Can I connect Mac Pro via ethernet to Airport Extreme connected wirelessly?

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Can I connect Mac Pro via ethernet to Airport Extreme connected wirelessly?

The challenge: my Mac Pro has had trouble maintaining connection to my wireless network. (Long story; probably interference; I live in NYC). The Mac Pro is on the complete other end of my apartment from the router. I'm attempting to connect the Mac Pro via ethernet but avoid stringing cable across the entire apartment.

I know that an Airport Extreme (a) can connect wirelessly even to a network created by an Airport Express and (b) has ethernet out. But I can't seem to get it to do both at the same time. *I'm wondering if the ethernet out on the Airport Extreme only works if the unit is getting its connection from ethernet in.*

I'm trying:

modem >(via cord)> Airport Express base station >(wirelessly)> Airport Extreme joining >(via cord)> Mac Pro.

When I do this, and set the IP manually on the Mac Pro, it doesn't connect to the internet. In Network Diagnostics, I get green lights on Ethernet, Network Settings, and ISP, but red lights on Internet and Server.

I know the wireless network is working because my laptop connects fine and both units are green and show up in Airport Utility. Help!

several, Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, iPhone

Posted on Jan 9, 2011 6:58 PM

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Answer 1

Jan 9, 2011 7:15 PM in response to Matt-D-

I'm attempting to connect the Mac Pro via ethernet but avoid stringing cable across the entire apartment.

You might consider making the AirPort Extreme your "main" router and then using a pair of ethernet powerline adapters to provide an ethernet signal where you need it. These devices use the AC wiring to provide an ethernet signal over the powerline. Faster than wireless and no wireless interference issues.

I'm wondering if the ethernet out on the Airport Extreme only works if the unit is getting its connection from ethernet in.

That's correct. If both your AirPort Express and the AirPort Extreme are 802.11"n" versions, you can use the "extend a wireless network feature" instead...and the ethernet ports will be enabled on the AirPort Extreme.

Or oddly, if you have an AirPort Express 802.11n version, you can configure it to "join" a wireless network and the ethernet port can be enabled. So, maybe reverse the AirPort Express and AirPort Extreme and try it that way.

The downside to doing this is that your "ethernet" signal is only going to be as good as your wireless signal. All you are doing is converting a wireless signal to ethernet.

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