AirPort Express Setup Guide
Contents 4 Getting Started 9 Plugging In AirPort Express 12 13 14 21 23 Using AirPort Express Using AirPort Express With Your Broadband Internet Service Using AirPort Express With AirTunes to Play iTunes Music on Your Stereo Using AirPort Express to Share a USB Printer Extending the Range of an Existing AirPort Extreme or AirPort Express Network 26 Setting Up AirPort Express 32 Setting Advanced Options 33 AirPort Express on the Road 35 Tips and Troubleshooting 41 Learning More, Service, and Support 43 Ai
1 Getting Started Congratulations on purchasing AirPort Express. Read this guide to get started using it. You can use AirPort Express to share your broadband Internet access with wireless computers on your network, play iTunes music on your home stereo, and much more. Your AirPort Express comes with AirTunes, a way to play iTunes music through remote speakers.
 Set up a wireless connection to your Ethernet network. AirPort and AirPort Extremeequipped Macintosh computers or Windows XP or 2000 computers can then have access to an entire network without being connected with a cable.  Extend the range of your network by adding AirPort Express to your existing AirPort Extreme or AirPort Express wireless network (this is called a Wireless Distribution System, or WDS).  Connect a USB printer to your AirPort Express.
About AirPort Express AirPort Express has three ports, located on the bottom side:  Ethernet port (G) 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 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)
About the AirPort Software AirPort Express works with the AirPort software included on the AirPort Express CD. AirPort Setup Assistant The AirPort Setup Assistant helps you set up your AirPort Express to connect to the Internet, play iTunes music on your home stereo or through powered speakers, and share a printer. You can also bridge your AirPort Express to your existing AirPort Extreme or AirPort Express 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 v10.3 or later  iTunes 4.7 (included on the AirPort Express CD) 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  Windows XP Home or Professional (with Service Pack 2 installed)  Windows 2000  iTunes 4.
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 AirPort Express into the wall, the status light flashes green and then glows amber while it starts up. Once it has started up completely, the status light glows solid green. AirPort Express Status Lights The following table explains AirPort Express light sequences and what they indicate. 10 Light Status/description Off AirPort Express is unplugged. Flashing green AirPort Express is starting up.
What’s Next After you plug in AirPort Express, use the AirPort Setup Assistant to set it up to work with your Internet connection, stereo, USB printer, or existing network. The AirPort Setup Assistant is located in Applications/Utilities on a Macintosh, and in Start > All Programs > AirPort on a computer using Windows XP or Windows 2000. See “Using AirPort Express” on page 12 for examples of all the ways you can use AirPort Express, and information about how to set them up.
1 Using AirPort Express 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.
Using AirPort Express With Your Broadband Internet Service When you set up AirPort Express to provide network and Internet access, Macintosh computers with AirPort and AirPort Extreme Cards and 802.11b and 802.11g wirelessequipped computers can access the wireless AirPort network to share files, play games, and use Internet applications like web browsers and email applications.
How to Set It Up 1 Connect your DSL or cable modem to your AirPort Express Ethernet port (G). 2 Use the AirPort Setup Assistant to create a new network. (See “Setting Up AirPort Express” on page 26.) Computers using AirPort and computers using other wireless cards or adapters connect to the Internet through AirPort Express. Wireless computers communicate with one another through AirPort Express.
What It Looks Like Optical digital audio input port RCA-type left and right audio input ports or Line Out port Computer with iTunes Stereo receiver Toslink-to-mini digital fiber optic cable or Mini-stereo-to-RCA cable Using AirPort Express or 15
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. 2 Use the AirPort Setup Assistant to create a new network. (See page 26 for more information.
Using AirPort Express on an Existing Wireless Network to Stream Music to Your Home Stereo You can also connect AirPort Express to a wireless network and use AirTunes to play music on your stereo from iTunes. By connecting AirPort Express to your existing network, you can place AirPort Express in another room, within range of your network.
To join the wireless network, use the AirPort status menu in the menu bar on a Macintosh. On a computer using Windows XP or Windows 2000, 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. There are also other ways you can connect your AirPort Express to your home stereo.
