Airport Express is familiar to every MAC user, but not all users know how to use Airport Express and the specific functions of Airport Express. Today I will introduce to you some common problems with Airport Express and their solutions.

Q: Can AirPort Express wirelessly extend ("duplicate" or "replay") a network of third-party access points?

Answer: No. But it can wirelessly extend the range of a WDS network hosted by an AirPort Extreme Base Station or other AirPort Express.

Q: Can AirPort Express be used as a bridge?

A: AirPort Express can be used as a bridge in three different ways:

If you have an existing wired network, it can bridge that network to wireless clients.

If it is set up as a WDS remote or repeater station, then it can bridge the wireless network to wired clients.

If it is set up as a WDS remote or repeater station, then it can bridge the wireless network to wireless clients (or "wireless extend" the range of the network).

Q: Can AirPort Express be used with a Wireless Distribution System (WDS)?

Answer: Yes. AirPort Express can function as a WDS master, remote, or repeater station. Whether you use it as a router to share your internet connection (NAT) or not, it can function as a WDS master.

Q: Can network game consoles and digital video recorders join my network via AirPort Express?

A: Yes, as long as you have the appropriate network adapters for these devices and set them up correctly. AirPort Express can connect wirelessly when it's your only base station, or when it's in WDS mode. When AirPort Express is a WDS remote station, they can be connected via cable (why will be explained in the next question). When the AirPort Express is in client mode, they cannot connect either way.

Q: Since the AirPort Express only has one Ethernet port, does it function as a LAN port, a WAN port, or both?

A: Depending on how you set it up, the Ethernet port can be used as a LAN port (as defined when simple bridging through Network Access Transition or sharing your internet connection) or a WAN port (connected to your broadband internet service provider provider or upstream router). However, it can't function as both ports at the same time like the original AirPort Base Station (Graphite). When AirPort Express uses Network Address Translation, the Ethernet port acts as a WAN port. When it is set up as a WDS remote station, it can be used as a LAN port. Assuming your ISP has only given you an IP address (which is common for home users), this means the AirPort Express can only accommodate wired clients when acting as a WDS remote base station or bridge. So, if you need to support wired clients and only want to use a base station (or router, as this relates to AirPort Express's routing capabilities), then you should use the AirPort Extreme Base Station.