Extend wireless network from DSL router with Airport Express

airportNetworkwifi

This is what I want to do:

ISP's DSL router (LAN port) <– ethernet cable –> (WAN port) Airport Express

(I know it's not possible to extend non Apple WiFi points wirelessly, so I need the ethernet cable).

Then I'd like the Express to extend the existing DSL network, using the same SSID, password and security type.

It sounds simple but I've burned most of a day trying every combination I can think of and I cannot get this working!

Can anyone offer step by step instructions on the setup required via the Airport Utility app please? 🙂

Note that each time I've tried a new combination I've factory reset the router (hold the reset for +5 seconds whilst powering it on) and have done multiple reboots of the DSL router.

Best Answer

Here are set up instructions that should work for you:

  1. Connect your express (LAN port) directly to your Mac ethernet and fire up Airport Utility (you may want to do a factory reset first).

  2. Discover it (you may have to click on "Other Base stations" and pick LAN).

  3. Select Create New Network, rather than Extend, when configuring.

  4. Select a separate password and enter the same password as the DSL router for the Wireless Password (and something you'll remember for the Base Station password).

  5. Let Airport setup finish.

  6. Edit the settings and under Wireless, enter the identical NAME, Security Type (for example; WPA2-Personal), and Password as your DSL router (the password will already be filled in from above of course).

  7. Under Network, select; Off (Bridge Mode).

  8. Unplug your Airport from the Mac and plug it in to the ethernet connection to the DSL router and the WAN connection on the Airport.

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