Airport Extreme and 2Wire Uverse

I have Mountain Lion and the same problems... now what?

Hello Bob,

I am 25 years Microsoft OS user switching to APPLE computing (already have iPhone and iPad for long time). So you can imagine I spent lots of money for hardware already. Just bought MAC Pro, Airport Extreme, HP Envy 120 printer. I have 2Wire 3800 HGV-B, 2 story townhome, internet ready TV (Sony), Uverse internet Turbo (per ATT download speeds 18-24 Mbs) I bought Airport Extreme since I am having issues with wireless internet connection and also to connect my TVs etc. Uverse technician is coming to my place today to check the 2Wire Gateway (maybe it's broken since I get speeds like 1.3 or max 9.7 Mbs) and spent hours on the phone with ATT support. As I will need to set-up Airport Extreme (I was told in Apple store to use the iPad app) I am wondering whether I should use my MAC Pro app or iPad app. ATT generally would "blame" the computer for slow connections. Sorry for my ignorance, but I am really new to MAC OS. I want to have a good wireless signal and I have to have the Envy 120 printer, 2Wire router and Airport Extreme upstairs, but ability work wirelessly downstairs. (Townhome is small - 1200 sft). Thank you for your help and support.

As I will need to set-up Airport Extreme (I was told in Apple store to use the iPad app) I am wondering whether I should use my MAC Pro app or iPad app.

Your call.

The MacBook Pro will already have the AirPort Utility application installed. If you have not already done so, download and install AirPort Utility for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad on the iTunes App Store for the iPad.

Thank you very much. I will follow your instructions on setting it up first. Next I believe I should install the HP Envy 120 for MAC Pro and only after that I will install the printer for my Windows 7 Laptop (I have to use the Windows based laptop for work - most of the companies I work at will not accept Apple OS on their network (I work with SAP business systems, except Apple Company since they run on SAP system).

Thank you for your help.

Hi Bob, I have a very similar question if you would be so kind to help. I've read through many of your forum posts, and while they're all very helpful, my situation seems a bit different than this one.

I currently have a 2Wire (3801HGV) with Uverse. Being on the opposite side of the house, the signal is quite weak in my room and my Apple devices (MBP, iPhone5, iPad Retina, AppleTV) are pretty fickle about staying connected no matter where I am, especially the AppleTV when streaming or using Airplay. I purchased an Airport Extreme (as well as an Airport Express). I want to connect the Airport Extreme to the 2Wire and ultimately make it the sole wireless signal/network for the house (i.e. fashion the 2wire to act like a modem, I suppose by disabling its wireless capabilities?).

My confusion stems from not having a detailed walkthrough in:

1.) Making the proper changes on the 2Wire gateway to allow this setup

2.) Configuring the Airport Extreme via Airport Utility v6.2 (in contrast to what you have posted in this thread), or alternatively using AirPort Utility on my iPhone 5 or iPad Retina?

3.) Any anticipated issues with setting up the Airport Express after completing these steps

I apologize if I missed any of your previous posts concerning a setup like this, but I have spent hours online looking for a detailed walkthrough! Your help would be greatly appreciated. Please feel free to message me, start a new thread, etc if necessary. Thanks in advance, Bob!

I have it set up in Bridge mode, but it must not be correct because everything works fine, but the wireless connection is VERY slow. I did a speedtest and I am getting >1mb of download. Under the 2Wire wireless I have at least 18mb of download speed. I've tried a number of different settings and I have also opened the Airport extreme to DMZ mode on the 2Wire router, but nothing has increased the speed any. Does anyone have any thoughts?

Hi Bob...I have followed your instructions with success in connecting my AirPort Extreme to the Uverse 2wire gateway. I have cat 5 running thru the house and want to extend the wireless to the far corners of my home. I have an additional AirPort Extreme...what is the most optimal solution? Could I connect via one of my network ports and once again set the second AE as a bridge ? Or do I set up to extend the existing wireless as a bridge.

Thanks in advance and look forward to your response.

Best to start a new post for this.

We don't know what model of AirPort Extreme you might have.....or.....what operating system you are using on the computer that will be used to configure the second AirPort.

Bob,

I followed the steps to a tee and after third time got it to work. So the Airport is listed as a network and it certainly does work. I am not good with computers so I am not sure what I did and what the implications are on anything else I have but I followed the steps and now have the airport working with the Att uverse modem.

Problem for me is that it works when sitting next to ATT 2wire which is located in our playroom on the right side of our house. I want internet in my bedroom on the far left side of my house. I tried to move the airport and connect via USB to an ATT uverse tv box that has a network port but was unsuccessful. The USB is int eh circle port on the Airport and the network port on the tv box. Any suggestions on this?

If there is not a solution to help my range of service, I am wondering if I even need the Airport or what its purpose is.

Thanks

The AirPort needs to connect to the 2-Wire modem using an Ethernet connection, just as you configured it originally.

You can locate the Airport virtually any distance away from the 2-Wire that you need, since an Ethernet cable will support a signal with no loss up to over 300 feet or about 100 meters.

Although I do not recommend them, some users have reported that a pair of Ethernet powerline adapters have allowed them to send an Ethernet signal over the existing AC powerlines in their homes. The theory with Ethernet over powerline is that you already have the wiring in place, you just need the adapters.

Having tried this a few times, I would point out that the theory does not always work in a real world installation.

Unfortunately, if you are not able to connect the AirPort to the 2-Wire gateway using an Ethernet connection, then it really is of no current use to you.

Hi,

Is there any way to use the 2wire JUST as a modem and disable all of its other features?

I.E., I would like to use my Apple Extreme for Port Forwarding, NAT, DNCP, etc., and use the 2wire just as a modem.

Is this possible?

I've turned off wireless on the 2wire, but thats all it did, its still the device handling DHCP, etc.

Thanks,

a.

Is this possible?

Sorry, but no. See answer to your other post.

Bob:

My Uverse install is in a couple of hours from now on 08/20/13.

In your Apple Extreme instructions on

Jan 8, 2013 7:07 PM(in response to Austin C)

you detail settings not available under the new AE "ac" router and I can't find any discussion on this.

Is the router smart enought to self configure with an ethernet cable to the WAN port?

Hey Bob,

Been doing a lot of reading on how to do the processes you are mentioning. Amazingly helpful, except one point. I ONLY have mountain lion. Any other workable solutions? I get the message "No configured AirPort base stations have been found. Airport Utility will coninue searching."