How to Configure Your Apple Airport Router

Last Updated: February 24, 2015

Trying to setup your AirPort Express or Extreme wireless router? Apple makes the process easy with the AirPort Utility program. You can have a basic wireless network up and running in just a few clicks, without having to learn complex terminology or figure out IP addresses.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Setting Up a Basic Wireless Network

1
Plug your cable or DSL modem into the AirPort's WAN port. Use an Ethernet cable to make the connection.
2
Plug the AirPort's power adapter into a power source.

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3
Select your new AirPort base station. Note: If you use a Windows computer, download the AirPort Utility from Apple and follow the OS X directions.
- OS X - Click the Wi-Fi menu and select your AirPort new base station.
- iOS - Open the Settings app, tap "Wi-Fi", and then tap your new AirPort base station.
4
Give your new network a name. You can enter a Network name as well as the name of the base station. Other devices will see the network name from their list of available networks.
5
Enter a password to be used to secure the network. Enter it again to confirm. Any device that connects to the network will need this password.
6
Wait for the network to be constructed. After setting the network name and password, your AirPort base station will configure itself to allow you to connect. This may take a few moments, but doesn't require any input from you.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Changing Network Configurations

1
Open the AirPort Utility. You can access this from the Utilities folder, which can be found in the Applications folder or accessed from the "Go" menu.
2
Update your AirPort base station (if applicable). If you see a red icon next to your AirPort base station in the AirPort Utility program, there is a software update available for the base station. Updating can improve performance and security, so it is recommended to update whenever one is available.
- Click your AirPort base station, click Update, and then Continue.
- The update will install automatically and your AirPort base station will restart.
3
Click your AirPort base station and then click .Edit to open the AirPort settings.
4
Use the "Base Station" tab to change the base station name and access password. This is not the same password that devices use to connect to the network.
5
Use the "Internet" tab to change your DHCP and DNS settings. Most users won't have to worry about this tab.
6
Use the "Wireless" tab to change your wireless network settings.
- "Network Mode" allows you to switch between creating a wireless network or extending an existing wireless network.
- "Wireless Network Name" lets you change the name that appears for other devices when they try to connect.
- "Wireless Security" allows you to designate the security mode your network uses. most users should keep this set to "WPA/WPA2 Personal" to allow maximum compatibility and security.
- "Wireless Password" allows you to change the password required to connect to the network.
- "Enable Guest Network" allows you to create a subnetwork for guests with limited functionality and access. You will be able to enter a separate password for the guest network.
- The Wireless Options... menu allows you to change the radio mode, wireless channel, and country. Most users can safely ignore this menu.
7
Use the "Network" tab to make advanced changes to your wireless network.
- The "Port Mapping" section allows you to open ports for specific programs on your computer. This should only be done when absolutely necessary, as open ports can pose a security hazard. Click the + button to create a new port forwarding rule.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Setting Up a Wireless Printer

1
Plug your printer into the USB port on the back of the AirPort base station. If it requires a power source, make sure that it is plugged into an outlet as well.
2
Add the printer on each computer.
- OS X - Click the Apple menu and select System Preferences. Click Printers & Scanners and then select the new printer from the list. If the printer is not listed, click +, select your new printer, and then click Add.
- Windows - Install Bonjour for Windows from either the AirPort Utility CD or downloaded from the Apple website. Follow the prompts to add the printer.
3
Print to the printer. To print to your new wireless printer, simply select it when you go to print from any program.