kat.hayes

Q: Using Airport Extreme N as a hub?

I just moved into a new place that already had a Cisco router set up, though it does not have enough ports and neither does my Airport Extreme N or my Airport Express. We need at least 5 ports and the devices only have 4.

 

Is there some way to connect my Airport Extreme N to the Cisco router to be able to use it as a hub and get more ports?

 

Thanks.

Posted on Jan 14, 2012 8:39 AM

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Q: Using Airport Extreme N as a hub?

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  • by Tesserax,Helpful

    Tesserax Tesserax Jan 14, 2012 2:17 PM in response to kat.hayes
    Level 9 (54,344 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 14, 2012 2:17 PM in response to kat.hayes

    Yes, you can use your AirPort's built-in Ethernet switch to provide additional Ethernet ports for your Cisco router. If you only want to use the Extreme as an Ethernet switch, then you just need to configure the Extreme for the following:

    • Bridge Mode: AirPort Utility > Select the Extreme > Manual Setup > Internet > Internet Connection tab > Connection Sharing: Off (Bridge Mode)
    • Ethernet switch only: AirPort Utility > Select the Extreme > Manual Setup > AirPort > Wireless tab > Wireless Mode: Off

    Making both configuration settings will disable the AirPort's routing and wireless access point functions, leaving it as an Ethernet switch. You then would just need to connect a single Ethernet drop cable between one of the available LAN ports on the Cisco router and any of the Ethernet ports on the Extreme.

  • by kat.hayes,

    kat.hayes kat.hayes Jan 14, 2012 8:41 PM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Jan 14, 2012 8:41 PM in response to Tesserax

    Pardon my ignorance, though the Airport Extreme is not currently setup. I am using Snow Leopard.

     

    1. How do I access all of the options to configure it?

    2. Which port would I need to connect an ethernet cable from the Cisco router into the Airport Extreme? Does it matter?

     

    Thanks!!!

  • by Tesserax,Helpful

    Tesserax Tesserax Jan 14, 2012 10:18 PM in response to kat.hayes
    Level 9 (54,344 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 14, 2012 10:18 PM in response to kat.hayes

    1. How do I access all of the options to configure it?

    You administer the AirPort by using the AirPort Utility. I actually provided the basic steps of using the utility to make the setting changes.

     

    2. Which port would I need to connect an ethernet cable from the Cisco router into the Airport Extreme? Does it matter?

    Again, as I mentioned, you would connect a single Ethernet cable between the Cisco and ANY of the Ethernet ports on the Extreme. In bridge mode, all the Ethernet ports are the same.

  • by kat.hayes,

    kat.hayes kat.hayes Jan 23, 2012 7:49 PM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Jan 23, 2012 7:49 PM in response to Tesserax

    I'm just now getting around to doing this.

     

    1.) Is there any reason to assign a password and security to the Extreme if it is only being used in Bridge Mode? What about a network name?

     

    2.) When I want to use it as a wireless router again, would I just reset it using a paperclip in the back?

     

    Thanks!

  • by Tesserax,Solvedanswer

    Tesserax Tesserax Jan 23, 2012 9:11 PM in response to kat.hayes
    Level 9 (54,344 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 23, 2012 9:11 PM in response to kat.hayes

    1.) Is there any reason to assign a password and security to the Extreme if it is only being used in Bridge Mode? What about a network name?

    No for either. Remember we disabled the wireless radio so neither would be required.

     

    2.) When I want to use it as a wireless router again, would I just reset it using a paperclip in the back?

    Yes, that would be the easiest way to get it back to its default configuration of a wireless router.

  • by TraceGhost,

    TraceGhost TraceGhost Jan 24, 2012 9:28 AM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 24, 2012 9:28 AM in response to Tesserax

    To Tesserax:

    I had a question about setting up a network that is wired and wireless, but nobody responded. If I can fix this myself, I don't have to bug anyone again. Thank you for your help.

     

    -T

  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax Jan 24, 2012 10:11 AM in response to TraceGhost
    Level 9 (54,344 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 24, 2012 10:11 AM in response to TraceGhost

    I would recommend that you start a new post. Describe what your networking goals are and list the current make & models of your networking equipment: modem, routers, etc.

     

    I or others will be happy to help you.

     

    Thx!