AirPort Extreme set-up problem

[barracuda156]

I got a used AirPort Extreme (5th gen.) as a replacement of the missing internal AirPort in G5 Quad. Unfortunately, for some reason it fails to be configured properly. I wanna know what can be tried, since device itself appears functional: it starts up and is recognized after reset both over WiFi from MacBook Pro and over Ethernet from PowerMac. Firmware is 7.8.1. The problem occurs after setting it up to connect to existing WiFi network: once set up, it is no longer seen in AirPort Utility (over WiFi and Ethernet alike) and internet does not work when it is connected over Ethernet to PowerMac. AirPort Extreme itself behaves as if set-up has been successful: green light is displayed. But for both Macs it just “vanishes”.
Upon reset it returns to original state, orange light, and both Macs can see it as unconfigured device. Attempt to configure it again fails in the same way. I have tried factory reset, to the same effect.

 

[barbu]

I didn't think AirPort Extreme can join a network, only the expresses. Is there really an option to “join existing network”?

 

[barracuda156]

I didn't think AirPort Extreme can join a network, only the expresses. Is there really an option to “join existing network”?

I actually thought that extending network will work exactly the same way. Silly if it doesn’t.

Thanks for pointing in this direction, I will check when I get back to office. I found this: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7361999

 

[barbu]

I actually thought that extending network will work exactly the same way. Silly if it doesn’t.

Thanks for pointing in this direction, I will check when I get back to office. I found this: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7361999

Oh yeah, “extend” means join a WDS network if I recall correctly. That would explain it not working.

 

[barracuda156]

Oh yeah, “extend” means join a WDS network if I recall correctly. That would explain it not working.

I will try described procedure and hope it works. Would be a waste otherwise.

 

[barracuda156]

Okay I gave up with that, any other suggestions?

On PowerMac I get option to join existing network, but it does not result in a working set up.
On MacBook Pro I get only Extend network choice, and once I set it up, Airport Utility displays an error device is inaccessible afterwards (so I cannot modify any settings, only reset the device), even though it displays green light as if it is set up.
I cannot figure out how to reach the screen show here: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7361999

 

[barbu]

Yeah WDS requires a main node that your airport would connect to. I don’t know if any modern wifi gear has WDS anymore, it was a big deal 15 years ago (even then though, it worked poorly at best, and is slow).
I’m sure you could get a modern wifi-ethernet bridge pretty cheap these days. Or an old airport express…

 

[barracuda156]

Yeah WDS requires a main node that your airport would connect to. I don’t know if any modern wifi gear has WDS anymore, it was a big deal 15 years ago (even then though, it worked poorly at best, and is slow).
I’m sure you could get a modern wifi-ethernet bridge pretty cheap these days. Or an old airport express…

Well, yeah, of course I can get another Express if everything fails with Extreme, but then I have no alternative use for Extreme at all. It cannot do AirPlay (no optical out) and the only thing I need from it is to be a router for the Quad to access local wifi network.
I am kinda genuinely surprised that a more expensive device of the same product line cannot perform the most basic function that Express can

 

[barbu]

Well, yeah, of course I can get another Express if everything fails with Extreme, but then I have no alternative use for Extreme at all. It cannot do AirPlay (no optical out) and the only thing I need from it is to be a router for the Quad to access local wifi network.
I am kinda genuinely surprised that a more expensive device of the same product line cannot perform the most basic function that Express can

I understand, it is vexing, I’ve been there already that’s why my expresses have stayed in service while the Extremes are retired.