AirPort Express
From Applepedia
AirPort Express is a great networking device from Apple. It can serve as your internet router and gateway for wireless connections, share a USB printer, and stream music from iTunes on your computer to its audio output connector. It can also serve as a wireless network extender or ethernet bridge.
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FAQ
Can the AirPort Express be used as an ethernet bridge?
Yes, depending on your network setup. In order to use your AirPort Express as an ethernet bridge, you need to have a wireless access point that supports WDS. This would inlude AirPort Extreme and routers that support WDS, such as the Linksys WRT54G. If you're using the WRT54G you'll need a firmware that supports WDS, this doesn't include the factory Linksys firmware, the Sveasoft one does though. The Satori version is free, but Talisman is a better firmware. See AirPort Express as an ethernet bridge for more details on setting this up.
Does it support optical digital sound?
Yes, but you'll need the AirPort Stereo Connection Kit which includes an optical cable. If you look into the audio connector on the AirPort Express you'll notice a red glow, that's for optical.
Occasionally, my AirPort Express will overheat and begin skipping and dropping the connection.
This is a common error with older AirPort Expresses after about an hour's worth of AirTunes usage. Simply unplug it and plug it back in to fix the problem. Newer AirPort Expresses do not have this bug.
Alternatively, for a gruesome long-term fix, take off the white cover of your Express.
Status Lights
Off
AirPort Express is unplugged
Flashing green
AirPort Express is starting up Note: If you choose Flash On Activity from the Status Light pop-up menu in the Base Station pane of AirPort Admin Utility, the status light may flash green to indicate normal activity.
Solid green
AirPort Express is on and working properly. If you choose Flash On Activity from the Status Light pop-up menu in the Base Station pane of AirPort Admin Utility, the status light may flash green to indicate normal activity
Flashing amber
AirPort Express cannot establish a connection to the network or the Internet
Solid Amber
AirPort Express is completing its startup sequence
Flashing amber and green
There may be a problem starting up. AirPort Express will restart and try again.
Resetting
Soft Reset
With the AirPort Express plugged into a power outlet, launch the Network System preference and choose AirPort from the Show pop-up menu. Click the TCP/IP tab and choose Using DHCP from the Configure pop-up menu. Press and hold the device's reset button for 1 second. The light will flash yellow and you'll have five minutes to make changes before the AirPort Express reverts to its previously saved configuration.
Hard Reset
With the AirPort Express plugged into power, press and hold the device's reset button for 10 seconds. A green light will flash for a bit and then the device will reset itself -- a process that takes about 45 seconds. Once reset, you can configure it with the AirPort Express Assistant or the AirPort Admin Utility.
Factory Default
Unplug the AirPort Express from the power outlet and press and hold the reset button. While still holding down the reset button, plug the device into a power outlet. Hold down the reset button until you see the light flash green four times. With newer Expresses (or newer firmware) the light may flash rapidly amber rather than four times green. Either way, let go of the button and the device will reset itself. Wait the requisite 45 seconds and configure it with the AirPort Express Assistant or AirPort Admin Utility.
