Two AE's: Using Bridge Mode on AE2 to Bridge Connection to Wireless Network Created by AE1

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Two AE's: Using Bridge Mode on AE2 to Bridge Connection to Wireless Network Created by AE1

I have two AirPort Extremes, version 1354...

I have one (AE1) functioning as a router for both wired and wireless connected to a cable modem. It works great.

I have a office remote from this location where I have a couple workstations and network printer. I would like to connect them together via wired ethernet, and have that wired ethernet bridged to AE1 via a second AE, AE2 wirelessly. I have this currently working with a Trendnet TEW-638APB, but it is flakey and I like Apple reliability.

I have followed the directions here...and searched the forum.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/1190622?answerId=5621465022#5621465022

I can connect wirelessly, but when I plug a laptop with wired ethernet into the back of AE2, I get not connection(I turned off airport to force ethernet).

I have AE2 in wireless bridge mode. I have AE1 set to "Allow Network to be Extended".

Lights on AE1 and AE2 are both green and I can see both fine with airport utility.

Both are updated to latest firmware.

Can I not use the ethernet ports on the AE2 and connect in the way I am looking to do?

I thank you in advance for any help you could provide.

Posted on Apr 25, 2011 5:02 PM

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Answer 1

Bob Timmons

Level 10

185,534 points

Apr 25, 2011 5:17 PM in response to cakemonster

If AE 1 is set to "Allow this network to be extended", then AE2 can be setup in two different ways to enable the ethernet port.

I am assuming here that AE 2 is a newer 802.11"n" version of the product, correct? If you are not sure, look for the model number on the side of the device. Model No A 1264 is what you need.

1) If you need more wireless coverage, setup AE 2 to "extend a wireless network". The ethernet port is automatically enabled in this configuration.

2) If you only need an ethernet connection at AE 2, set it up to "join a wireless network" and enter a check mark next to "Enable ethernet clients" in Manual Setup.

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Answer 2

cakemonster Author

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Apr 25, 2011 6:04 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Thank You. AE2 was actually already working using "Allow this network to be Extended", I was checking the on a MBP that was somehow not seeing the internet briefly. I was getting an IP the whole time by ethernet so I couldn't figure out what was going on...Eventually Safari figured it out...

I realized this because my desktop was working connected to a hub that was connected to AE2.

Is there any downside to "Extend a Wireless Network" being on if you don't need it?

I don't see a regular "Join a wireless network" under Airport/Wireless Wireless Model

Am I missing something?

Just for reference I have the 1354 model...which I believe is the latest, but maybe wikipedia is wrong...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airport_Extreme

Again, thank you. I bet this will be helpful for many more folks...

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Answer 3

Bob Timmons

Level 10

185,534 points

Apr 25, 2011 6:03 PM in response to cakemonster

Ah, was thinking AirPort Express when I saw AE and did not read your model numbers carefully.

Apple does not make it easy....

Apple abbreviates the AirPort Extreme as AEBS and the AirPort Express as AX

Glad you got things figured out.

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