Question:

How can I configure an old Airport Express device to act as a wireless bridge for a Linux desktop that lacks a Wi-Fi adapter? What are the steps to connect the Airport Express to the desktop via Ethernet, power it on, and adjust the settings to enable Wi-Fi access?

Answer:

How to Use an Old Airport Express as a Wireless Bridge for a Linux Desktop

If you have an old Airport Express device and a Linux desktop that does not have a Wi-Fi adapter, you can use the Airport Express to extend your wireless network to the desktop. This way, you can access the internet and other devices on your network without installing a new Wi-Fi card or dongle on your desktop. In this article, we will show you how to set up the Airport Express as a wireless bridge and connect it to your Linux desktop via Ethernet.

To complete this project, you will need the following items:

• An old Airport Express device (the model with a single Ethernet port)
• A power cord for the Airport Express
• An Ethernet cable
• A Linux desktop with an Ethernet port
• A wireless router that supports WDS (Wireless Distribution System)
• A Mac or iOS device with the Airport Utility app installed

Step 1: Configure the Wireless Router

Before you can set up the Airport Express as a wireless bridge, you need to make sure that your wireless router supports WDS and that it is enabled. WDS is a feature that allows wireless devices to communicate with each other and extend the wireless network. You can check your router’s manual or website for instructions on how to enable WDS. Alternatively, you can use the [1] website to find your router model and see if it supports WDS.

Once you have enabled WDS on your router, you need to note down the following information:

• The name (SSID) and password of your wireless network
• The MAC address of your wireless router (you can usually find it on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device)

You will need this information later when you configure the Airport Express.

Step 2: Reset the Airport Express

Next, you need to reset the Airport Express to its factory settings. This will erase any previous configuration and allow you to set it up as a new device. To reset the Airport Express, follow these steps:

• Plug the power cord into the Airport Express and into a power outlet
• Wait for the status light to flash green
• Press and hold the reset button on the back of the device for about 10 seconds, until the status light flashes amber rapidly
• Release the reset button and wait for the Airport Express to restart

Step 3: Connect the Airport Express to the Linux Desktop

Now, you need to connect the Airport Express to your Linux desktop via Ethernet. To do this, follow these steps:

• Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on the Airport Express
• Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on your Linux desktop
• Wait for the status light on the Airport Express to turn solid amber

Step 4: Configure the Airport Express

The final step is to configure the Airport Express to join your wireless network and act as a wireless bridge. To do this, you need to use the Airport Utility app on your Mac or iOS device. Follow these steps:

• Launch the Airport Utility app on your Mac or iOS device
• Wait for the app to scan for nearby Airport devices
• Select the Airport Express from the list and click or tap Continue
• Enter a name and password for the Airport Express and click or tap Next
• Choose Join a Wireless Network from the options and click or tap Next
• Enter the name and password of your wireless network and click or tap Next
• Enter the MAC address of your wireless router and click or tap Next
• Wait for the Airport Express to restart and join your wireless network
• Click or tap Done to exit the Airport Utility app

Step 5: Enjoy Your Wireless Bridge

You have successfully set up the Airport Express as a wireless bridge for your Linux desktop. You can now access the internet and other devices on your network wirelessly from your desktop. You can also use the Airport Express to stream music from your Mac or iOS device to speakers connected to the audio jack on the device. To do this, you need to enable AirPlay on your Mac or iOS device and select the Airport Express as the output device.

We hope this article was helpful and that you enjoy your wireless bridge. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!