Can an Airport Express work via Ethernet rather than wirelessly?

[netdog]

Hi,

We need to connect two music systems in the house to our network and I was planning to get two Airport Expresses to do the job. As we have ethernet around the house, and like to keep the wireless off except when using laptops, can we connect the AE's via the ethernet port and leave the wireless component of these devices off?

 

[eTip]

Depending on what you mean by "music systems", this may help:

http://support.apple.com/kb/TA21537?viewlocale=en_US

Just out of curiosity, why do you turn wireless off? For security reasons?

 

[netdog]

By music systems, I mean traditional hifi systems, one running a mini to 2 RCA connectors in the receiver and the other running an optical from the AE to the receiver.

I want to turn off the wireless to lessen the levels of electronic smog in the house.

 

[eTip]

By music systems, I mean traditional hifi systems, one running a mini to 2 RCA connectors in the receiver and the other running an optical from the AE to the receiver.

I want to turn off the wireless to lessen the levels of electronic smog in the house.

Sorry, I am still baffled as to what you are trying to do. Maybe I am just thick-headed right now (very possible). Mini as in "Mac mini" or as in mini stereo jack? And connect two "traditional hifi systems" in what way? How many computers (running iTunes) are involved in this, where are they located & how are they connected to the stereos? Maybe if you explained more specifically what you want to accomplish.....

I'm far from naive in this area - I have a Mac Mini running iTunes in my living room connected to my TV & Stereo. I stream music from the Mini (through iTunes) to a) my stereo in my office using an ATV1 (wired Ethernet) b) Small powered speakers in my bedroom via an ATV1 (wireless) c) A small stereo in my bathroom via an AE (wireless). In addition, I have an ATV2 hooked up in the living room that can be streamed to/from and my computer in my office runs connected to the stereo in that room directly (via mini stereo jack).

I can also steam FROM any of the ATV’s or the office computer TO any of the ATV's or the AE. Not sure if any of what I have described is what you are trying to do or not....

Also, before you buy AE, an ATV1 can accomplish the same thing - and more - & are going for ~$50 US on eBay.

 

[netdog]

iTunes > Airtunes (Apple Lossless) > 2 Airport Expresses

AE1 > mini stereo jack > 2 RCA jacks > NAD Receiver
AE2 > optical (mini jack) > optical in on 2nd receiver

Just creating two zones of music.

I'd like to stop using wireless and connect via the ethernet port on the AE if that will work, which it seems it will.

 

[eTip]

Ahhh, all clear now. Yep, that should certainly work fine.

 

[newagemac]

iTunes > Airtunes (Apple Lossless) > 2 Airport Expresses

AE1 > mini stereo jack > 2 RCA jacks > NAD Receiver
AE2 > optical (mini jack) > optical in on 2nd receiver

Just creating two zones of music.

I'd like to stop using wireless and connect via the ethernet port on the AE if that will work, which it seems it will.

What you are trying to do is exactly what I'm doing and it works very well. Using wireless is not required and the way you want to do it is actually the preferred setup.

 

[adbe]

I wired my AEs and disabled WiFi in the hope they'd run cooler. Fat chance.

To be fair, I have four in extremely close proximity, and I've never had one crash, but even so, I'd prefer if they weren't heating the entire room quite as effectively as they seem to be.

 

[eTip]

I wired my AEs and disabled WiFi in the hope they'd run cooler. Fat chance.

To be fair, I have four in extremely close proximity, and I've never had one crash, but even so, I'd prefer if they weren't heating the entire room quite as effectively as they seem to be.

My AE gets a bit warm as well but I can cook dinner on my ATV1's!