I know others have reported their various uses of the Airport Express device but I wanted to add my experience. Today, I had a bit of time to set one up having thought about various configurations. I have an unusual network but I think few people have a "typical" network, especially if they have kids and have set up their networks over time using various technologies. Our cable internet modem is connected to a D-link 4 port 802.11b router. The four ports have Cat5 cables to: 1, a hub in the basement that is now only connected to a White base station (also 802.11b); 2, a PS2 (also in basement); 3, a G5 (my new toy) and 4, the Airport Express. I wired the Express as its an 802.11g device and two of our computers have Extreme cards whereas the rest are 802.11b (or ethernetted). The Extreme is connected to a stereo (a 12 year old Pioneer A300 amp that we brought over from the UK and sounds as good as any I've heard since) and to an Epson C84 printer via the USB port.
Sitting at my powerbook I can wirelessly connect to the Airport or the router over 802.11b or the Express over 802.11g. I'm playing iTunes over the stereo and printing to the Epson. I CAN DO EXACTLY THE SAME FROM EACH OF OUR MACS. I didn't set up a WDS network as there was no need.
All this took about 5 mins to set up (2 of which involved waiting for the Express to restart). I was impressed with the idea of the Express when it was launched but I have to say I'm blown away by what this little square piece of electronics can do.
The sky is the limit......
[Edit: I should mention that to access the Express from computers on an ethernet network you have to run the Airport Admin Utility (not the Express Assistant), click on Base Station Options in the Airport window and click on "Enable AirTunes over Ethernet" and "Enable Remote Printer Access". This window also lets you enable SNMP access and remote configuration - ensure you're using some for of security if these are selected....]
[ August 28, 2004, 04:57 PM: Message edited by: used to be jwoodget ]
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