AirPort Express with AirTunes

[whooleytoo]

You can connect the two without Extreme, but you won't get internet since the port on the Express would be needed to connect to the modem.

Actually, it can be done. Plug a hub/switch into the Express's ethernet port. Then plug your DSL/cable modem into the hub, as well as a Mac with Internet Sharing turned on. You can then connect as many other Macs/PCs/Xboxes as you have free ports - you should even be able to 'cascade' multiple hubs together to add more free ports, if you need them.

It is possible that Apple has hard-coded iTunes to only look for Airport Expresses via Airport, but I'd be surprised. Since iTunes searches via Rendevous, it shouldn't matter whether they're connected via wired or wireless connection.

 

[Powerbook G5]

Actually, it can be done. Plug a hub/switch into the Express's ethernet port. Then plug your DSL/cable modem into the hub, as well as a Mac with Internet Sharing turned on. You can then connect as many other Macs/PCs/Xboxes as you have free ports - you should even be able to 'cascade' multiple hubs together to add more free ports, if you need them.

It is possible that Apple has hard-coded iTunes to only look for Airport Expresses via Airport, but I'd be surprised. Since iTunes searches via Rendevous, it shouldn't matter whether they're connected via wired or wireless connection.

But the whole point of Express is wireless. If you go hooking a dozen ports into it, you are killing the one feature this entire product philosophy is all about. Sure, you can connect hubs to it. But you can do that without Express.

 

[whooleytoo]

But the whole point of Express is wireless. If you go hooking a dozen ports into it, you are killing the one feature this entire product philosophy is all about. Sure, you can connect hubs to it. But you can do that without Express.

That is true, apart from playing iTunes tracks on your stereo via Ethernet, there would be little point in using Express.

However, I was countering your original point:

No, you can't. Does anyone not read the Apple hardware page on Airport Express or ever look at the pictures of it? There are *no* LAN ports. None. NO LAN PORTS. This has been said how many times but people keep saying you can hook random things into it as if it did. If you want to use this device, you must have a wireless ready Mac or PC. It's that simple.

This just doesn't appear to be the case.

 

[Powerbook G5]

That is true, apart from playing iTunes tracks on your stereo via Ethernet, there would be little point in using Express.

However, I was countering your original point:



This just doesn't appear to be the case.

I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were simply trying to prove me wrong. I was trying to look at it through a practical aspect as far as how Express was designed to work.

 

[whooleytoo]

I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were simply trying to prove me wrong. I was trying to look at it through a practical aspect as far as how Express was designed to work.

Heh, nothing personal! Just trying to get the facts straight. Since the total man-hours of Express usage stands at.. zero, there's some confusion over what it can and can't be used for.

 

[Powerbook G5]

Heh, nothing personal! Just trying to get the facts straight. Since the total man-hours of Express usage stands at.. zero, there's some confusion over what it can and can't be used for.

As far as what it can be used for, I summed up what I think it the usage in a nutshell a few posts up. It seems like Express it basically like a wireless router minus the extra ports but with the print and music streaming built in. It can be used by itself as a total wireless solution, can be used as a wireless bridge with an Extreme base station, or used with a 3rd party router through use of ethernet from the router's LAN port to the port on the Express. In these last two instances, the extra ports on either the Extreme or the 3rd party router can then be used to also integrate wired systems such as non wireless PCs/Macs or game systems such as Xbox/PS2. Does this sound about right?

 

[whooleytoo]

As far as what it can be used for, I summed up what I think it the usage in a nutshell a few posts up. It seems like Express it basically like a wireless router minus the extra ports but with the print and music streaming built in. It can be used by itself as a total wireless solution, can be used as a wireless bridge with an Extreme base station, or used with a 3rd party router through use of ethernet from the router's LAN port to the port on the Express. In these last two instances, the extra ports on either the Extreme or the 3rd party router can then be used to also integrate wired systems such as non wireless PCs/Macs or game systems such as Xbox/PS2. Does this sound about right?

