AirPort Express Setup Guide
Contents 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 Chapter 1: Getting Started About AirPort Express About the AirPort Software What You Need to Get Started Plugging In Your 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 and Stream Music to Powered Speakers or Your Home Stereo 17 Using AirPort Express to Share a USB Printer 21 22 24 24 25 26 Chapter 3: Setting Up You
27 Setting Advanced Options 29 Chapter 4: Tips and Troubleshooting 35 AirPort Express Placement Considerations 36 Items That Can Cause Interference with AirPort 37 37 37 38 38 Chapter 5: Learning More, Service, and Support Online Resources Onscreen Help Obtaining Warranty Service Finding the Serial Number of Your AirPort Express 39 40 41 41 Appendix: AirPort Express Specifications AirPort Express Safety Tips Avoid Wet Locations Do Not Make Repairs Yourself 43 Regulatory Compliance Information 4 Conten
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.
With AirPort Express, you can: Â Create a wireless network in your home, and then connect to the Internet and share the connection with up to ten computers, or Wi-Fi devices such as iPhone, iPod touch, and Apple TV. An entire family can be connected to the Internet at the same time.
About AirPort Express AirPort Express has three ports, located on the bottom side:  Ethernet (G) port for connecting a DSL or cable modem, or for connecting to an existing Ethernet network  Analog and optical digital audio stereo mini-jack (-) for connecting AirPort Express to a home stereo or powered speakers  USB (d) port 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)
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 an existing AirPort Express or AirPort Extreme wireless network to extend the range of your network using WDS.
What You Need to Get Started To set up AirPort Express using a Macintosh, you must have the following:  A Macintosh computer with an AirPort or AirPort Extreme Card installed  Mac OS X v10.4 or later 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.
Plugging In Your 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’ll print to a USB printer).
When you plug the AirPort Express AC adapter into the power outlet, 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 your AirPort Express 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 Express 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 “If Your AirPort Express Status Light Flashes Amber” on page 32. 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 (G) port. 2 Use AirPort Utility to create a new network. (See “Setting Up Your 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 and Stream Music to Powered Speakers or 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 cable, or mini-stereo to mini-stereo cable (depending on what type of connectors your stereo uses) connected to the stereo mini-jack (-). Note: You cannot use 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.
Using AirPort Express to Share a USB Printer When you connect a USB printer to your AirPort Express, all of the computers on the wireless network can print to it.
How to Set It Up 1 Connect the printer to the AirPort Express USB (d) port using a USB cable. 2 Use AirPort Utility to create a new network or join an existing one. (See “Setting Up Your 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 with a computer using Mac OS X v10.3 or v10.4: 1 Open Printer Setup Utility (located in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder).
Optional Audio Cable and Power Cord You can purchase the optional AirPort Express Stereo Connection Kit to connect your AirPort Express to your home stereo or powered speakers. The kit includes analog ministereo-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.
3 Setting Up Your 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 your AirPort Express and set up your wireless network.
on where you are in your house. Choose the name of the AirPort Express you want to use from the speakers pop-up menu in the lower right corner of the iTunes window. You can also stream iTunes to more than one AirPort Express simultaneously. This chapter provides an overview for using the setup assistant in AirPort Utility to set up your network and other features of your AirPort Express.
3 Follow the onscreen instructions to set up your AirPort Express and your wireless network. On a computer using Windows XP (with Service Pack 2): 1 Open AirPort Utility, located in Start > All Programs > AirPort. 2 Select your AirPort Express 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.
If you are using AirPort Express to connect to the Internet, you need a broadband (DSL or cable modem) account with an Internet service provider, or a connection to the Internet using an existing Ethernet network. If you received specific information from your service provider (such as a static IP address or a PPPoE user name and password), you may need to enter it in AirPort Utility. Have this information available before you set up your AirPort Express.
Before you use AirPort Utility to set up your base station, connect your DSL or cable modem to the AirPort Express Ethernet (G) port. If you are using an existing Ethernet network with Internet access to connect to the Internet, you can connect the AirPort Express to the Ethernet network instead. Use the setup assistant in AirPort Utility to enter your ISP settings and configure how AirPort Express shares the settings with other computers.
Allowing Wireless Clients Access to Your Network If your network is password-protected using WPA Personal or WPA/WPA2 Personal, you can provide wireless clients access to your network without requiring them to enter the network password. 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 the client from the list.
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.
4 Tips and Troubleshooting 4 You can quickly solve most problems with AirPort Express by following the advice in this chapter. If 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.
If 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 the lower right corner of the iTunes window. Â Make sure you are using iTunes 4.6 or later.
On a Macintosh computer: Â Use the AirPort status menu in the menu bar to select the network created by AirPort Express (the network name does not change). On a computer using Windows Vista or Windows XP: Â 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.
If Your AirPort Express Status Light Flashes Amber The Ethernet cable may not be connected properly, your AirPort Express 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.
 The network name reverts to Apple Network XXXXXX (where X is a letter or number).  The AirPort Express password returns to public. If you used AirPort Utility to create profiles for your AirPort Express, they are preserved when you reset your AirPort Express. If you need to return your AirPort Express to the factory settings and remove any profiles you have set up: 1 Unplug AirPort Express. 2 Use the end of a straightened paper clip to hold down the reset button while you plug in AirPort Express.
To select your printer on a computer using Mac OS X v10.5: Â Choose Apple > System Preferences, and then click Print & Fax. Â Select the printer in the list. If the name of the printer isn’t in the list, click Add (+) at the bottom of the list, and then select the printer you want to use. To select your printer on a computer using Windows: Â Open “Printers and Faxes” from the Start menu. Â Select the printer. If the printer is not in the list, click Add Printer and then follow the onscreen instructions.
AirPort Express Placement Considerations The following recommendations can help your AirPort Express achieve maximum wireless range and optimal network coverage. Â Place your AirPort Express in an open area where there are few obstructions, such as large pieces of furniture or walls. Try to place it away from metallic surfaces. Â If you place your AirPort Express behind furniture, keep at least an inch of space between the AirPort Express and the edge of the furniture.
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 your 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 your AirPort Express 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  Height: 3.7 inches (94 mm)  Width: 2.9 inches (75 mm)  Thickness: 1.12 inches (28.5 mm) 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: Also known as the MAC address. You may need to provide this address to your ISP to connect AirPort Express to the Internet.
 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.  Keep AirPort Express away from sources of liquid, such as drinks, washbasins, bathtubs, shower stalls, and so on.
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 and EU radio frequency exposure limits.
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. It is important that you use Apple peripheral devices and shielded cables and connectors between system components to reduce the possibility of causing interference to radios, television sets, and other electronic devices.
Taiwan: Taiwan Warning Statements Apple and the Environment Apple Inc. recognizes its responsibility to minimize the environmental impacts of its operations and products. More information is available on the web at: www.apple.com/environment. Korea Warning Statements © 2008 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, AirPort, AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, Apple TV, Bonjour, iTunes, Mac, Macintosh, and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
www.apple.com/airport www.apple.
