What is airport on mac. Airport express - step by step setup

I must say right away that Planet, in my opinion, is the easiest provider to set up, but it has 1 pitfall that can unbalance a little if you don't know about it (details below)! I did the setup with a friend, where I was able to take a bunch of screenshots, and get a great photo from! So, let's get started (there are a lot of pictures under the cut)!

AirPort Time Capsule

The first thing to do is turn on the access point, plug the cable from your ISP into the WAN connector, and launch AirPort Utility (Programs / Utilities). If the access point has already been configured for the previous provider, then it is better to reset it by pressing and holding the special button on the back of AirPort for 10 seconds, and configure it from scratch. Please note that the data on the disk (in the case of Time Capsule) is not deleted, only the network and WiFi settings are reset!

After all the conditions from the previous paragraph have been met, proceed to the setup. First, we have to select our access point from the list of available networks.

Selecting a new access point

AirPort Utility may open immediately afterward, with the Capsule preconfigured. If this does not happen, feel free to launch it!

Turning on AirPort for the first time
AirPort Auto Config

The access point will prepare for configuration, and if you have previously configured other AirPorts from your computer, the system will automatically cycle through them to check the settings.

After going through all the previous options, the Utility will give you fields for entering basic settings.

Entering the network name and password

I'll make a reservation right away that I chose the Other parameters item, as this will give a little more customization options. As a result, we see such a window:

Creating a new network

In this case, it was necessary to set up the Time Capsule as new, and I selected the first item. I think you will need the same one. Feel free to click Next!

Entering the network name and password

Here we write the main parameters of the future network. The network name is how the network will be seen by your devices, the base station name is the identifier of the access point itself (will later be displayed in the Finder sidebar when accessing the drive), the password is the password by which you will connect to AirPort. The first and second names can be made the same. By the way, to access the network and its settings, you can make different passwords. This is necessary if you want to protect your network from unauthorized reconfiguration, for example, in an office or a public place (cafe). After filling in all the fields, we boldly move forward.

Creating a guest network

In a new window, you can activate the guest network. You need it, for example, if you want to distribute the Internet and be on the same network with someone, but do not want someone to have access to the built-in disk (or to the USB connected in the case of Airport Time Capsule and Extreme ). If you skip this step and do not configure the guest network, you can activate it later from the advanced settings of AirPort Utility. Go ahead.

Pre-saving parameters

At this stage, the settings are applied and the access point is rebooted. After everything that we have done with the access point, it must take it all into itself.

After rebooting, we see the globe icon representing the Internet and our AirPort Time Capsule. If you click on it, then we will see a small menu where you can enter the fine-tuning of the access point. To do this, click on Change.

Time Capsule Fine Tuning

The first tab allows you to configure the Base Station.

Base station tab

Here we see fields that are already familiar to us, in which we will not change anything if there is no urgent need. You can also set up using Apple ID, if you click on the plus and enter your ID and password. Let's go to the Internet tab.

Entering details

In this window, you will need to enter your Internet details that the provider provided to you. I remembered several providers that AirPort works with - Planet, ... Maybe there are others, but I won't say so straight away. Why these providers? Yes, simply because they do not use tunneling (VPN), which is not supported by apple access points. Cabinet, Dom.ru, MTS, Beeline, Akado use VPN, and to set up AirPort Express / Extreme, you first need a VPN router that will connect to the provider, and only then distribute "clean" (via DHCP or static) Internet to Apple access point.

As for the pitfall of the Planet (Konvex and Ruscom) - they have a MAC address binding, and if you change the router, you will need to call the technical support service and ask to re-bind the point (you may need passport data). After a successful conversation with the TP, you will be able to access the Internet.

By the way, if the provider automatically issues the details, then leave Connect via, in the DHCP state. If any other parameters are used (static IP or PPPoE), then select it:

Choosing a connection type

After choosing the type of connection and entering the details, you can go to the next tab.

Setting up a wireless network

At this stage, you can slightly change the operation of the access point itself, in case it is a continuation of an existing wireless network. In this case, in the Network Mode menu, select Advanced. wireless network. A similar case may occur in a large house or office, where the range of one point may not be enough.

Selecting the type of wireless network operation

Also here you can change the encryption method for WPA, WPA 2 and others. By the way, if during the initial setup of AirPort you did not create a guest network, then this can be done right here.

