WAN Port as LAN Port

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Level 1

8 points

WAN Port as LAN Port

Hello all,

I just reconfigured my network which consists of 2 AEBS's (a Fast Ethernet model and a Dual-band model.) The AEBS Dual-band (DB) is the main router, and connected to the cable modem. The AEBS Fast Ethernet (FE) extends the 802.11n network from the AEBS-DB. In my haste, I unknowingly connected my Xbox to WAN port of the AEBS-FE. But, the Xbox is able to connect to Xbox Live. So, is the WAN port working as a LAN port in this configuration? Is it okay to keep it this way? Thanks!

MacBook Pro (2.4 GHz C2D) | Mac OS X (10.6.1) | iPhone 3G[S]

Posted on Oct 25, 2010 9:32 AM

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Answer 1

Jolly Giant

Level 7

25,464 points

Oct 25, 2010 9:39 AM in response to MJedi

MJedi wrote:
So, is the WAN port working as a LAN port in this configuration?

if the extreme configured as a bridge (connection sharing = off (bridge mode)), all of the ports operate as an ethernet switch.

Is it okay to keep it this way?

yes.

J GG

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Answer 2

MJedi Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 25, 2010 9:46 AM in response to Jolly Giant

Jolly Giant wrote:

MJedi wrote:
So, is the WAN port working as a LAN port in this configuration?

if the extreme configured as a bridge (connection sharing = off (bridge mode)), all of the ports operate as an ethernet switch.

Yes, it is configured as a bridge.

That information would've been helpful to know if the manual stated as such. For a long time, I thought I couldn't use that WAN port for anything but a cable or DSL modem. Glad I found out by accident and got verified here. 🙂

Is it okay to keep it this way?

yes.

Good to know. Thanks!

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Answer 3

Stevies3

Level 1

0 points

Oct 25, 2010 10:38 AM in response to MJedi

Just curious, how did you set up both of your Airport Extreme's? I'd like to do the dame thing but I have a FIOS modem as my first device. I'm not sure how to setup the two......

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Answer 4

Oct 25, 2010 10:53 AM in response to Stevies3

Just curious, how did you set up both of your Airport Extreme's? I'd like to do the dame thing but I have a FIOS modem as my first device. I'm not sure how to setup the two.....

The two devices mentioned in the original post are both Apple products. The "extend" configuration...using wireless only...will only work with Apple devices. The feature is not compatible with other manufacturers products.

If you can connect your router to the FIOS modem/router using a permanent ethernet connection between them, you have the option to setup the second device as a "bridge" and all the ethernet ports will active in this type of configuration. Post back if you need more details.

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Answer 5

Stevies3

Level 1

0 points

Oct 25, 2010 11:11 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Should have been more specific, I have a FIOS modem hooked up to my Apple Extreme, FIOS LAN to the WAN port of the extreme. Problem is the Airport Extreme will only work in bridge mode. I'd like to extend the reach of the N side......

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Answer 6

Oct 25, 2010 11:28 AM in response to Stevies3

Thanks for clarification. Bridge Mode is the correct setup for the AirPort Extreme.

Is the FIOS capable of "n" operation?

If you setup the AirPort Extreme to create a wireless network using exactly the same wireless network name, security and password as your FIOS network, you would create what is known as a roaming network. Computers will automatically connect to the closest wireless access point in this type of configuration.

But, it would not provide much help if the FIOS and Extreme are located close together now. If you have them separated, this would be an effective way to create one large wireless network.

The tricky part about this using two different manufacturers, is that the security settings must match exactly. If they don't, you'll have two networks, not the one "roaming" network that you desire.

If you set the FIOS to WPA2 Personal for security, that should match up with the AirPort Extreme. Other settings become more experimental to find compatibility.

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Answer 7

MJedi Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 25, 2010 12:16 PM in response to Stevies3

Is the FIOS modem also used as a wireless router? If you make the Airport Extreme the "main router" you can then use it to create a wireless network. Enable the option to allow this network to be extended. Then on the other Airport Extreme, configure its wireless settings to extend the network you setup on the first Airport.

Hope that makes sense.

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Answer 8

Stevies3

Level 1

0 points

Oct 25, 2010 12:57 PM in response to Bob Timmons

My FIOS router does not have N capabilities... Wireless is turned off, Just using the Extreme configured as new wireless network, But only works in bridge mode, Wont communcate with FIOS router if turned on.

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Answer 9

MJedi Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 25, 2010 1:56 PM in response to Stevies3

So the FIOS modem is also a router.

I think these will work while keeping the Airport as a bridge:

- In Airport Utility, select the Airport that is connected to the FIOS modem, then click the Manual Setup button.
- Select the Wireless tab, and for Wireless Mode, choose "Create a wireless network."
- Enter all the information and take note of the Wireless Network Name and Wireless Security.
- Check the box to "Allow this network to be extended."
- Click the Update button to send the changes.
- Select the other Airport and click the Manual Setup button.
- Select the Wireless tab, and for Wireless Mode, choose "Extend a wireless network."
- In the Wireless Network Name, choose the wireless network you created in the first Airport. Enter the correct security settings.
- Click the Update button to send the changes.

Hope this helps.

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