I wanted to connect a non-wireless device (an Xbox 360) to a spare AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBS) via ethernet cable, then join the Airport Extreme to an existing wireless network created by a non-Apple (D-Link) wireless router. After much searching, it appears that the ethernet ports on the AEBS will not function when the AWD is connected to a wireless network created by a non-Apple device, such as a D-Link wireless router.
But, I was able to find lots of useful links, which I’ve posted here for future reference.
Default AirPort Base Station passwords are “public.”
Resetting an AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule FAQ (with pictures of the different models)
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3728
AirPort Utility 5.5.3 for Windows
Post Date: June 14, 2011
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1391
Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme Base Station Firmware Update 7.5.1
Post Date: March 31, 2010
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL965
AirPort Extreme Firmware Update 5.7 for Windows (AirPort Extreme 802.11g – drop shaped)
Post Date: January 03, 2006
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL411
All about Time Capsule, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Express base station firmware updates
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1218
To download and install any available firmwares on your AWD, simply open AirPort Utility. An alert indicates that an update is available (if one is). Click the Update button. If you are updating more than one base station, click Show Details to select the base stations you want to update.
AirPort + Time Capsule (General support page)
http://www.apple.com/support/airport/
Using the AirPort Admin Utility to create a WDS network with multiple base stations
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4262
AirPort Extreme Base Station Setup Guide
http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/airportextremebasestationsetupguide.pdf
AirPort: Slow 802.11n connection speed when connected using older WEP or WPA security mechanisms
(Use WPA2 Personal authentication)
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3361
Caution: For 2010 the reference to Airport Admin for WDS (HT2044) is way out of date compared to the actual procedure that you will be told by Apple Support when you call in. This is due to newer hardware and newer firmware since the info was posted on their website in 2008.
It is no longer necessary to go into Manual Mode to “extend” a network. The “extend” process actually creates a WDS for you without even mentioning it in the screens that are now available.