I currently have an Airport Express (AX) that's about 4 years old (version with the removable plug). My setup is cable->modem->router (with Xbox attached)->AX (with sound system and printer attached). My AX puts out wi-fi for the house, and my Mac mini sends AirPlay back to the AX. The wi-fi is not great, so I was thinking about upgrading the router.
I looked at the Airport Extreme, but it's a bit pricey, so I was considering a non-Mac brand. I read that my AX will not be able to extend the range of a non-Mac router, which I would like to do.
Am I correct in thinking that a new router should increase signal range and strength for my wi-fi? Can the AX be used for AirPlay and printing if my network is from a non-Mac router? (I assumed yes, since the Airplay is coming from my mini, not the router.) If I then needed to extend the router's range in my house (upstairs, etc.) could I get another non-Mac router to do this? It seems like this would still be cheaper than an Airport Extreme and another AX (since the Extreme can't be used for AirPlay).
Thanks for the help, I have not done much networking in my house other than getting my AX working, so I don't even know what I would look for in a non-Mac router!
Brian
I looked at the Airport Extreme, but it's a bit pricey, so I was considering a non-Mac brand. I read that my AX will not be able to extend the range of a non-Mac router, which I would like to do.
Am I correct in thinking that a new router should increase signal range and strength for my wi-fi? Can the AX be used for AirPlay and printing if my network is from a non-Mac router? (I assumed yes, since the Airplay is coming from my mini, not the router.) If I then needed to extend the router's range in my house (upstairs, etc.) could I get another non-Mac router to do this? It seems like this would still be cheaper than an Airport Extreme and another AX (since the Extreme can't be used for AirPlay).
Thanks for the help, I have not done much networking in my house other than getting my AX working, so I don't even know what I would look for in a non-Mac router!
Brian