AirPort Express; iTunes to AV System

[Mccoyml]

Ever since I got Uverse I have had problems getting my desktop to send iTunes music to my Bose system.  It worked fine until I switched to Uverse and their wireless system.  For the longest time I could not get my AirPort Express to connect to the wireless network.  Today, when I turned on my computer (Windows XP), it said there was an update to Airport Utility; downloaded, installed and now my AirPort Express can join the Uverse Network.  The Utility shows that I have a good, consistent connection.  Constant green light.  However, the music drops in and out; 3 to 5 seconds OK, then 10 to 30 seconds of nothing, then back on for a few seconds, then repeat.  BTW, my laptop has not problems staying connected wirelessly.

Are there any specific setting I need to make in the 3800HGV-B Gateway?  Several months ago when I could not connect at all, someone suggested reinstalling my old wireless router, a Linksys, in tandem to the Uverse gateway.  However, I did not understand all that was being said; I can figure some things out, often through trial and error, but I do not have a working knowledge of computers and wireless setups.  I found the old router but not the power cord.  I am willing to buy another wireless router if I thought that would really solve the problem. 

I am extremely frustrated with this.  Uverse TV is ok, even though the recorder is not as good as my old TIVO.  I do like being able to record multiple channels at once; a big plus.  Has anyone been successful using AirPort Express and the Uverse Gateway?

Thanks,

Mike

[codename78]

 I have similar problem with my wireless internet connection when I turn on my wireless connection for Rear Speakers (RocketFish). Everytime I turn RocketFish on Wireless Internet Connection to Laptop and Desktop turns of.

[randyl]

Have u guys tried a diff channel  ??   (less crowded)

for sure with the speakers......

link

randy

Message Edited by randyl on 03-22-2009 06:25 PM

[Mccoyml]

Unfortunately, I guess I spoke too quickly.  I lost connection again and can't seem to get it back.  I have done a hard re-set and tried to setup the AirPort 3 times but no luck.  My laptop (which has wireless) is able to detect the devise but when I go through the setup, it can't connect to the Uverse wireless system again.  It detects the wireless, but will not connect to it.  Same issue I was having before.  Not sure which one I want to through in the trash, the AirPort and my Uverse service.  I have always suspected a security method mismatch but the fact that I was able to connect this morning, I thought that was solved with the Utility update.

Mike

[oz_1 ACE - Wizard]

If you have the airport utility open it make sure the channel is the same number if the RG is on automatic select a channel and use it for both make sure you have the latest firmware 6.3  and under manual setup

under wireless mode it should read participate in a WDS network. Make sure all security is set the same if one is wpa make sure all are and last but not least enable air tunes. Hope this helped if not reply with

symptoms. 

[Mccoyml]

I updated the Utility this morning with version 5.4.1.  I'm not sure of the firmware number but Utilities was writing to the AirPort Express device.  As it did the light sequence was changing.  I would assume that is how the firmware gets updated.  Like I said, I had a connection this morning, green light on the device, but the music stream was intermittent.  I tried to redo the connection to see if I could stop the dropouts and that is when I was not able to create a "connection" between the Gateway and the device again.  No green lights, just blinking amber.  I would go through the entire setup, the Utility was writing to the device, it saw the wireless network, light was changing and I appeared to be on my way.  However, the last step in the process is for the Utility to "look for" the device again but it could not be found.

The channel select is on automatic.  And I am fairly certain that the security modes are the same, WPK-PSA and WPK2-PSA on the Gateway and what I believe to be the equivalent on the AirPort, although the specific acronym is slightly different.  The one thing I am not sure of is the "participate in a WDS network".  However, I was connected once so I would think the those items are set right.

I will give it another shot when I have a 2-3 hour block of time, which will not be until next weekend,

Mike

[jd_trek]

Mike -

You've made it a step further than me. 

I've had the exact same problems as you...Express used to work fine, got Uverse, can't get it streaming air tunes at all anymore.

I am by no means a networking genius, but I've tried everything to get it to join my network...Factory restarts, hardwiring to Mac, manual setup, regular setup.  I've tried knocking down the firewall, putting both computer and express on the same channel, confirmed security, password, etc. 

Uverse technical support was of zero help.

Apple couldn't help unless I paid $50 bucks and then someone MIGHT be able to help.

If you find anything new, please pass it on.  I've been to just about every blog discussing this issue and from what Apple told me, we're not the only one's experiencing this issue. 

Right now, after a manual setup, I've got a green light for a second, followed by blinking amber. No computer (mac or pc) on my network is reading the express. I've been at this for 2 weeks.

JD

[oz_1 ACE - Wizard]

I have been using the express since day 1 but I don't use the wireless in the RG I set up an extreme to handle all my wireless needs which works great with express so it must be

a router issue with 2wire. 

