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I have a Dual-Band N (2.4 & 5 GHz) router (Linksys E3000). My mac and other computers in my house connect to the 5 GHz and my iPhone (4S) connects to the 2.4 (because it cannot connect to a 5 GHz network).

I have an Airport Express (with speakers connected) that is connected to the 2.4 GHz network so that I can play songs from my iPhone. I thought that I will not be able to play songs from iTunes on my Mac. To my surprise iTunes is able to discover the speakers on the Airport even though the mac is not connected to the 2.4Ghz network at all. (Confirmed this from iTunes on a PC as well)

Does iTunes establish its own connection? Is there any other trick involved?

Nivas
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Two things to consider. First, the fact that you are using two different frequencies is only relevant if you have configured networking in such a way that 2.4GHz is one network, and 5GHz is another network. Otherwise the fact that you are using two different frequencies is like having a cable connection and a WiFi connection. Cabled and wireless networks can still see each other if they are in the same LOGICAL network.

Second, iTunes uses Bonjour (as does the speaker function on the AirPort Express). The only time you will run into these devices not being able to see each other is if they are on a separate logical network (VLAN, VPN, routed, etc...). JUST being on two different frequencies in WiFi does NOT put them on a separate logical network.

Everett
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