Some of the Ethernet-enabled devices, including printers and game consoles along with certain compatible USB printers, don’t come with a built-in Wi-Fi interface. But, if you’d like to connect these devices to the respective network over Wi-Fi, you can make use of an AirPort Express so that it can play a role of the bridge. Additionally, you can use the client mode for the purpose of AirPlay music streaming from your computer that’s running iTunes to a sound system.

You just have to connect the right cable. Use Ethernet cable between the particular device and the AirPort Express device, audio cable for the purpose of music streaming, or USB cable from a supported USB printer. And then you need to configure your AirPort Express device for client mode by taking help of AirPort Utility.

Within client mode, the AirPort Express device has been exclusively used by the particular device to which it has been connected physically. But, it won’t extend the Wi-Fi network range that means other devices like computers can’t be connected to it in a wireless manner. Remaining in client mode, the AirPort Express device with 802.11n would be capable of using the Ethernet port for passing Wi-Fi traffic to a device that has been connected to the Ethernet port.

Nonetheless, the original AirPort Express 802.11g doesn’t provide support to this particular feature and even it would disable the Ethernet port. Compatible audio devices or USB printers are only supported. In order to make use of any of these features, you’d also have a requirement of the right Ethernet, USB, or audio cable for connecting the device to your AirPort Express device. But, prior to beginning, don’t forget to make sure that the respective AirPort software has been updated. You are free to download the latest version of Windows or Mac from the AirPort Support page.

AirPort Express Setup by Using AirPort Utility 6

First, you have to connect a proper cable between the AirPort Express device as well as the particular device it’d serve. Now, you need to plug the AirPort Express device into a power outlet. Once the AirPort Express starts its operation, just select it in the particular AirPort Utility screen.

Now, if you’re repurposing the AirPort Express, first, you have to reset it from the Base Station within the menu bar and then choose “Restore Default Settings.†Once the AirPort Express completes implementing the restore process, you have to select it from the Wi-Fi menu in the upper-left corner.

Now, check the “Other Options†button and then choose the particular option for adding to an existing network. It’s time to selecting the Wi-Fi network name right from the menu of “Wireless Network Name†that you like to connect and then click on “next.†Now, you have to enter the password properly to this particular network (if needed).

AirPort Express Setup by Using AirPort Utility 5

As a first step, you need to connect a proper cable between the AirPort Express device as well as the device it’s going to serve. Now, you have to plug the AirPort Express device into a power outlet. When the AirPort Express device starts its operation, you need to select it from the “Wi-Fi†menu and then just make use of the Setup Assistant in AirPort Utility for its setting.

In case you’re now repurposing the AirPort Express device, you have to first reset it from the Base Station in the menu bar through making a selection of “Restore Default Settings.†It’s time to choose the “AirPort Express†in AirPort Utility followed by clicking on “Continue.†Next, you have to enter a name followed by a password for the AirPort Express device and then click on “Continue.†Next, you have to select the option, specifies you want AirPort Express to join your current network and then click on “Continue.†It’s time for selecting "Join my wireless network†and then click on “Continue.†In this step, you have to choose your Wi-Fi network name from the drop-down menu of Wireless Network Name, match the Wireless Security, and click on “Continue.†Next, click on “Update.†Now, let the AirPort Express device to restart. After restarting, AirPort Express should connect the existing Wi-Fi network automatically, as indicated by the respective status light.

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