[Mccoyml]

So, you are using AirPort Extreme to communicate with the AirPort Express?  If so, you are bypassing the RG?  You tuned off the "wireless" on the RG and are using a 2nd device (Extreme) to act as the wireless hub for the Express and any other wireless devices, perhaps a laptop?  If so, you have a very different set up.  You are not using the uVerse provided equipment (the RG) to run music to the Express, right?  Have you ever tried to use the RG as your wireless device?

Mike

[Mccoyml]

I assumed Uverse technical would be useless since the guy who installed my Uverse system promised to set up my Express but then "ran out of time" during the installation.  He kept promising to complete it but said he kept needing to do one more thing first.

Has anyone out there had success creating a good connection between the Uverse supplied equipment, the RG, and AirPort Express (not AirPort Extreme)?  If so, can you provide any suggestions?  Or has it only been successful when the wireless on the RG was "turned off" and another device (Extreme, Linksys, Buffalo, etc) is used to provide the wireless in the house? 

For those of us with limited "wireless" knowledge, how do you do this?  Do you just plug the "new" wireless device into the RG (I see that I have 2 unused Local Ethernet female jacks on the RG) and turn off the wireless on the RG through the AT&T Uverse interface accessed through Internet Explorer?   Then, of course, I would have to create a "new" wireless network like I did several years ago when I purchased a laptop with wireless, and get my wireless devices, including AirPort Express, to communicate with the newly created network.

Thanks,

Mike

[spd2demun ACE - Master]

http://utalk.att.com/utalk/search?submitted=true&q=AirPort+Express

[jd_trek]

I may be reading that thread incorrectly (and please tell me if I am), but that seems to be talking about bridging an extreme (or express) with the UV router and having that act as the wireless.

I'm looking to keep the UV router as the wireless station and connect Express to it, not as a bridge, but as a part of the network so that music can be streamed within the network that the UV router provides.

I want the UV router to pick up the APExpress (not Extreme) like any other wireless computer, iphone, or ipod touch that it does right now without problem.

Can UV router do this?

Do I have to use a different router (extreme, linksys, etc) to act as the wireless for this process to occur?

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help! 

JD 

[Mccoyml]

JD,

Yes, I am trying to "connect" my AirPort Express (which is plugged into my Bose system), not Extreme, to Uverse wirelessly, preferably without the need of creating a new wireless network with a new wireless router.  From what I can tell, no one has really done this.  Or have they???  In theory you would think that one should be able to do this but it appears that those what have been trying to offer suggestions, are talking in "theory" also; not from personal experience.  If they are "sending" music to the Airport Express, it is not coming directly from the Uverse RG router.  Or is it???

Mike

Message Edited by Mccoyml on 03-28-2009 05:44 PM

[Mccoyml]

spd2demon,

Thanks, but I have already been through all of the past threads your link (search) brings up.  In fact, many of the items were written by me trying to get some help.

Mike

[spd2demun ACE - Master]

OK, just thought there might be something you hadn't seen.   I'm Extreme, and don't have the A/V system situation; wouldn't know where to tell you to start.

[djmalik]

I have been using first Airport Extreme plus two expresses, and now a Time Capsule plus two AEs. I connected the Time capsule directly by the ethernet wire option. So I have two wireless systems 2Wire and the Apple network through the AEs and TC. We randomly connect to 2Wire and Apple networks (Macs and PCs as numerous as 5 or 6; hell, even iPhones are connected at a hellacious speed compared to 3G) . I have a printer connected to TC (via its USB connection). I have had no problems in almost a year of use. 

I just recently did the Airport update, and it continues to work (v 7.4.1). I do not use auto channel, but a higher channel number, 6 (suggested on the maccast podcast as a better idea). It's also set to "Participate in a WDS network". The Airport Express is set to "Participate..." as well, and it's version 6.3. Airtunes is enabled on the Expresses. 

There seemed to be so many issues, I am not sure if this addresses them all. Alas, I don't have something connected to an A/V system, but I cannot imagine that's it.

Let me apologize in advance if my response is low rent and naive, or if I have totally missed this thread... by TC and AEs all work fantastically.  

[oz_1 ACE - Wizard]

---

Mccoyml wrote:

So, you are using AirPort Extreme to communicate with the AirPort Express?  If so, you are bypassing the RG?  You tuned off the "wireless" on the RG and are using a 2nd device (Extreme) to act as the wireless hub for the Express and any other wireless devices, perhaps a laptop?  If so, you have a very different set up.  You are not using the uVerse provided equipment (the RG) to run music to the Express, right?  Have you ever tried to use the RG as your wireless device?

Mike

---

Yes I turned the wireless off in the RG and I am using an Airport Extreme as my main wireless router because in order to use an external hardrive for Time Machine as the only other alternative would be Time Capsule already had the AE and hardrive so then I used the already Airport Express (formerly used wireless) and reconfigured for airtunes and wireless extension. Yes you are also right never configured or tried the 2wire RG for this because of my first scenario would not work I am also running a networked printer off of the Extreme I find it easier to manipulate this way.

