Airport Express Question

TriedandTested

TriedandTested

TriedandTested

Soldato
Joined
11 Jul 2004
Posts
16,116
Location
Neptune
Hi all,

I've successfully set up the Airport Express with my printer. However, I didn't realise it would work wireless as a separate wireless 'network' I had to connect to each time I wanted to print.

Is the solution to connect the wireless router/hub to the Airport Express? Would that 'extend' my wireless network so that by connecting to it it also connects me to the printer.

At the moment I have two wireless options and I have to switch between the two; one for printing and one for internet.

Thanks.

PS I'm asking first as it'll involve a bit of shuffling the room around!
 
It sounds like you've told it to "create a new wireless network" instead of "Join a wireless network".

Check the AirPort Utility, and select "Manual setup", then check the drop down box :)

f_Picture1m_21eed5d.png
 
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Ok, I found how to configure the Airport. All I want to do is make a USB printer accessible wirelessly. All I seem to be managing to do is nothing!

The utility discovers the Airport and I can then configure it. Should I be joining an existing wireless network or extending an existing wireless network?

Help! I had it printing yesterday but my WAP and Airport were separate networks. I want them as one and for printing to just be a case of selecting the printer and off it goes.
 
picture1qf9.png


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Choose "Manual setup" then go to the "AirPort" tab - You want to join a wireless network..

f_Picture1m_21eed5d.png


Tell it your SSID, any passwords etc and it's good to go on your current "internet" network

Then you can close the AirPort Utility.app and just add a printer in system preferences (it will appear under Bonjour), for any Mac you wish to use, and ensure you have the correct driver installed.

picture3ah0.png


When you print, it'll just ask which printer you want to use (which it will detect as default), and press OK.. you're making this more complicated than it actually is ;)
 
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Brilliant. Thanks for the guide there. I'm still having an issue though where I'm doing all of the above but it seems to fail at the 'restarting the Airport Express' stage. It restarts but with a flashing orange light and the Airport Utility eventually times out with a message to the effect that it can't find the device. I've tried connecting to the printer at this stage (and others) but without any luck.

Our internet is currently provided via a wireless router connected to the network. WEP protected. I know what the password it but still cannot get it to join. :(
 
Try putting a $ infront of the SSID.

Example: $Sky1586

Don't worry about restarting.. usually you have to switch to the wireless network given out by the AirPort Express to configure it.. when you apply settings, it stop giving out the network, so it's best to switch to your regular network again.

You can always leave the Express "do it's thing" for a few minutes after configuration. If it's still flashing amber, you ballsed up. Best bet is to get a pen and press-and-hold the small button on the underneath until the amber light flashes repeatedly, and restart the configuration.

You'll actually be missing something simple, and a fresh start can clear any wonky settings. Double check the case of the details too.. it may be that you input something with CAPS on, or you forget a case sensitive character. e.g. sKY1586, or sky1586 instead of Sky1586

Also, ditch WEP.. go with WPA2 if you can support it. WEP isn't worth the effort tbh.
 
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Thanks again. I will try the $ tip tomorrow.

We've basically have free reign in what we do with out IT at the office, the ONLY drawback is that the wireless point is not ours and that we're connecting to it. It's a basic WAP, and like I say; it's only WEP protected. If it comes to it i'll chat to the IT at the school it is managed by and see if he'll give me room to play with it.

Will report back in the morning!:)
 
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