I know it's possible to have an Airport Express create a wireless network by connecting it to my router (through enthernet cable).
But can it act as AirPlay at the same time?
Can an Airport Express act as AP and AirPlay at the same time
airplayairport
Related Solutions
With iOS 4.2 you can send music directly from your iPhone/iPad to your Airport Express from any application supporting it. You can also stream both audio and video from your iDevices from Apples applications. Starting with iOS 4.3 you can also stream video from any application, not just applications developed by Apple.
You just extend the network created by one of the two devices. I.e. you start with the Time Capsule, making it create the WiFi. The AirPort Express then gets configured to just extend this network. If you've setup the Time Capsule to use the 5GHz band then yes, the Express will use that too.
It's effectively just one WiFi network (or two, if you count the 2.4GHz fallback for older/mobile devices) powered by both stations. All devices connected to that network have access to both stations and they will always get connected to the base station which is nearest. Here's this setting in the AirPort Utility:
When setting up a new network with the AirPort Utility you will be asked for this, so it's really easy and happens in two clicks/taps.
Apple also has a good support article on this: Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring an extended wireless network
Related Question
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- What does AirPlay need from wifi and router
- How to make an old Airport Express be a purely Airplay device
- Extend Wi-Fi on a non-Apple network by Ethernet with an Airport Express
- “Unexpected error” while extending Time Capsule with Airport Express
Best Answer
Yes, that is in fact the purpose of the AirPlay feature. Just plug it to your stereo or active speaker with the jack on the rear. A small "airplay" icon (see the example on the Apple homepage) will appear appear in iTunes or iPhone/iPad when you play music. You can then select whether you want your music on the Airport Express router or on your computer / iDevice.