Home Can I connect an AirPort Express to my WiFi network, then use the ethernet port for a HomeKit bridge

[JUiCEJamie]

I’m thinking of buying a 2nd Gen AirPort Express. In my home, my Ethernet ports are all used up.

Can I buy an express, connect it to the WiFi; then plug in a (for example) a HomeKit bridge for some smart lighting?

I’m thinking of entering the smart home market with some basic Ikea Trådfri lights, and I need a bridge that they supply plugged in to Ethernet.



Will the Express enable me to do this?



Thanks!

 

[cdavis11]

I’m thinking of buying a 2nd Gen AirPort Express. In my home, my Ethernet ports are all used up.

Can I buy an express, connect it to the WiFi; then plug in a (for example) a HomeKit bridge for some smart lighting?

I’m thinking of entering the smart home market with some basic Ikea Trådfri lights, and I need a bridge that they supply plugged in to Ethernet.



Will the Express enable me to do this?



Thanks!

Yes. I do this exact thing, works great.

 

[Bgosh]

That will absolutely work. Another option that could work for you is getting an ethernet switch, which would be quite a bit cheaper. I have a TP-Link 5 port switch connected to my Time Capsule that has a Lutron bridge, a Hue bridge, and a Raspberry Pi running homebridge. Works flawlessly.

 

[LiveM]

Make sure you put it in Client Mode if you won't want it to work as a base station.