Verizon DSL and Airport Extreme

No, since Verizon povides a gateway device (combination modem/router) with their service, the Verizon device would have to be the "main" router and the AirPort Extreme could be configured as a "bridge".

It might be possible to configure the Version gateway to perform as a simple bridge modem, in which case the AirPort Extreme could be configured as the main router.

You would need to check with Verizon to see 1) whether this is even possible and 2) whether Verizon will support that type of setup

Bob Timmons wrote:

No, since Verizon povides a gateway device (combination modem/router) with their service, the Verizon device would have to be the "main" router and the AirPort Extreme could be configured as a "bridge".

A fine point, but this isn't universally true ... if you have Verizon set you up with a wireless network then they may (likely) provide you with a gateway device to replace your modem, but if the existing wi-fi network was set up without Verizon's involvement then the original DSL modem could still be in use (this was how my network was done, before leaving Verizon). If that is the case then the AirPort could serve as the router in place of whatever router is already being used.

But even if Verizon provided a gateway device, there's nothing stopping you from going back to a regular DSL modem and using AirPort as your router. Of course you'd have to involve Verizon at some level since a new modem would need to be configured to communicate to their network, but once that's done you're on your own on your side of the modem.

Thanks. I'm currently operating my new Airport Extreme in bridge mode through my verizon modem/router. What I'd like to do is simply use the airport as my both modem and router which, my apologies, I didn't make clear ini my first post.

The AirPort does not funtion as a modem, so you'll have to either stick with your current configuration or change your Verizon modem/router to just a DSL modem (in which case you'd take your AirPort out of bridge mode).

Thanks for the clarification. Thought that might be the case.

Your Verizon gateway combines both modem and router functions in a single unit.

The AirPort Extreme is a router only....no modem on board....so it must be used with a very simple DSL "bridge" modem....if you want the AirPort Extreme to be able to perform as the "main" router on the network.

Or, the AirPort Extreme can be used with a modem/router or gateway device. In this case, the AirPort Extreme must be configured as a "bridge". If you did not do this, you would have two routers on the same network, which will almost always cause problems.

As I mentioned previously, it might be possible to configure your gateway device to function as a simple modem. Some gateways will allow this and some will not.

If Verizon provided you with the gateway, they might be able to tell you whether it is possible to configure this device as a simple bridge modem. And if that were the case, would they help you with this and provide support in the event of difficulties?

If the gateway cannot be configured as a simple bridge modem, then perhaps Verizon has a simple bridge modem that could be used with their service, which would allow the AirPort Exreme to function as the main router on the network.

Sure, you can try to go it alone as user rockmyplimsoul notes in his post. It might work.

But, which modem to buy? Chances are if you will still have to modify or configure the modem that you choose to operate as the "bridge" that you need.

I prefer to offer advice to users that will be supported by their service providers in case of Internet connection difficulties. If you try an "xyz modem", and have difficulties, I doubt that Verizon will offer any assistance.

Bottom line.....for most users who have a gateway device, there will be fewer problems if they use the gateway as provided and configure any other routers on the network in "bridge mode".

That being said, we'll try to help as much as possible if you want to try another route.

Thanks guys. Luckily I have one of the Verizon preferred gateway devices and the instrutions to switch it to bridge mode are fairly simple. Hope this strengthens the signal. Right now we're not getting a signal in the basement or in the other end of our meager bungalow. Sigh, we always want faster, bigger, better ...