AirPort Express Setup Guide
Contents 5 Chapter 1: Getting Started 6 About AirPort Express 8 8 10 11 12 About the AirPort Software What You Need to Get Started Plugging In AirPort Express AirPort Express Status Lights What’s Next 13 Chapter 2: Using AirPort Express 13 Using AirPort Express with Your Broadband Internet Service 15 Using AirPort Express on an Existing Wireless Network to Stream Music to Your Home Stereo 16 Using AirPort Express to Share a USB Printer 21 23 25 25 26 26 Chapter 3: Setting Up AirPort Express Using the Air
28 Setting Advanced Options 31 Chapter 4: Tips and Troubleshooting 37 AirPort Express Placement Considerations 38 Items That Can Cause Interference with AirPort 39 Chapter 5: Learning More, Service, and Support 39 Online Resources 39 Onscreen Help 40 Obtaining Warranty Service 40 Finding the Serial Number of Your AirPort Express 41 42 43 43 Appendix: AirPort Express Specifications AirPort Express Safety Tips Avoid Wet Locations Do Not Make Repairs Yourself 45 Regulatory Compliance Information 4 Contents
1 Getting Started 1 Congratulations on purchasing AirPort Express. Read this guide to get started using it. AirPort Express is based on an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) draft 802.11n specification and provides better performance and greater range than previous IEEE 802.11 standards. AirPort Express is compatible with computers using 802.11b, and 802.11g, as well as computers using the 802.11a and 802.11n wireless standards.
 Connect AirPort Express to your home stereo or powered speakers and use AirTunes to play your iTunes music on your home stereo from a Macintosh with an AirPort or AirPort Extreme Card, or a compatible Windows XP or Windows 2000 wireless computer.  Set up a wireless connection to your Ethernet network. AirPort and AirPort Extremeequipped Macintosh computers or Windows Vista or Windows XP computers can then have access to an entire network without being connected with a cable.
 USB port (d) for connecting a compatible printer to AirPort Express Status light AC plug adapter USB port Ethernet port Reset button Line Out port (Analog and optical digital audio mini-jack) Next to the ports is a reset button, which is used for troubleshooting your AirPort Express. The status light on the side of AirPort Express shows the current status.
About the AirPort Software AirPort Express works with the AirPort software included on the AirPort Express CD. AirPort Utility AirPort Utility helps you set up your AirPort Express to create a wireless network, connect to the Internet, and share a USB printer. You can also connect your AirPort Express to your existing AirPort Express or AirPort Extreme wireless network to extend the range of your network using WDS.
To set up AirPort Express using a Windows PC, you must have the following:  A Windows PC with 300 MHz or higher processor speed with a compatible 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n wireless adapter  Windows Vista or Windows XP with service pack 2 You need iTunes to play audio from your computer to a stereo connected to AirPort Express. To be sure you have the latest version of iTunes, go to www.apple.com/itunes.
Plugging In AirPort Express Before you plug in your AirPort Express, first connect the appropriate cables to the ports you want to use, including the Ethernet cable connected to your DSL or cable modem (if you will connect to the Internet), the audio cable connected to your stereo (if you will use AirTunes to play music from iTunes), and a USB cable connected to a compatible USB printer (if you will print to a USB printer).
When you plug the AirPort Express AC adapter into the wall, the status light flashes green for one second, and then glows amber while it starts up. After it has started up completely, the status light flashes amber until it is updated with new settings. The status light glows solid green after AirPort Extreme is properly set up and connected to the Internet or a network. AirPort Express Status Lights The following table explains AirPort Express light sequences and what they indicate.
Light Status/description Flashing amber AirPort Extreme cannot establish a connection to the network or the Internet, or is encountering a problem. Make sure you have installed AirPort Utility and use it to get information about what might cause the status light to flash amber. See “Your AirPort Express Status Light Flashes Amber” on page 34. Solid amber AirPort Express is completing its startup sequence. Flashing amber and green There may be a problem starting up.
2 Using AirPort Express 2 In this chapter you’ll find explanations of the different ways you can use AirPort Express. This chapter gives examples of how your setup might look, depending on how you use AirPort Express. It also gives a brief explanation of what you need to do to get your AirPort Express network up and running quickly.
What It Looks Like DSL or cable modem G Ethernet port to Internet How to Set It Up 1 Connect your DSL or cable modem to your AirPort Express using the Ethernet port (G). 2 Use AirPort Utility to create a new network. (See “Setting Up AirPort Express” on page 21 for more information.) Computers using AirPort and computers using other wireless cards or adapters connect to the Internet through AirPort Express. Wireless computers communicate with each other through AirPort Express.
Using AirPort Express on an Existing Wireless Network to Stream Music to Your Home Stereo You can also connect AirPort Express as a client to an existing wireless network. Connect AirPort Express to your stereo or powered speakers and use AirTunes to play music from iTunes. Connecting AirPort Express to your existing network allows you to place AirPort Express in another room, within range of your network.
