jamsoccer12
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Is it possible to use an Airport Extreme router with AT&T 2Wire modem/router?

My AT&T 2Wire modem/router does not have great range, speed, or compatibility with my Macbook and iMac.  I bought an Apple Airport Extreme to try to remedy my problem, however, I did not realize it was purely a router.  Is it possible to use the 2Wire modem/router as just a pure modem and connect it to the Airport Extreme?  Would it be more beneficial to purchase a new modem that does not have wireless functionality?  I have looked at previous posts but couldn't find any definite answers.  Any help will be GREATLY appreciated!!  Thanks!

AirPort Extreme 802.11n (5th Gen)

Posted on May 28, 2012 2:29 PM

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jamsoccer12

Q: Is it possible to use an Airport Extreme router with AT&T 2Wire modem/router?

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  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax May 28, 2012 2:44 PM in response to jamsoccer12
    Level 9 (54,901 points)
    Wireless
    May 28, 2012 2:44 PM in response to jamsoccer12

    If your overall goal was to use the AirPort Extreme to extend the wireless range of your 2Wire gateway device, you can still do so with a roaming network configuration. Note, however, this type of extended network will require that both routers be inteconnected by Ethernet.

     

    Your other options, as some that you already mentioned, would be to replace the 2Wire with a dedicated Broadband modem, and then, use the Extreme as your main wireless router. If you still need to extend its wireless range, you can get an AirPort Express and configure them for an extended network.

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons May 28, 2012 2:45 PM in response to jamsoccer12
    Level 10 (105,438 points)
    Wireless
    May 28, 2012 2:45 PM in response to jamsoccer12

    The easiest route to take here would be to simply turn off the wireless function on the 2-Wire modem/router and then configure the AirPort Extreme in Bridge Mode to provide a dual band wireless network.

     

    If the 2-Wire performance shortcomings are the result of other wireless interference issues at your location, unfortunately the AirPort Extreme may not perform any better, wireless wise.  It's not possible to know things like this in advance....more of a case of you won't know until you try.

     

    In theory, it might be possible to configure the 2-Wire product as a simple modem...but I doubt that AT&T would be willing to tell you how to do this or provide support in the event of problems.

     

    It's getting to be hard to find a simple DSL modem these days, and even if you do, it will have to be re-configured as a Bridge to work correctly with the AirPort Extreme, so that complicates things as well.