Apple Airport Extremes and Virgin Media Hub - internet / network setup Help!

Hi all,


Joining VM as a new customer (UK). A little networking background. Wanted to get peoples thoughts please on this setup and that it is the right / preferred method to ensure all goes well??


I've made the image to best outline it - VM as router (no wifi) > APE Base (wifi and ethernet) > Bridge mode from APE Base to APE Extension. APE's responsible for WIFI.


Is it right to use the WAN ports as I have? Or best to use ethernets - colour coded if that helps!


Thanks in advance! 🙂 


https://ibb.co/BqfT1dY

Posted on Jan 21, 2021 2:42 AM

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Posted on Jan 21, 2021 4:57 AM

Great illustration! Everything looks good as far as the wiring and ports.


If you turn off the WiFi on the VM Hub, that does not mean that the device will be in "modem mode". It will still be operating as a wired DHCP and NAT router.......unless......there is a separate setting on the VM Hub that would allow it to function as only as a modem, and not a router.


If the VM Hub is acting as a router, then you have APAE1 also acting as a router......unless......APAE1 will be set up in Bridge Mode. If it is not, you will have two devices acting as routers when you only want to have one device acting as a router on a network. With two routers.....the VM Hub and APAE1......,you will have what is known as a Double NAT error displayed when you set up APAE1.


Fortunately, Apple's set up software will usually detect this and automatically configure APAE1 in Bridge Mode, even though you may not be aware of this.


Double NAT reduces the efficiency on a network and can create some issues since you will have two devices trying to assign IP addresses to network clients instead of only one, which would be the standard set up for a network.


If the VM Hub cannot be configured to act as only a simple modem, and it must remain configured as a router, then both APAE1 and APAE2 will need to configured in Bridge Mode, which Apple calls "Off (Bridge Mode)", just to try to confuse users.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 21, 2021 4:57 AM in response to mrjb73

Great illustration! Everything looks good as far as the wiring and ports.


If you turn off the WiFi on the VM Hub, that does not mean that the device will be in "modem mode". It will still be operating as a wired DHCP and NAT router.......unless......there is a separate setting on the VM Hub that would allow it to function as only as a modem, and not a router.


If the VM Hub is acting as a router, then you have APAE1 also acting as a router......unless......APAE1 will be set up in Bridge Mode. If it is not, you will have two devices acting as routers when you only want to have one device acting as a router on a network. With two routers.....the VM Hub and APAE1......,you will have what is known as a Double NAT error displayed when you set up APAE1.


Fortunately, Apple's set up software will usually detect this and automatically configure APAE1 in Bridge Mode, even though you may not be aware of this.


Double NAT reduces the efficiency on a network and can create some issues since you will have two devices trying to assign IP addresses to network clients instead of only one, which would be the standard set up for a network.


If the VM Hub cannot be configured to act as only a simple modem, and it must remain configured as a router, then both APAE1 and APAE2 will need to configured in Bridge Mode, which Apple calls "Off (Bridge Mode)", just to try to confuse users.

Jan 21, 2021 11:38 AM in response to mrjb73

With this in mind, I will be able to run as designed?


Yes you will, since the separate setting for "Modem Mode" that you mention should allow the Hub to function as a simple modem.


I am correct in thinking "WAN = Input" "LAN = Output" even in this setup?


As a general rule, yes. But, when a router is configured to operate in Bridge Mode, there really is no WAN port, they all become LAN ports, so you can use any port that you wish on the Bridge Mode AirPort.







Jan 21, 2021 5:16 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Bob, thank you so much!


Okay, to confirm, the VM Hub can be put into a "Modem mode" (1 port is left active on the VM hub)


------------------

Hub 3 or Hub 4 

  • Enabling modem mode allows you to connect your own WiFi kit to the Hub 3 or Hub 4
  • It effectively becomes a stand-alone DOCSIS3 cable modem

Note: Once in Modem Mode, the IP address you use to access the Hub changes from 192.168.0.1 to 192.168.100.1.

------------------


With this in mind, I will be able to run as designed? And totally agree the double NAT issue is a big no!


I am correct in thinking "WAN = Input" "LAN = Output" even in this setup?

thank you! :)

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Apple Airport Extremes and Virgin Media Hub - internet / network setup Help!

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