Sounds about right! (Though Apple uses the term 'wireless bridge', I'd have though 'repeater' would be the more appropriate phrase. Then again, when it's me vs Apple, they tend to win! )

It's odd that this functionality won't necessarily work with other (non Airport) WiFi devices.. Good way of creating vendor lock-in, I guess!

 

[Powerbook G5]

Sounds about right! (Though Apple uses the term 'wireless bridge', I'd have though 'repeater' would be the more appropriate phrase. Then again, when it's me vs Apple, they tend to win! )

It's odd that this functionality won't necessarily work with other (non Airport) WiFi devices.. Good way of creating vendor lock-in, I guess!

Yeah, it'd be sweet if it worked with my Linksys because it's been one bulletproof router that has been an absolute gem since day one. From what I've heard from others who use Apple's Airport Extreme, the Linksys seems a lot more reliable, faster, and have better range. I suppose I'll try using Express exclusively for a week or two and if it is a solid performer, I'll give my Linksys to my friend who is looking at getting DSL also.

 

[appleguy]

Well $245+GST in NZ thats not bad... that was about my est, so I have ordered 3. that should get me around my entire house and property including when I am in the neighbours spa (for the music of course)

 

[starboard]

No, you can't. Does anyone not read the Apple hardware page on Airport Express or ever look at the pictures of it? There are *no* LAN ports. None. NO LAN PORTS. This has been said how many times but people keep saying you can hook random things into it as if it did. If you want to use this device, you must have a wireless ready Mac or PC. It's that simple.

I know it seems like we've beaten this to death, I read on MacWorld's site and forum that suggests the contrary.

In the editor's note, Jason Snell gave a highlight of his conversation with Greg Joswiak, Apple's VP of Hardware Product Marketing. In the article, he described the Airport Express as a basestation, extender and bridge. In the forum, a member challenged him on this and his response is as follows.

"That "claim" comes straight from Apple VP Greg Joswiak, so if you want to complain, complain to Apple.

Joswiak says that it _will_ work as a wireless bridge to Ethernet if it's connected to another AirPort Extreme or AirPort Express. If it's some other sort of base station, then no.

The definition of "WAN" versus "LAN" ports is pretty hazy. People are being very literal with those definitions, but it's not necessarily so cut and dried. For example, the original graphite AirPort Base Stations only had one Ethernet port, but they supported both WAN and LAN connections over the same port. You could (and in fact I still do!) route Internet traffic and local DHCP/NAT LAN traffic via the same hub attached by the same cable." - Jason Snell

Despite the spec on Apple's site, one may be able to use the AirPort Express as an "airport card," going from DSL/Cable to wifi to ethernet. There may be hope yet for all you gamers and your PS2s and XBoxes.

 

[Powerbook G5]

I know it seems like we've beaten this to death, I read on MacWorld's site and forum that suggests the contrary.

In the editor's note, Jason Snell gave a highlight of his conversation with Greg Joswiak, Apple's VP of Hardware Product Marketing. In the article, he described the Airport Express as a basestation, extender and bridge. In the forum, a member challenged him on this and his response is as follows.

"That "claim" comes straight from Apple VP Greg Joswiak, so if you want to complain, complain to Apple.

Joswiak says that it _will_ work as a wireless bridge to Ethernet if it's connected to another AirPort Extreme or AirPort Express. If it's some other sort of base station, then no.

The definition of "WAN" versus "LAN" ports is pretty hazy. People are being very literal with those definitions, but it's not necessarily so cut and dried. For example, the original graphite AirPort Base Stations only had one Ethernet port, but they supported both WAN and LAN connections over the same port. You could (and in fact I still do!) route Internet traffic and local DHCP/NAT LAN traffic via the same hub attached by the same cable." - Jason Snell

Despite the spec on Apple's site, one may be able to use the AirPort Express as an "airport card," going from DSL/Cable to wifi to ethernet. There may be hope yet for all you gamers and your PS2s and XBoxes.