How to Set It Up 1 Connect your AirPort Express to your home stereo or powered speakers using a digital fiber optic cable, analog mini-stereo-to-dual-RCA, or mini-stereo to mini-stereo (depending on what type of connectors your stereo uses) connected to the stereo mini-jack (-). Note: You cannot use powered USB speakers with AirPort Express. Use powered speakers with a stereo mini-jack connector. 2 To join the wireless network, use the AirPort status menu in the menu bar on a Macintosh.
What It Looks Like Line Out port G Ethernet port to Internet to USB port DSL or cable modem Chapter 2 Using AirPort Express 17
How to Set It Up 1 Connect the printer to the AirPort Express USB port (d) using a USB cable. 2 Use AirPort Utility to create a new network or join an existing one. (See “Setting Up AirPort Express” on page 21.) Wireless computers can print to the printer using Mac OS X v10.2.7 or later, or Windows Vista or Windows XP. To use the printer from a computer using Mac OS X v10.3: 1 Open Printer Setup Utility (located in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder). 2 Select the printer from the list.
Optional Audio Cable and Power Cord You can purchase the optional AirPort Express Stereo Connection Kit with Monster Cables to connect your AirPort Express to your home stereo or powered speakers. The kit includes analog mini-stereo-to-dual-RCA connectors, a Toslink digital fiber optic cable, and a power cord. Mini-stereo-to-RCA cable Toslink-to-mini digital fiber optic cable Power cord  Connect the analog cable to your home stereo if it uses standard analog cables.
Chapter 2 Using AirPort Express
3 Setting Up AirPort Express 3 This chapter provides information and instructions for using the AirPort software to set up your AirPort Express. Use the diagrams in the previous chapter to help you decide where you want to use your AirPort Express, and what features you want to set up on your AirPort network. Then use the instructions in this chapter to easily configure AirPort Express and set up your AirPort network.
You can use AirTunes to play music from iTunes and share a USB printer in any type of network you set up, whether it is a new network or you are joining an existing network. If you have more than one AirPort Express, you can connect one to the stereo in your living room and connect another to the powered speakers in your den, for example. Using AirTunes, you can stream your iTunes music to either AirPort Express, depending on where you are in your house.
Using the AirPort Utility To set up and configure your AirPort Express to use AirPort for wireless networking and Internet access, use the setup assistant in AirPort Utility. AirPort Utility is installed on your computer when you install the software on the AirPort Express CD. On a Macintosh computer using Mac OS X v10.4 or later: 1 Open AirPort Utility, located in the Utilities folder in your Applications folder. 2 Select your base station and click Continue.
3 Follow the onscreen instructions to set up your AirPort Express and your wireless network. The setup assistant in AirPort Utility asks you a series of questions about the type of network you want to use and the services you want to set up. The setup assistant helps you enter the appropriate settings for the network you are setting up.
Creating a New Wireless Network You can use the setup assistant in AirPort Utility to create a new wireless network. The setup assistant guides you through the steps necessary to name your network, protect your network with a password, and set other options. If you plan to share a USB printer on your network: 1 Connect the printer to the AirPort Express USB port (d).
Using AirPort Utility is a quick and easy way to set up your base station and network. If you want to set additional options for your network, such as restricting access to your network, or setting advanced DHCP options, you can choose Manual Setup from the Base Station menu of AirPort Utility. Connecting to an Existing Wireless Network You can use the AirPort Utility to join an existing wireless network.
When you allow a client access to your network, the client's name and wireless MAC address (or AirPort ID) are stored in the access control list of AirPort Utility until you remove them from the list. You can also provide 24 hours of access, after which time the client will no longer be able to access your network. When you provide a client access to your wireless network, the client does not need to enter the network password.
Setting Advanced Options To set advanced options, you can use AirPort Utility to set up your AirPort Express manually. You can configure advanced base station settings, such as advanced security options, closed networks, DHCP lease time, access control, power controls, setting up user accounts, and more. To set advanced options or make changes to a network you’ve already set up: 1 Choose the wireless network you want to change. On a Macintosh, use the AirPort status menu in the menu bar.
For more information and detailed instructions for using the manual setup features AirPort Utility, see the “Designing AirPort Extreme 802.11n Networks” document, located at www.apple.com/airport.
Chapter 3 Setting Up AirPort Express
4 Tips and Troubleshooting 4 You can quickly solve most problems with AirPort Express by following the advice in this chapter. The AirPort Express Software Can’t Detect the Proper AirPort Hardware Make sure that the computer you are using has an AirPort Card or an AirPort Extreme Card installed. If you recently installed the card, shut down your computer and make sure the card is properly installed.
You Can’t Play Music on Your Stereo from iTunes Check the following: Â Make sure your AirPort Express is plugged into a power outlet, is in range of your computer, and that you have connected the appropriate cables. You may need to join the AirPort Express network. Â Make sure to choose your AirPort Express from the speakers pop-up menu in iTunes. Â Make sure you are using iTunes 4.6 or later.