You can also connect your AirPort Express to the Internet and provide Internet access to computers that join the network. Connect your AirPort Express to your home stereo, and computers on the network with AirPort Extreme Cards or computers with compatible 802.11g cards can use iTunes to play music on the stereo.
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.
Using AirPort Express to Share a USB Printer When you connect a USB printer to your AirPort Express, all computers on the wireless network can print to it.
How to Set It Up 1 Connect the printer to the AirPort Express USB port (d) using a USB cable. 2 Use the AirPort Setup Assistant to create a new network or join an existing one. Wireless computers can print to the printer using Mac OS X v10.2.7 or later, or Windows 2000 or Windows XP (with Service Pack 2). To use the printer from a computer using Mac OS X: 1 Open Printer Setup Utility (located in Applications/Utilities). 2 Select the printer from the list.
Extending the Range of an Existing AirPort Extreme or AirPort Express Network You can connect an additional AirPort Express to extend the range of your existing AirPort Extreme or AirPort Express network. Adding a base station or AirPort Express to an existing network creates what is known as a Wireless Distribution System (WDS). If the AirPort network is connected to the Internet, computers can connect to the AirPort network and share the Internet connection.
How to Set It Up 1 You must have an existing AirPort network created by an AirPort Extreme Base Station or an AirPort Express. To share Internet access, the network must be connected to the Internet. The base station that is connected to the Internet is called the main base station and shares its Internet connection with your AirPort Express. 2 Use the AirPort Setup Assistant to extend the range of your network. (See “Setting Up AirPort Express” on page 26.
Using AirPort Express With Your AirPort Extreme Network The illustration below shows a wireless network with all of the above examples in a single wireless network. Family Room Living Room to Ethernet port to Internet to Line Out port to USB port AirPort Extreme Base Station DSL or cable modem How to Set It Up  Use the AirPort Setup Assistant to create a new network, join an existing AirPort Extreme or AirPort Express network, and take advantage of all the AirPort Express features.
1 Setting Up AirPort Express This chapter provides information and instructions for using the AirPort Express 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.
 Connect your AirPort Express to your existing AirPort Extreme or AirPort Express network and extend the range of your wireless network using the AirPort Express as a wireless bridge. This is known as a Wireless Distribution System (WDS). 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.
Using the AirPort Setup Assistant To set up and configure your AirPort Express to use AirPort for wireless networking and Internet access, use the AirPort Setup Assistant. The assistant is installed on your computer when you install the software on the AirPort Express CD. On a Macintosh computer using Mac OS X v10.3 or later: m Open the AirPort Setup Assistant, located in Applications/Utilities, and follow the onscreen instructions.
You will be asked a series of questions about the type of network you want to use and the services you want to set up. The AirPort Setup Assistant helps you enter the appropriate settings for the network you are setting 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. Fees may apply.
Configuring and Sharing Internet Access If you plan to share your Internet connection with wireless-enabled computers on your network, you need to set up your AirPort Express as an AirPort base station. Once it is set up, computers access the Internet via the AirPort network. The base station connects to the Internet and transmits information to the computers over the AirPort network.
Connecting to an Existing Wireless Network You can use the AirPort Setup Assistant to join an existing wireless network. When you connect your AirPort Express to your home stereo, computers on your wireless network can use AirTunes to play music on the stereo from iTunes. If you connect a USB printer to your AirPort Express, all of the computers on the network can print to it. Be sure to connect the audio cable to your stereo and the USB cable to your printer before you use the AirPort Setup Assistant.
Setting Advanced Options To set advanced options, use AirPort Admin Utility. You can use AirPort Admin Utility to configure advanced base station settings, such as advanced security options, closed networks, DHCP lease time, access control, WAN privacy, power controls, renaming a USB printer, setting up port mapping, and more. To set advanced options: 1 Choose the wireless network you want to change. On a Macintosh, use the AirPort status menu in the menu bar.
1 AirPort Express on the Road AirPort Express can store settings for different locations so you can easily move it from place to place. AirPort Express can store up to five different configurations, known as profiles. A profile contains settings for your AirPort Express, such as the iTunes speaker name and password, and network information, such as network name and password. Profiles may be useful if you move your AirPort Express from one location to another.