You apparently missed the last two pages where we clearly established all of this.

 

[tveric]

See, now we seem to be getting somewhere. The setup would have to include an Apple Airport Extreme station and an Airport Express station in order to use the Ethernet port on the Express to add a device to your network. Otherwise, it can only be used as a WAN port for your modem. Furthermore, this would mean that only an Apple Airport Extreme station can work and not a Linksys or Netgear or some other brand, so that would make people like me out of luck since I have a Linksys wireless router instead of an Apple.

If I believe the Apple tech support guy I talked to today, that is incorrect. You CAN use a Linksys or Netgear router in conjunction with the Airport Express, as long as the wireless router is 802.11b or g compliant (and they pretty much all are, right?) Which makes sense - That's the reason you have standards like 802.11g, so that everyone can play.

Apple lists only the Airport Extreme and Express as being bridge components, as quoted earlier, but I have a feeling that's just to drive more sales of Airport stuff. Once you actually ask the question, the tech has to admit that yes, any wireless router will work. Notice that the AP Express web page doesn't say that other routers WON'T work - not that I blame Apple for that. I'd also guess the set-up and configuration would be easier if you have all Airport stuff.

 

[starboard]

You apparently missed the last two pages where we clearly established all of this.

yes. I jumped the gun there a bit. sorry.

 

[starboard]

If I believe the Apple tech support guy I talked to today, that is incorrect. You CAN use a Linksys or Netgear router in conjunction with the Airport Express, as long as the wireless router is 802.11b or g compliant (and they pretty much all are, right?) Which makes sense - That's the reason you have standards like 802.11g, so that everyone can play.

Apple lists only the Airport Extreme and Express as being bridge components, as quoted earlier, but I have a feeling that's just to drive more sales of Airport stuff. Once you actually ask the question, the tech has to admit that yes, any wireless router will work. Notice that the AP Express web page doesn't say that other routers WON'T work - not that I blame Apple for that. I'd also guess the set-up and configuration would be easier if you have all Airport stuff.

true. wifi technology is standard, and AirPort Express will connect to non-Apple networks. However, it will not extend that network. The extension protocol is proprietary, unlike 802.11a/b/g. APExp. also will not bridge non-AirPort networks.

 

[tveric]

true. wifi technology is standard, and AirPort Express will connect to non-Apple networks. However, it will not extend that network. The extension protocol is proprietary, unlike 802.11a/b/g. APExp. also will not bridge non-AirPort networks.

okay, now I'm really confused. What's the difference? What will the Airport Express connect to and not connect to? And what does this mean to a real-world set-up where a current Linksys wireless router is in place and I want to get an Airport Express?

 

[whooleytoo]

Yeah, it'd be sweet if it worked with my Linksys because it's been one bulletproof router that has been an absolute gem since day one. From what I've heard from others who use Apple's Airport Extreme, the Linksys seems a lot more reliable, faster, and have better range. I suppose I'll try using Express exclusively for a week or two and if it is a solid performer, I'll give my Linksys to my friend who is looking at getting DSL also.

It may not be practical for you, but have you considered a uni-directional antenna? With a boosted signal, it should improve the connection on all three counts.

 

[ebunton]

Taking over the Music Player Electronics Industry

Sorry, if this has already been posted somewhere but has anyone thought of the fact that with the introduction of the new Airport Express, a wireless iPod would be inevitable?

Imagine, you can wireless stream your digital music files directly from your iPod to an Airport Express connected to any of your speakers.

It could be seen as a direct threat to the current and future harddisk-based music players that would be purchased via any of the 'consumer electronics' giants such as Sony or Panasonic.