If you click on the Options ... button, another interesting field will open in front of us:

5 GHz network activation

In this window, you can activate a 5GHz network, as well as select a channel for a wireless network. Now we will not dwell on this in detail, you can try experimenting on your own and decide which mode of operation suits you best. If there are no questions here, click Save and go to the next tab - Network:

Fine-tuning network parameters

I would be glad to tell you in detail about all the points, only here you will not need them in most cases. And if you need it, you can always 🙂

Let's go to the last tab - Disk.

Configuring an internal disk

If you set up Tima Capsule, you will see the built-in disk, its volume and free space on it. Here you can clear the disk, or transfer all data to an external disk by clicking on the Back up disk button. We will not touch the other settings - everything works as it should!

If you went through all the points and chose the settings that suit you, then feel free to click on Update and agree to the update. After restarting AirPort, you can reconnect to it and enjoy the Internet!

Let me remind you again that AirPort Express, Extreme, and Time Capsule do not support VPN! I strongly recommend that you take this fact into account when choosing an access point to your home, or when choosing a provider! If you do find yourself in a VPN situation, do not despair - a simple "gasket" between the provider and your AirPort can serve as a TP-Link TL-WR841, for example. Personally, for me, a similar router takes out all communication in the apartment 🙂

Remote access to Time Capsule and backing up iPhone to Time Capsule

Dear readers, as an afterword, I would like to clarify something else. I very often receive messages by mail of the following nature:

• the ability to remotely access Time Capsule from the Internet (without using a permanent ip-address);
• Interaction with Time Capsule disc and iPhone / iPad. How to back up your phone to a capsule.

AirPort Express / Extreme / Time Capsule - Home, Amateur Devices! They are very easy to configure, as you saw above, but their functionality is very poor! They cannot be loaded with Padavan firmware, dd-wrt or something similar, thereby expanding the potential of AirPort ... These access points are more suitable for the home or small office, but not for geeks who want to squeeze the most out of the device ...

Time Capsule can only be accessed remotely with your Apple ID... In the first tab "Base Station" you can enter your Apple ID at the bottom and then your capsule will be seen on your Mac from anywhere in the world, as long as there is Internet. No, it won't work with Windows. And it doesn't matter what kind of network connection you have: DHCP, static or PPPoE.

How to Watch Time Capsule Movies from iPhone / iPad? No way, without crutches ... This access point only works well with computers. Yes, on iPhone / iPad you can install a program like or and connect a drive from Capsule in it. Honestly, I tried these solutions and everything works extremely poorly user-friendly... In short, through one place ...

How to back up iPhone / iPad to Time Capsule? Almost nothing. That is, directly, so that by pressing one button a copy is created, or even automatically - no way! There is a workaround, but without a computer in any way: the most ordinary backup is created in iTunes, and then the ~ / Library / Application Support / Mobile sync / Backups folder is thrown either by hand on the capsule or we are waiting for the next update of the copy through Time Machine, so that a local copy from iTunes got to the capsule. And then we go to the iTunes settings and delete the backup so that it does not take up space on the built-in disk ... I'm telling you that this is done through one place ...

By the way, about the photo, which I wrote about at the very beginning, here it is:

AppleProfi

Many thanks to Nikita Polosov for such a cool shot and for providing access to your AirPort Time Capsule!

Apple has been releasing branded access points since 2004. The devices are called Airport Express (AE). Today, the second generation of such equipment is being produced, which are capable of distributing wi-fi to 50 "consuming" objects. Multi-frequency operation and high transmission rates, combined with reliability, ensure high efficiency. Let's take a look at the guidelines for setting up Airport Express on a MacBook.

Customization

So, the AE router is installed, the cord is plugged into the network, and the optical line is connected to the connector with an icon of dots forming a circle. Everything is ready to deal with the question of how to set up an Apple Airport Express router on a MacBook.

1. Turn on the MacBook and open the Explorer (Finder).
2. We go to "Programs", then to "Utilities" and "Airport Utility".

1. An icon will appear in the window that opens, signaling the search for available networks. In case of an unsuccessful search, you need to apply the "Other base stations" menu, where the existing name of the working devices is selected.

1. After your network (respectively, and Express) is found, a window will appear informing you about the collection of information about it.

1. Then the program will start connecting. After completing all the actions, the Express reboots (the cord is pulled out of the power supply).

1. After the connection is complete, a notification about the creation of a new network will appear. Here we enter the required configurations. You can customize auxiliary parameters.

