas the n one worked first time.
 
Arran said:
I'm doing a similar thing. It will definitely work if it's a newer, n-capable express. In airport utility, set wireless mode to "Join a Wireless Network" and then check the box under it which says "Allow Ethernet Clients".

If you have the older b/g version, the "Allow Ethernet Clients" checkbox won't be present.

I have both n and g versions, btw. I could never get the g one to work, whereas the n one worked first time.
Click to expand...

That would do it. I have an older model (before n) and there is no "Allow ENET Clients" checkbox. Bummer.

Any workarounds?
 
Don't know if this helps re the possibility.

I have - Cable modem connected to an Airport Express (b/g) by ethernet cable, in another room is a second Express (b/g) connected by ethernet cable to a Bondi iMac, no problems connecting to the Internet.

The ethernet cables are Patch.

Cheers,
OW
 
rjp said:
That would do it. I have an older model (before n) and there is no "Allow ENET Clients" checkbox. Bummer.

Any workarounds?
Click to expand...

Actually, there is a way to do it provided your base station is an airport extreme or express: Use WDS (wireless distribution system).

The only downside is that it cuts your throughput dramatically and can be tricky to set up (or so I've heard). Anyone here done it?
 
rjp said:
That would do it. I have an older model (before n) and there is no "Allow ENET Clients" checkbox. Bummer.

Any workarounds?
Click to expand...

This looks like a bug for Apple to fix.

The functionality's there in the Airport Express g - it will allow clients on its ethernet port when enabled and a lot of people do just that, but a bit of user interface has gone missing from Airport Utility that was in various previous airport management tools.

Airport Expresses that people are currently using in this way will break as soon as they are updated with e.g. Airport Utility 5.3.2 or 5.4.1

If you're caught by this, please report it to Apple.

Mark
 
I've done this and the ethernet out is working fine - however, I seem to have lost wifi. Does that sound right?

Is it either the airport connects to my current network and extends it via ethernet or wifi OR can it do both at the same time?
 
You could call an Apple Store and ask. In fact, I called an Apple Store in Willowbrook Mall early today and they were very friendly and fast.
 
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