With the global trend of digital downloaded music rather than music acquisition as CDs, I would expect that a vast majority, if not all, of the Sonys and Panasonics of the world would realise that people need a 'direct' music listening solution minus the extra step of 'burning of file to CD then insert into cd tray'.

Of course you could connect the computer/laptop to the speakers and that would be your 'direct music listening solution' too. However, the iPod is far more portable. You could bring your iPod fill with your tunes to a mates house and listen together with no hassles.

The Future: Why buy a CD player for music when you can buy the music you want via iTunes and wirelessly iPod it.

Apple wants us to rip all of our CDs (no pun intended). Digitise our music. Put in iPod. Listen!

 

[CmdrLaForge]

Yeah, it'd be sweet if it worked with my Linksys because it's been one bulletproof router that has been an absolute gem since day one. From what I've heard from others who use Apple's Airport Extreme, the Linksys seems a lot more reliable, faster, and have better range. I suppose I'll try using Express exclusively for a week or two and if it is a solid performer, I'll give my Linksys to my friend who is looking at getting DSL also.

Just one question here: do you think that it is possible to use the Airport Express together with a DSL modem to connect to the internet ? Is the DSL modem connected via the WAN port with the Airport Express ?

Thanks

 

[Colman]

What about mounting options?

Does anyone know if the resemblance that the APE has with a powerblock extends to being able to plug in a power cable so that the thing isn't restricted to being under a desk or someother horribly inconvienient location?

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

You plug one end of the cable into the iMac, and the other end into the AP Express. You can now stream music from the iMac to the AP Express. You CAN'T do much else with your little network, like get on the Internet. But it will work for the music streaming part.

If you want to get on the Net, you can get a hub/switch and a router. Connect the switch to the three other items. You can now get on the Internet with the iMac, and continue to stream music to the AP Express, and if you set up the AP Express properly, if you get a wireless-equipped computer you can surf the Internet wirelessly through the AP Express.

But following your idea, then the Express would allow other computers to share files across the network?

 

[davecuse]

I am amazed by the amount of speculation on how this will work, and the mis-information floating around. I'm not going to argue it further, read PowerBook G5's posts he's hit the nail on the head as far as specs go.

I just want to get one already! This is going to be utterly perfect for my setup, I have one stereo in my living room with speaker wire pulled through everywhere, it's going to be great to be able to take my PB along with me, set it down on the table and listen to everything over WiFi. And Streaming Radio over my stereo has me pretty excited... I live next door to a radio station that blocks every other station on my tuner, which is very annoying. I'm just waiting for Apple or anyone to come out with a WiFi remote for iTunes, and possibly my whole home theater that would be very cool.

 

[davecuse]

Does anyone know if the resemblance that the APE has with a powerblock extends to being able to plug in a power cable so that the thing isn't restricted to being under a desk or someother horribly inconvienient location?

If you look on the specs page you can purchase a cord seperately.

 

[sonyrules]

Kinda of a cool Looking device, I wonder how well it works with the old airport stuff.

 

[Zyote]

theres so much confusion on here as to how this thing works:

will it let me surf my internet connection wirelessly? with my dsl provider?
will i need a wireless hub aswell?

man, think of it this way folks.


This is identical to the normal airport extreme.
plug your DSL connection into it, and have a wireless enabled computer (with an airport card). and you'll get wireless internet, wireless "airtunes" and everything.

it's identical to the airport extreme! only a couple of small differences.

 

[Powerbook G5]

It may not be practical for you, but have you considered a uni-directional antenna? With a boosted signal, it should improve the connection on all three counts.

The Express doesn't have a port for an antenna, though.

Just one question here: do you think that it is possible to use the Airport Express together with a DSL modem to connect to the internet ? Is the DSL modem connected via the WAN port with the Airport Express ?

Thanks

Yes, in fact, that's the primary way that Apple seems to be presenting this technology. The DSL modem would plug into the WAN port of the Airport Express and from there your Airport equipped computer receives the signal just like it were any other wireless router.