How do I set up Airport behind a DSL gateway

1. What do you mean "configured in the correct Bridge mode"?

Bridge Mode is the correct setting for the AirPort when it is configured to operate on a network and you already have another router that is providing DHCP and NAT services.

Will I be able to do the same thing if the NAS is connected on the LAN port of the AE (configured in bridge mode)?

Yes, since the Ethernet ports behave the same an Ethernet switch when the AirPort is configured in Bridge Mode. In other words, when the AirPort is configured in Bridge Mode, it simply passes through the DHCP and NAT information to other devices that happen to the connected to the AirPort.

Keep in mind that you will lose the Gigabit Ethernet speed in the link between your modem/router and the AirPort Extreme.....unless your modem router also has Gigabit Ethernet ports.

Ok, perfect, almost there!

And a last question: on my current setting I have connected on the router a SONOS bridge. I control my SONOS player with my iphone while in the wifi network of my home. If I disable the wifi capabilities of the old modem/router and leave only the AE radio on, and hook the SONOS bridge on either the old router or the AE LAN port, will I still be able to "see" my SONOS system (with my iphone connected in the AE's wifi)?

Let me explain why I want to use this configuration:

I want to use the AE's radio because my current router's wifi signal is pathetic (basically that's a major reason I want to buy a AE). On the other hand, since both routers will be in a small room where my office is placed, I don't want to be "toasted" by two radio emmitting devices.

If I disable the wifi capabilities of the old modem/router and leave only the AE radio on, and hook the SONOS bridge on either the old router or the AE LAN port, will I still be able to "see" my SONOS system (with my iphone connected in the AE's wifi)?

I don't have a SONUS here to test, but I would expect it to work connected to either the port on the modem/router or the AirPort. Since the AirPort is in Bridge Mode, everything will be on the same network.

On the other hand, since both routers will be in a small room where my office is placed, I don't want to be "toasted" by two radio emmitting devices.

Good idea. Whenever you have two wireless routers in close proximity, the chances that wireless interference problems may occur are increased. It is always good practice to turn off the wireless on one of the devices in situations like this if you can.

Hi Bob, I don't know if you are an apple employee...

If you are not, respect; for following up the thread and responding so fast!

If you are, congrats to apple for the excellent support provided through the forum. I am still a bit hesitant how the SONOS bridge will behave in this configuration but I 'll give it a try I think. If you have any more information on this topic, please do let me know.

➕➕➕

🙂

Be assured that I have not ever been, am not now, and will never be an Apple employee.

Let us know how the SONUS product is working when you can.

Good luck.

Ok, as promised here is my feedback after purchasing and installing the new AE (2013):

- When plugging it to my main router, it automatically configured itself to "bridge" mode, I didn't have to do anything. This was amazing simple and fast

- As Bob mentioned, the device functions also as a gigabyte switch when in bridge mode. Therefore all my devices (NAS, Sonos player) are working perfectly as they did before. The static IP addresses I had set with these devices (eg the NAS) when connected on the old router are still valid now when connected to the LAN port of AE

- I still have a dead spot in part of my house, as it was with my other router. 😟 I was hoping that the AE with the multiple antenna's etc would cover sufficiently all of the house. The good thing is that at least I can now extend the wifi network if I decide to do so by buying an airport extreme (I doubt I 'll do that though!).

- I had read that when in bridge mode, you cannot use the guest network functionality of AE. However the checkbox to activate the "guest mode" is not "greyed" in the settings. Does this mean I can use it? I haven't tested it yet!

I hope my comments will help people with concerns similar to mine. Once more, I am grateful to Bob Timmons for his responses to my questions.

I had read that when in bridge mode, you cannot use the guest network functionality of AE. However the checkbox to activate the "guest mode" is not "greyed" in the settings. Does this mean I can use it? I haven't tested it yet!

Well, you can enter a check mark in the box and give it a try......but I will be extremely surprised if you can get an Internet connection on the Guest Network.....since this setting is designed to "extend" the guest network that has been created by another "upstream" Apple router.

Please post back with your results if you decide to try this.

Hi Folks,

I switched from a Windows PC to an iMac about a year ago with an AE. I have a Zycel 5000 modem provided by CenturyTel. I recently began having problems logging in wireless devices. I could leave the device and let it keep trying and eventually it would log on. Started poking around and figured out I never set up the wired connection between my iMac and the modem. I have a cable from the WAN AE port to the Zyxel and the iMac plugged into a LAN port on the AE. Apparently I have been using the iMac wireless all this time. I also fired up our old Windows desktop to see if it connected to the modem and it does. It is connected through the AE. The Zycel also has a couple of devices plugged in which work fine. The AE is in Bridge mode. I can log into both the AE and the Zyxel wireless. When I select "Connect LAN" I get a timeout message "Network Connection Could not find a PPPoE server." CenturyTel told me I have a Mac problem. Lastly, I am a novice with the Mac OS. Any help is greatly appreciated.