 

 

 

 

[Mccoyml]

oz and djmacik,

It sounds like you are confirming what I have been thinking; using the RG 2Wire as the wireless device to service the AirPort Express may not be an option.  I would imagine that if I were to work at it some more I could get my "connection" back by perhaps specifying a channel (maybe 6 or 7) or something like that.  However, even if I was able to get the connection going like I did before, it would not really "work" because of the inability of the RG to send a seamless signal (without the dropouts). 

Even though I have very simple needs for a wireless system (a single laptop and my Express), looks like I need to introduce a new wireless router.  Is it as simple as turning off the wireless option on the RG and plugging in a wireless router to an open Ethernet port on the back of the RG?  Even though I am not a techie, I "created' a wireless connection before so I am sure I can do it again. 

Mike

[oz_1 ACE - Wizard]

If you decide on an Extreme and have trouble post here, but its not that bad key feature is to make the Express the remote and the Extreme the main and both will participate in a WDS network.

Message Edited by oz on 03-28-2009 10:13 PM

[jd_trek]

Mike (Mccoyml) -

I think I have the issue figured out...at least from my end.

I'm not sure how you have your Uverse set up, but if you have a uverse tv box near the stereo you want to stream your music to, I can help.

The back of your uverse box (motorola version) is a ethernet plug.  Do and hard factory restart on the express, then hardwire your express to the uverse box and plug the stereo into the express as well.  Give your box a few minutes to update and install drivers. 

Go back and run airport utility.  This time, instead of trying to attach to a network, create your own in bridge mode.  The IP is assigned and you have green light.

I'm not sure if you're using a Mac or PC, but assuming all your operating system firewall settings are in place, you should have no problem.  I've been streaming without interruption and I'm happier than a pig in sh*t.

Let me know if you run into any problems and maybe I can help.

JD 

[Mccoyml]

JD,

When you say "create your own" do you mean create another/second wireless network?  Or, do I leave the Express and the Uverse box connected via Ethernet after the Express is updated and I am am not creating a wireless network at all?  Do I change any setting on the 2Wire modem?  Is the "music" transmitted through the Uverse box to the express?  I'm not sure what "bridge mode" is but I assume that will become obvious as I go through the process.

If these questions reflect at I am clueless, please let me know.

Mike

Message Edited by Mccoyml on 04-04-2009 12:33 AM

Message Edited by Mccoyml on 04-04-2009 12:37 AM

[oz_1 ACE - Wizard]

The way to join third party systems is to put the Express in the client mode for the purpose of streaming music from I-Tunes outside of that you

will require Airfoil. 

[djmalik]

Just to continue options: Try connecting the RG ethernet port directly to the input on the Airport Extreme base station. Then place the Airport Express in the wall adjacent to your stereo. Leave both 2Wire and AE with wifi turned on. On your computer, you should see two options to join to 2Wire or the Airport (with signal boosted by the Airport Express). This solution however requires and airport base station near the rg plus the Airport Express. That might be one more investment than you want. But at least it lets you connect via wire directly to the RG.

Maybe I should keep this suggestion to myself and not muddy the waters...? 

[Mccoyml]

oz - Client mode is what I have been trying and trying and trying.  Problem is that it just don't work

[oz_1 ACE - Wizard]

I am assuming you have Airport Utility and gave the Express  a name this helps such as stereo or hifi then under wireless either configure it to

participate in a WDS and under WDS select remote the other option is to select join a wireless network and then press assist me. 

[Mccoyml]

Oz - Like I have said before, I set up and used the Express before I got Uverse.  No problem.  I had the modem provided with the AT&T DSL service and a Linksys wired/wireless router.  No problem.  The wireless system provided by Uverse (2Wire) just does not want to work with Express.  If there is someone out there who has actually (not just theoretically) gotten the 2Wire to communicate and work directly with the Express, without any other intermediary equipment like Extreme or a different wireless router, I am all ears. 

Mike

[gagirl_1]

Mike -- Just got U-verse yesterday and have the same issue.  I can no longer listen to iTunes using AirPort Express in another part of the house.  I had no issues with this until the switch.  The Airport utility on my Mac does not show the base station (it is flashing yellow) and after a hard reset, the computer still can not find "discover' any wireless devices.  It sounds like we have the same issue.  Did you ever resolve it?

[Mccoyml]

Even though the Mac Airport does not "see" the Express unit and I get the flashing amber light, it still seems to stream the music.  When I start up my Mac I have to ignore the pop-up that the Express needs to be setup.  Not elegant but it seems to work..  Every once in a while I need to restart the Express (unplug and re-plug) because my iTunes does not have the other icon to to select my music destination, but again it seems to work afterword.   If you get a better solution, let me know.

[trobie_1]

I had the same problem, but solved it my changing to a higher channel.  Also, I noticed that my microwave and home wireless telephone also caused a drop.  I did two things.  First, I upgraded my home wireless telephone from a 2.4 ghz to a 5.8 ghz system and I changed my channel to channel 11.  Don't know if this will work for everyone, but it did the trick for me.  I also have the Apple base wireless from my gateway.