Airport Express woes.... channels

[admin_exported]

I'm having trouble with the sound cutting out when streaming to my hifi.

I have two AX units in different rooms and the problem is much worse when trying to run both at the same time. I need to change the channel on one of the units (they are both on 11). I have tried to do this in utilities but I can't find a drop down menu which allows me to change channels.

Any ideas?

Many thanks!

 

[John Duncan]

I thought a channel was for an entire network, so that both AXs would have to be on the same?

Are you on a Mac or a PC?

 

[Anonymous]

Mac.

As far as I am aware, each Airport Express unit transmits on a specified channel. Mine are both set to 11 automatically.

I read that each AX must be set with a space of apx 5 channels, so was going to set one at 1 and leave the other at 11.

 

[John Duncan]

As far as I can tell that advice is for two separate networks, though that's not entirely clear - but if you want them both on the same network (presumably you have had them join your current network rather than creat new ones for each) then the channels need to be the same as the router, otherwise they won't all be able to join the network, shirley?

Have you seen PJ1200's thread about turning off WZC, which stopped his stream dropping?

If you're on a Mac then this doesn't apply, so we'll need to look elsewhere.

FYI though, instructions on channel changing here

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks John.

The channel changing scenario is certainly what I have been experiencing.

I do want to run everything on the same network and I am a little confused. One is supposed to be able to use up to six AX units and Apple recommend using different channels for each.

 

[John Duncan]

Changing the channel can block out interference from other wireless networks and devices (like microwaves), but if you want both AXs on the same network then you should either configure to auto (ie the router decides which channel your network is running on) or select one that all your devices are running on. The only reason I can think of for apple to recommend using different channels is if you want to run more than one network (one for streaming, one for file sharing, for example), and wanted to avoid interference between the two.

Are you running windows? Have you tried disabling windows zero configuration (¸ professorhat)?

 

[Anonymous]

JohnDuncan: Are you running windows? Have you tried disabling windows zero configuration (¸ professorhat)?

No, I am using a MAC Mini.

 

[John Duncan]

Sh-te, there goes that plan.

 

[Anonymous]

JohnDuncan: The only reason I can think of for apple to recommend using different channels is if you want to run more than one network (one for streaming, one for file sharing, for example), and wanted to avoid interference between the two.

Ah, perhaps I am getting confused with regards to changing channels in order to stop Airtunes cutting out and it is not the fix that I need. I have read lots of threads regarding problems with iTunes v8, so maybe this is the prob.

 

[John Duncan]

Yeah, but the only guy to find a solution so far is running windows. Changing channels may very well be the solution, to give you the least interfered signal, but all your devices should be on the same channel, AFAICT.

 

[Anonymous]

JohnDuncan: the only guy to find a solution so far is running windows.

Damn it

 

[John Duncan]

So let's make it a clean sweep, hm? Apart from Linux users, obviously - they're on their own, and it serves them right.

There's a tool here for assessing channels, though I haven't tried it.

Do you have a wireless router involved in your network? If so, what is it - b/g/n?

 

[Anonymous]

I have a Netgear wireless router which is g I believe.

 

[Anonymous]

HiFi Mick:

Ah, perhaps I am getting confused with regards to changing channels in order to stop Airtunes cutting out and it is not the fix that I need. I have read lots of threads regarding problems with iTunes v8, so maybe this is the prob.

On second thoughts I do have a problem with running two AX at the same time, they cut each other out constantly. However, when I switched to one or the other the problem occured far less frequently (at least until the missus started to use the microwave

then it's time to pop in a CD!). So there is definately a conflict.

 

[John Duncan]

It may not be a conflict between the AXs per se though, just a problem with your network - dunno how a pair works but you may be doubling your network traffic?

Anyway - download that stumbler thing and see if you have a channel that's stronger than others, and let's take it from there.

 

[Anonymous]

Will do ~ thanks!

 

[fatboyslimfast]

This is going to sound a bit daft, but are you configuring the AEs as clients?

With mine, I found I had to connect to it as an access point to configure it (using a laptop to wirelessly connect to it), then add the settings for the router (WPA etc) and then reboot it, then re-configure the laptop to connect to the normal router so everything can talk again.

It just strikes me that they both might be running in access point mode rather than client...

 

[Anonymous]

JohnDuncan:There's a tool here for assessing channels, though I haven't tried it.

Good morning!

John, I used this tool last night (not really sure what it means though 😱) It showed signal apx 35% with 4% noise.

I tried to change the channel on the router but I didn't have my password to log in to Netgear

, so I will have to try switching channels tomorrow (I am out tonight).

I did try some Netgear power over ethernet plugs http://www.netgear.com/Home/Products/PowerlineNetworking/PowerlineEthernetAdapters/

I connected one to my router and the other to an AX unit, but these puppies didn't work either.

PS My neighbour had 40% signal and was using channel 1 so no conflict there.

 

[Anonymous]

fatboyslimfast:This is going to sound a bit daft, but are you configuring the AEs as clients?

Thanks FBSF.

I didn't check this, but I will have a look tomorrow.