 On a computer using Windows Vista or Windows XP, hold the pointer over the wireless connection icon until you see your AirPort Network Name (SSID), and choose it from the list if there are multiple networks available. 3 Open AirPort Utility, located in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder on a Macintosh, and in Start > All Programs > AirPort on a computer using Windows. 4 Select your AirPort Express and click Configure.
Your AirPort Express Status Light Flashes Amber The Ethernet cable may not be connected properly, Product Name may be out of range of an AirPort network, or there may be a problem with your Internet service provider. If you are connected to the Internet with a DSL or cable modem, the modem may have lost its connection to the network or the Internet. Even if the modem seems to be working properly, try disconnecting the modem from its power supply, waiting a few seconds, and then reconnecting it.
To return AirPort Express to the factory settings: m Use the end of a straightened paper clip to press and hold down the reset button for ten seconds. AirPort Express restarts with the following settings: Â AirPort Express receives its IP address using DHCP. Â The network name reverts to Apple Network XXXXXX (where X is a letter or number). Â The AirPort Express password returns to public.
To do this on a Macintosh using Mac OS X v10.3 or v10.4: Â Open Printer Setup Utility, located in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder. Â If the printer is not in the list, click Add. Â Choose Bonjour from the pop-up menu. Â Select the printer and click Add. To do this on a Macintosh using Mac OS X v10.5: Â Choose Apple > System Preferences, and then click Print & Fax. Â Select the printer in the list.
3 Click Download to download all available firmware updates, or click Show Details to select specific firmware for your base station. 4 After the firmware is downloaded, click Update to install it on your base station. If you are updating more than one base station, click Show Details to select the base stations you want to update. AirPort Express Placement Considerations The following recommendations can help your AirPort Express achieve maximum wireless range and optimal network coverage.
Items That Can Cause Interference with AirPort The farther away the interference source, the less likely it is to cause a problem. The following items can cause interference with AirPort communication:  Microwave ovens  Direct Satellite Service (DSS) radio frequency leakage  The original coaxial cable that came with certain types of satellite dishes. Contact the device manufacturer and obtain newer cables.
5 Learning More, Service, and Support 5 You can find more information about using AirPort Express on your hard disk, on the web, and in onscreen help. Online Resources For the latest information about AirPort Express, go to www.apple.com/airportexpress. To register AirPort Express (if you didn’t do it when you installed the software on the AirPort Express CD), go to www.apple.com/register.
Obtaining Warranty Service If the product appears to be damaged or does not function properly, please follow the advice in this booklet, the onscreen help, and the online resources. If the unit still does not function, go to www.apple.com/support for instructions on how to obtain warranty service. Finding the Serial Number of Your AirPort Express The serial number is printed on the back of your AirPort Express.
Appendix AirPort Express Specifications AirPort Specifications  Frequency Band: 2.4 or 5 gigahertz (GHz)  Radio Output Power: 20 dBm (nominal)  Standards: 802.11 DSSS 1 and 2 Mbps standard, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g specifications, and a draft 802.11n specification Interfaces  RJ-45 Ethernet LAN connector for built-in 10/100Base-T (G)  Universal Serial Bus (USB) (d)  Analog/digital optical 3.
Size and Weight  Height: 3.7 inches (94 mm)  Width: 2.9 inches (75 mm)  Thickness: 1.12 inches (28.5 mm)  Weight: 7.58 ounces (215 grams) Hardware Addresses The AirPort Express has two hardware addresses printed on the side of the case:  AirPort ID: The address used to identify AirPort Express on a wireless network.  Ethernet ID: This also known as the MAC address. You may need to provide this address to your ISP to connect AirPort Express to the Internet.
 If you are using the optional power cord, avoid dangling AirPort Express from the power cord.  When you are using your AirPort Express, it is normal for the case to get warm. The AirPort Express case functions as a cooling surface that transfers heat from inside the unit to the cooler air outside. Avoid Wet Locations WARNING: To reduce the chance of shock or injury, do not use your AirPort Express in or near water or wet locations.
Appendix AirPort Express Specifications
Regulatory Compliance Information Wireless Radio Use This device is restricted to indoor use due to its operation in the 5.15 to 5.25 GHz frequency range to reduce the potential for harmful interference to cochannel Mobile Satellite systems. Cet appareil doit être utilisé à l’intérieur. Exposure to Radio Frequency Energy The radiated output power of this device is well below the FCC radio frequency exposure limits.
Important: Changes or modifications to this product not authorized by Apple Inc. could void the EMC compliance and negate your authority to operate the product. Europe — EU Declaration of Conformity This product was tested for FCC compliance under conditions that included the use of Apple peripheral devices and Apple shielded cables and connectors between system components.
Nederlands: Gebruikte batterijen kunnen worden ingeleverd bij de chemokar of in een speciale batterijcontainer voor klein chemisch afval (kca) worden gedeponeerd.
www.apple.com/airport www.apple.com/support/airport © 2008 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, AirPort, AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, Bonjour, iTunes, Mac, Macintosh, and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. AirTunes is a trademark of Apple Inc.