Roberta Aguirre
Apple's AirPort Extreme is a capable small office wireless router, but it can't always cover a large space. While it is possible to configure an AirPort Express to connect to an existing WiFi network in client mode, it is not possible to do the same with an AirPort Extreme. However, there are some workarounds that can be implemented to achieve a similar result. One method is to first configure the AirPort Express to create a network, and then configure the Extreme to extend that network. This will result in the Extreme forwarding packets received on its LAN ports wirelessly to the Express and onward towards the internet, essentially acting as a gaming adapter or client bridge. Another method is to set up the AirPort Extreme to “Extend a wireless network” and then change the setting for Wireless Mode to Join a wireless network.
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What You'll Learn
Using an older Mac to enable the Join option
To enable the "Join" option using an older Mac, you will need to be running an older 5.x version of AirPort Utility, such as Leopard (10.5.x) or Snow Leopard (10.6.x).
Firstly, set up the AirPort Extreme to "Extend a wireless network". Then, go back and change the setting for Wireless Mode to "Join a wireless network" using AirPort Utility 5.x.
To get the "Join" option to appear, hold down the option key on your Mac while clicking on the selection box.
For newer versions of macOS, you can set up your device to automatically join Wi-Fi networks. To do this, open the Apple menu, then select System Settings > Wi-Fi. Here, you can toggle on the option for your Mac to ask to join new networks.
You can also make your Mac automatically connect to your preferred Wi-Fi network by prioritising it. Go to Wi-Fi settings, then drag your main network to the top of the list.
Additionally, you can join a macOS-based device to a Microsoft Active Directory domain. This can be done via the terminal or System Preferences. Go to System Preferences, then Users & Groups, and click the "Join" button. Enter the domain controller IP address or its FQDN in the Server parameter field.
Furthermore, you can join a Mac device with a Microsoft Entra ID during the first-run out-of-box experience (OOBE) using macOS Platform single sign-on (PSSO). This allows users to sign in using a hardware-bound key, smart card, or their Microsoft Entra ID password.
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Using a PC with AirPort Utility for Windows
If you are switching from a Mac to a PC, you can still use your Apple AirPort router. To do this, you will need to download Airport Utility for Windows. This will allow you to configure and manage your AirPort router and Wi-Fi network from your PC.
To download Airport Utility for Windows, visit the Airport Utility download page and click on "Download Airport Utility for Windows." After accepting the terms in the license agreement, you can select "Install." You will have to select "Yes" twice when prompted by the User Account Control window. Once this is done, you can administer your AirPort router from your PC, controlling access, sharing printers and hard drives, and managing other settings.
Note that the Windows version of Airport Utility does not have all the features of the Mac version. For example, the "Join a wireless network" option is hidden unless you ctrl-click on the "wireless mode" menu.
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Connecting an Airport Express to an Airport Extreme
To connect an Airport Express to an Airport Extreme, you can use the “Extend a Wireless Network” feature. This allows you to extend the range of your existing wireless network by adding an additional access point. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Place the Airport Express within radio range of the Airport Extreme. Ensure that they are close enough to maintain a stable connection.
- Connect your Airport Express to a power outlet and turn it on.
- Use Apple's AirPort Utility to configure the Airport Extreme to join the existing network. Open AirPort Utility on your computer or device.
- In AirPort Utility, click on the "Other Wi-Fi Devices" button.
- Highlight the new Airport Express from the list of devices.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to accept the default configuration, which should be to extend the existing network.
- Once the configuration is complete, you can power down the Airport Express and move it to a better location within the signal range.
Note that if you are using an older version of AirPort Utility (5.x), you may need to first set up the Airport Extreme to "Extend a wireless network" and then change the setting for Wireless Mode to "Join a wireless network" by holding down the Option key while clicking on the selection box.
Additionally, some users have reported success by setting up the Airport Express as a "bridge" for the Airport Extreme network. This involves creating a new wireless network with the same settings as the Airport Extreme network, ensuring that the Airport Express is configured not to perform NAT or assign IP addresses, and giving it an IP address within the same subnet as the Airport Extreme.
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Using an Ethernet cable to connect a Mac Pro
The AirPort Express can "join a network", but the AirPort Extreme cannot. However, you can use an Ethernet cable to connect an AirPort Extreme to a wireless network. To do this, you will need to first set up the AirPort Extreme to "Extend a wireless network", and then go back and change the setting for Wireless Mode to "Join a wireless network".
To use an Ethernet cable to connect a Mac Pro, follow these steps:
- Plug the Ethernet cable into an internet port at one end. This could be a wall or floor-mounted connection.
- Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port in your Mac Pro.
- Open a browser and test the connection. You should now have a fully functioning wired internet connection directly into your Mac Pro.
If your Mac Pro does not have an Ethernet port, you may need to use an Ethernet adapter, such as the Belkin USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter.
Additionally, if you are having trouble connecting your Mac Pro to the internet, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Restart your Mac Pro with the Ethernet cable connected.
- Check your router settings to ensure your router or modem is functioning correctly.
- Try using a different Ethernet port on your router if available.
- Check for adapter compatibility to ensure your adapter is compatible with your Mac Pro model and macOS version.
- Test another Ethernet cable to rule out any cable issues.
- Reset your Mac Pro's network settings. This will remove all network configurations, so only use this step if other solutions have failed.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully connect your Mac Pro to the internet using an Ethernet cable.
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Configuring the AirPort Extreme to Extend a wireless network
To configure the AirPort Extreme to extend a wireless network, you need to first set up the AirPort Extreme to "Extend a wireless network". Then, you can go back and change the setting to "Join a wireless network".
- Set up the AirPort Extreme to extend a wireless network: Open AirPort Utility on your computer. On a Mac, go to "Applications" and choose the "Utilities" folder. On a Windows PC, you can find it in the "Start Menu".
- Connect to the primary router: Use a wired Ethernet cable to connect to the primary router. In the AirPort Utility, choose "Share a Public IP Address" from the "Connection Sharing" drop-down menu.
- Disconnect and connect to the secondary router: Disconnect from the primary router and connect to the secondary router (the AirPort Extreme) that you plan to use as an extender. In the AirPort Utility, set "Connection Sharing" to "Off (Bridge Mode)".
- Choose "Extend a Wireless Network": Click on "Airport", then "Wireless", and select ""Extend a Wireless Network" from the "Wireless Mode" menu.
- Select the network name: Choose the network name you want to extend and enter the password if required.
- Update settings: Click "Update" to save the changes.
Note: Some sources suggest that to get the ""Join" option to appear, you may need to hold down the "Option" key on your Mac or PC while clicking on the selection box.
Additionally, for the best performance, it is recommended to connect the AirPort Extreme to the primary Wi-Fi base station using an Ethernet cable and put it in Bridge Mode.
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