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How to connect your Slingbox to your wireless network using an Apple AirPort Express and your wireless router


While the simplest and most stable way to connect your Slingbox to your router is by a direct Ethernet connection or, if you router is far away from your TV, by using a pair of SlingLinks, we know that both of these solutions are not always practical.

Some wireless routers, like the Apple AirPort Express, have only one Ethernet port. So, once you've plugged in your DSL or Cable modem, you have no place to plug in the Slingbox.

There are also some cases where SlingLinks just don't work in some homes. The reason is usually because of multiple power supplies in the home or old wiring. But no matter the reason, they don't work and you need a solution.

While the Apple AirPort Express is a wireless router, it can also be used as a wireless bridge, connecting wired devices like the Slingbox to your wireless network. And setup is a snap!

This article walks you through setting up a AirPort Express as a wireless bridge on your home network. Once you are done here, you should be able to connect your Slingbox to the AirPort Express with the provided Ethernet cable.

But enough of this jabber. Let's get to work!

1) What you need

what-you-need.gif


2) Plug in your new AirPort Express

airport-plugged-in.jpgThe first step is to plug your new AirPort Express into a wall outlet near your Slingbox.

If the AirPort Express is already configured for another use, you will need to reset it back to factory settings before you begin. Detailed instructions for how to do this are in the documentation that came with your AirPort Express.


3) Open up AirPort Utility

Now launch the AirPort Utility application. If you are on a Mac, chances are this application is already installed. If you are using a Windows PC, you will need to install the software from the CD that came with your AirPort Express.

Once open, the AirPort Utility will look for unconfigured base-stations and present them to you on the left side of the window. It will be named something like "Apple Network 0703d".


4) Select the unconfigured AirPort Express

You will be warned that you are switching networks. While you are configuring your AirPort Express you will not have access to the Internet.


5) Configure your AirPort Express to extend your wireless network

First, select the option to "Connect to my current wireless network".

1connect.jpg

On the next screen, select the option to "Extend the range" of your wireless network.

2extend.jpg

Then, select your network. If your network is secure, you will need to enter the password here.

3choose.jpg

6) Connect your Slingbox to the AirPort Express

airport-plugged-in-to-slingbox2.gifConnect an Ethernet cable to the Network port on the back of your Slingbox. Connect the other end to the Ethernet port on the bottom of your AirPort Express.

Once you have hooked your video source up to the Slingbox, plug it into the power outlet. The network light will blink for about 30 seconds. But if your AirPort Express was configured properly, it will stop blinking and remain on once it has established itself on your home network.

Related Information
Two methods to set up a Slingbox with an Apple AirPort Express and connect it to your wireless network
The Apple AirPort Express can work with a Slingbox, but it needs some help. This article shows you two methods.
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Troubleshooting
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If you have video equipment that connects using an HDMI cable and then try to stream, you may get extremely poor or no video in SlingPlayer for Windows, SlingPlayer for the Mac OS, or at Sling.com. Even after you double-check all of the cables and make sure that everything works, there may not be any video from your Slingbox. This article explains why this happens and it includes a workaround.
SlingPlayer or Setup Assistant is telling me that I have a weak or no video signal but I have a good Internet connection.

Don't panic if you see a message in SlingPlayer or the Slingbox Setup Assistant that says We're not detecting any video or Weak or no video signal. Here's what to do.

SlingPlayer with the beta or release candidate versions of Windows 7 or Internet Explorer 8
If you're running the beta version of Internet Explorer 8 in either Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7, you may encounter unexpected behavior. You may also have problems with the beta version of Windows 7. You may also have problems with the release candidate versions of these products. The finalized, released versions of these products are fine with SlingPlayer 2.0.3 or later.


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