1. Next, the window for creating a guest network will pop up. We skip it.

1. The process of creating a network starts.
2. The DSL modem may need to be rebooted if connecting through it. If it is not there, just click "Next".

1. Settings continue.

1. Once completed, the connection process will begin. The two Network and Express LEDs will turn green.

1. We check the availability of a connection by opening a site in a browser. A window may pop up asking you to enter the previously entered username and password. We enter the data and reboot the device. The configuration is complete, the router is now ready to transmit as a base station.

How to connect Airport Express to an existing network

Apple's dispensing device has another useful feature - it can be used to "integrate" into an existing network. In this way, you can significantly expand the wi-fi coverage, connect acoustic or other equipment.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Using a cable, the Airport Express connects to another router and turns on. The indicator lights up green.
2. We go into the utility. In "Other base stations" select the displayed device.

1. In the configuration window that opens, click "Other parameters".

1. We fix the point opposite "Add to existing network".

1. Next, select the network to which the connection will be made.

It may be necessary to configure pppoe as many ISPs require a connection through this protocol. It is done through the settings in the utility.

How do I update Airport Express?

Sequencing:

• we check the availability of an Internet connection;
• open "Utility" on the MacBook;
• next to the name of the base station, click on the red icon with the number;
• install new firmware, if available (click update).

Today we will give a short overview of the AirPort Express Wi-Fi router, the youngest of Apple's routers. It is often overshadowed by its older brothers AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule and is therefore not taken seriously by many. In fact, this humble router has far from humble capabilities and, when fully used, can become the brains behind your wireless network. The word network here should mean not just wireless Internet, but also wireless printing, wireless music, and more. And if in the case of another router it would be required to go to the courses of sysadmins, then AirPort Express, like any other Apple product, instantly understands what you want from it and resignedly carries its service three times longer than competitors.

What is AirPort Express?

At its core, AirPort Express is a wireless router that supports the IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n standard and operates simultaneously in two frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Dual-frequency operation is a definite advantage in the eyes of any practical person: the vast majority of Wi-Fi routers around you, Bluetooth devices, microwave ovens - they all operate at 2.4 GHz, interfering on channels of this frequency, so the ability of AirPort Express to switch if necessary, to 5 GHz - a very useful feature.

Again, most modern network cards support the IEEE 802.11n standard, which means that almost any device - be it an iPhone, iPad or MacBook - will be able to work with this frequency. The number of concurrent users on the network is limited to 50, which is ideal for a home or even a small office. In addition to the Ethernet WAN port, AirPort Express has one LAN port, into which, for example, you can plug your desktop PC that does not have a Wi-Fi module. The initial station setup is really very simple. Creating a network, setting a name and password is done in three clicks, both on a Mac and on an iPhone or iPad without using any special programs.

What is the benefit?

But that's not why we love AirPort Express (or rather, not just that). Take a look at the picture below and you will understand that this git makes everything it touches wireless.

Specifically, there is a USB output for a printer and a 3.5mm jack for speakers on the back.

I have tested both options and the verdict is unambiguous: everything works great. The printer, after a simple setup, began to print even documents from an iPhone, and setting up the columns did not require any special efforts at all. I'll make a reservation right away that AirPort Express only supports AirPlay technology and will broadcast sound to speakers only from a limited number of programs. And if iOS is almost fully AirPlay compatible and outputs audio from any application that has video / music, then on OS X or Windows it will only be iTunes. Therefore, it is not recommended to use computer speakers in tandem with AirPort Express - neither play nor watch a movie on the Internet. But some big old audio system in the living room would be perfect.

Appearance

Praising Apple for its beautiful design has already become bad manners, so we just look at the pictures and enjoy.

Nice little thing

It is impossible not to mention such a wonderful feature as the "guest network", when enabled, an additional network is created that can be left unparted without compromising security. The guest network provides Internet access, but does not provide access to AirPlay, printer, and other network settings. The guest network saved me the hassle of dictating to guests my 45-digit password with uppercase, lowercase and Greek characters, and also made me feel like an altruist when, leaving on vacation, I left my neighbors with 100 Mb / s password-free Wi-Fi.

The guest network saved me the hassle of dictating my 45-digit password to the guests with uppercase, lowercase and Greek characters, and also made me feel like an altruist when, leaving on vacation, I left my neighbors with 100 Mb / s password-free Wi-Fi

Are there any disadvantages?

