i've changed broadband, now need to hook up my AEX again..

ok here goes..

my AEX is currently connected to my router via ethernet, my laptop is connected to my router, and all is well.

now, when i remove the ethernet cable from the chain, i can still use spotify in offline mode, i don't have internet, but i can utilise the AEX.

so i assume that the AEX is feeding me the broadband via the router (i did select "replace an existing network in airport utility")

now what i'm wondering is this..

if the ethernet cable was removed, can the AEX still do what it was doing? (once configured) i presume it would then be a kind of router/wireless hub itself, relaying data between router and laptop?

anyone?

I don't see the option 'replace an existing network' in my Airport Utility.

I can choose between:

-create a wireless network

-participate in WDS network

-join a wireless network

-extend a wireless network

I suppose you have chosen to create a wireless network. This means that effectively you now have two wireless networks: the one created by your router/modem and the one created by the AEX. When you unplug the ethernet you disrupt the internet signal from your router/modem and Spotify will not work online.

By not joining the AEX with your router/modem by either ethernet or wireless the AEX won't have internet connectivity.

If you want to have setup working you have to connect the AEX and your router/modem. If you use the AEX as a separate wireless network you can only send stuff from your computer that's locally stored.

Maybe I have misunderstood you but does your router/modem have the option of creating a wireless network? If not, you need the ethernet cable between the router/modem and the AEX. If yes simply join the existing network and you can get rid of the ethernet cable.

At a friend's place I have installed an Apple Time Capsule. I have created a new wireless network because the wifi section of the router/modem is not working properly anymore. The Time Capsule is connected by ethernet cable to the router/modem. Her computers are connected wirelessly to the network (making Time Machine backups too), so is a wireless printer and an Airport Express in the living room near the stereo. Her iPhone is connected too and used as a remote control for iTunes. 

Because all her gear complies to the 5G standard I set it up as 5G only network so there is no interference of any of the networks in her neighborhood.

I have taken my Airport Express to one of our relatives in the UK. He has cable internet from Virgin. I connect the cable modem to the AEX and create a wireless network when were staying with him.

The AEX is a wonderful and versatile gadget.