Airport Express Bridge Mode

After much trial and error I now understand how to better use the Apple Airport Express(AX). I hope some of you can save some time with this information.

Senario 1 - Use if streaming music with iTunes and/or Sharing a printer.

I assume you have a router connected to the internet set up with a WEP security key for wireless access by your PC's. Using the AX airport utility software select wireless mode to  'Join an existing network'. The AX ethernet port will be disabled. I could not get WPA security to work in my configuration.

Senario 2 - Use if streaming with iTunes, sharing a printer and 'extending' your wireless network.

Again, I am assuming that you have a router connected to the internet. Connect your AX with a ethernet cable to the router. Yes you have may have to pull cat5/6 cable. Using the AX airport utility software select the wireless mode to 'Create a wireless network' and set connection sharing to 'Off (Bridge Mode)'. Note that you are always creating a new wireless network(SSID) even if you decide to set it the same as an existing SSID. If you do decide to use an existing SSID then set the wireless channels to be different on each router.

There is a third wireless mode called 'Participate in a WDS network'. My experience after using this mode is that it is not worth the effort. The configuration is complex and the loss of speed is proportional to the number of WDS clients. Pulling cable is easier or invest in a dedicated wireless bridge - really.