One of the serious shortcomings is the inability to work with VPN - AirPort Express only supports data transit. Therefore, if your provider rewarded you with a VPN connection (for example, Beeline home Internet), then AirPort Express will not suit you. It is worth dispelling the myth about the strong heating of the station - you will not be able to fry the eggs, unless you warm up the tea a little.

During the year of owning AirPort Express, the author never faced the need to reboot the station, which compares favorably with his classmates who require periodic reconfiguration and reboot. AirPort Express holds the signal well and does not cut the speed (at least up to 100 Mbsec).

Outcome

Overall, AirPort Express deserves a solid top five and is one of the best routers for home use. Many will be upset by the price, but it is better to buy a good router once that will last 5 years than to change cheap ones every 1.5-2 years.

Any good router should work according to the following principle: bought, set up and forgot about the existence of this box at home. Apple decided to refute this axiom with the release of the apple Airport Express router. It should be noted that there are two more types of routers of the campaign of the same name. This is the so-called "Time Capsule", which, among other things, is also a network hard drive and Extrime. You can connect the same hard drive to the latter. Extrime is slightly more powerful than Express, but in general the difference is not so critical, and both devices work stably. I would like to note that below will be a story about the updated version of Airport Express 2012, which differs only in the power connection. If earlier the router could simply be connected to the outlet directly, now this is done using a wire. Whether it is convenient or not, everyone decides for himself. It should be said that there is no functional difference between the new and the old model.

The updated model combines eye-pleasing design and excellent functionality. But will this device be able to provide the proper quality of work, will it be possible to comfortably use it for your own home wireless network? Let's take a closer look at this device.

Appearance and equipment

In a small white box, we find only the power cable and the apple router itself. The device is made of white plastic. The square shape with rounded corners will look nice on your desk. The only LED on the front side lights up only when connected to the Internet. All connectors are located on the back. There is a socket for the power cable, WAN, WAN and USB ports. There is a standard 3.5 mm headphone or speaker jack. It should be noted that the power connector is non-standard and when buying a device in Russia, ask the seller for a plug adapter for a traditional Russian plug.

Functional

This apple wifi router can please its users with an excellent set of functions. The company claims that the device can handle 50 devices. Only 10 different devices were found for testing (smartphones, tablets, laptops with different operating systems). The router coped with the load perfectly, no bugs or "brakes" were observed.

The router can work as an access point, bridged mode is supported, and work as a second router in an existing wireless network. Devices connected to the device can simultaneously use two bands of 2.4 and 5 GHz, which will automatically work at the best frequency.

To expand your network with Airport Express, the first step is to reset your router. To do this, press the button on the back of the device and hold it for a few seconds. The indicator light on the front panel will blink at this time. Next, you need to open the Airport utility and find our router. Then click "Add to existing network" and select the expandable network (this can be the name of the router that distributes Wi-Fi). You need to wait 5-10 minutes and the utility will do everything on its own. That's all, the network has been expanded.

You can connect a printer to the router using USB. Documents can be received over a wireless network and printed immediately. This function works both on Macs and on the usual Windows operating system (XP (SP3), Vista (SP1), 7). It should be noted that any other device connected via USB is not recognized.

Setting up an Apple router

Using an apple wifi router, you "doom" yourself to easy setup and almost instant use of the Internet. Having a computer with a Mac makes things even easier with AirPort, which only needs to be set up with a connection name and password. The settings can be made from any Apple device by downloading the utility from the App Store. If you, like most, have a computer running the Windows operating system, you will not experience any configuration problems using the same utility.

The router uses Bonjour technology to provide wireless printing. It was created in order to synchronize work with different operating systems. This can be practical when you have two or more computers. This eliminates the need to connect to the printer from different computers each time. Everything is extremely simple here: plug and play!

Leading our story about the Apple router, it would be a crime not to mention the AirPlay technology. With it, you can connect any stereo system directly to the router! No additional wires or adapters needed. Moreover, you can manage playlists in iTunes using iPhone. A dedicated Remote app will allow you to navigate between songs, adjust the volume and a number of other parameters. All this can be done without going to the speakers, but being, say, in another room.

So, Airport Express is quite an interesting product that you should pay attention to. In our opinion, it will not receive recognition in Russia among ordinary users. The device costs about five thousand, which is too much for the proposed relatively modest functionality. The focus on technology and software from Apple is also a big disadvantage. Undoubted quality and corporate design will attract mostly only fans of the brand, or for those who do not want to mess with the settings, but want to immediately get a stable and high-speed Internet.