To create a new profile: 1 Open AirPort Admin Utility, select your AirPort Express in the list, and click Configure. 2 Click the Profiles icon in the toolbar. 3 Click Add to create a new profile, give the profile a name, then click OK. 4 Set options, such as network name, remote speaker name, passwords, and the Internet connection method. 5 When you are finished setting the options, click Update.
1 Tips and Troubleshooting 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.
Make sure to choose your AirPort Express from the speakers pop-up menu in iTunes. Make sure you are using iTunes 4.6 or later.
5 In the dialog that appears, make the following changes: Â Reset the AirPort Express password. Â Turn encryption on to activate password protection for your AirPort network. If you turn on encryption, enter a new password for your AirPort network. 6 Click OK. AirPort Express restarts to load the new settings. Your AirPort Express Isn’t Responding Try unplugging it and plugging it back in to a power outlet.
To return AirPort Express to the factory settings: m Use the end of a straightened paper clip to press and hold the reset button until the status light flashes quickly (about 5 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.
 If the printer is not in the list, click Add.  Choose Bonjour from the pop-up menu.  Select the printer and click Add. To select your printer on a computer using Windows XP or Windows 2000:  Open “Printers and Faxes” from the Start menu.  Select the printer. If the printer is not in the list, click Add Printer and then follow the onscreen instructions. 4 Turn the printer off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.
 Avoid placing your AirPort Express in areas surrounded by metal surfaces on three or more sides.  If you place your AirPort Express in an entertainment center with your stereo equipment, avoid completely surrounding AirPort Express with audio, video, or power cables. Place your AirPort Express so the cables are to one side. Maintain as much space as possible between AirPort Express and the cables.  If you place your AirPort Express behind your stereo equipment, place it on one side or the other.
1 Learning More, Service, and Support 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 on AirPort Express, go to www.apple.com/airport. 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.
Onscreen Help m To learn more about using AirPort, open AirPort Admin Utility and choose Help > AirPort Help. 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.
1 AirPort Express Specifications AirPort Specifications  Wireless Data Rate: Up to 54 megabits per second (Mbps)  Range: Up to 150 feet (45 meters) in typical use (varies with environment)  Frequency Band: 2.4 gigahertz (GHz)  Radio Output Power: 15 dBm (nominal)  Standards: 802.11 DSSS 1 and 2 Mbps standard, 802.11b, and 802.11g specification Interfaces  RJ-45 Ethernet LAN connector for built-in 10/100Base-T (G)  Universal Serial Bus (USB) printing (d)  Analog/digital optical 3.
 Operating Altitude: 0 to 10,000 feet (0 to 3048 m)  Maximum Storage Altitude: 15,000 feet (4572 m) Size and Weight  Height: 3.7 inches (94 mm)  Width: 2.9 inches (75 mm)  Thickness: 1.12 inches (28.5 mm)  Weight: 6.63 ounces (188 grams) Hardware Addresses The AirPort 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.
 Never force a connector into the ports. If the connector and port do not join with reasonable ease, they probably don’t match. Make sure that the connector matches the port and that you have positioned the connector correctly in relation to the port.  If you are using the optional power cord, avoid dangling AirPort Express from the power cord. About Operating and Storage Temperatures  When you are using your AirPort Express, it is normal for the case to get warm.
Do Not Make Repairs Yourself Warning: Do not attempt to open your AirPort Express or disassemble it. You run the risk of electric shock and voiding the limited warranty. No user-serviceable parts are inside. About Handling Your AirPort Express may be damaged by improper storage or handling. Be careful not to drop your AirPort Express when transporting the device.
Communications Regulation Information FCC Declaration of Conformity This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. See instructions if interference to radio or television reception is suspected.
Responsible party (contact for FCC matters only): Apple Computer, Inc., Product Compliance, 1 Infinite Loop M/S 26-A, Cupertino, CA 95014-2084, 408-974-2000. Industry Canada Statement This Class B device meets all requirements of the Canadian interference-causing equipment regulations. Cet appareil numérique de la Class B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.