ATT Uverse

The only way to do this is establish a direct wired Ethernet connection from one of the LAN <-> ports on the 2-Wire gateway to the WAN port (circle of dots icon) on the AirPort Extreme.

Then configure the AirPort Extreme using AirPort Utility to "create a wireless network" and select the "Bridge Mode" option when AirPort Utility suggests that configuration.

You will probably want to turn off the wireless function of the 2-Wire since two wireless networks in close proximity can create interference issues.

Turning off the wireless function on the 2-Wire will require that you access the setup pages for the device...probably by entering a default IP address into your browser like 192.168.1.254, for example. Check your documentation on the 2-Wire for the default IP address to be used for that purpose.

I was working fine with my uverse gigapower service and my Apple Airport Extreme in bridge mode as described by Bob. However, now I want to extend my Apple's wireless network to improve coverage in our front bedroom. If I extend the network wirelessly everything works and the 2nd Extreme in my bedroom is able to extend the wireless coverage. However, if I try to connect the 2nd Apple Airport Extreme in my bedroom via an ethernet cable to the 1st AE it kills my Internet connection. Both AE's are in bridge mode.

Why would the 2nd AE work if it extends wirelessly, but if I connect it via Ethernet it kills my Internet.

Probably because you have the 2nd AirPort set up to "Extend a wireless network", which means that it must receive a wireless connection from the first AirPort.

If you do have the 2nd AirPort set up to "Extend", and you then connect an Ethernet cable device to the network, that will create a huge feedback loop which effectively crashes the network.

The 2nd AirPort must be set up to "Create a wireless network" when an Ethernet connection is used.

Bob,

Thanks for the info. I created a 2nd network but called it the same as my primary network downstairs and used the same password. This seems to be working great thus far now that I created a 2nd one using the same name.

Thanks

Nice work. Now you know how to to extend a network using Ethernet.