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Airport Utility - Orange Internet light but green router light....what?

Hello all,

So I recently got an Airport Extreme and hooked it up to my Westell modem (model: C90-610030-06). Innitially I had the router bridging to the modem, but I wanted it the other way around. So I turned the modem on bridge mode and disabled the LAN dhcp (had to do both to get rid of the "double NAT error"). In Airport Utility, I then connected using PPPoE (previously via DHCP but there was an "internet connection" error and switching to PPPoE solved that). And the router is in DHCP and NAT mode. I also added the iMac, that the router is hooked up to via ethernet, to the DHCP reservations.

On the Airport Extreme, the light is green. The Airport Utility shows no errors. However, the light next to where it says "Internet" is orange. At this point, Im confused how to resolve this problem. I've spent so many countless hours resolving the double NAT issue (despite putting the modem on bridge mode) that I am done fiddling around with this.

I realize I might be missing something obvious so ANY help would be appretiated. Ill be glad to give any more relevant info if needed.

Also, I really don't want to go through the hassle of solving my problem any other way than the route I've taken. I realize it might not be the most "efficient" but it's what I need to do.

Airport Extreme-OTHER, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Jan 30, 2013 5:10 PM

Best reply

Bob Timmons

Community+ 2024

Level 10

159,704 points

Posted on Jan 30, 2013 6:46 PM

Bridge Mode on the modem and Connect Using = PPPoE on the AirPort Extreme would be the correct way to configure things if you are using ATT.

You don't mention what service you are using, but most DSL providers would be compatible with the same type of setup.

You may have already done this but it typically takes several modem and router power downs and restarts whenever you are making configuration changes on both the modem and router.

Try powering off the modem, waiting a minute and then restarting. Then do the same with the AirPort Extreme while the modem stays "on".

If that does not work, it might be good idea to set up a temporary or test PPPoE connection on the Mac and see if the modem will work correctly when it is connected directly to the Mac. Post back if you are not sure how to do this.

If things work this way, at least you know the modem is working correctly in Bridge Mode.

If you still cannot get an Internet connection during this "test".....when the modem is connected directly to the Mac.... then you know that the modem is either not configured correctly, or it is simply not functioning in Bridge Mode. More modem work will be required.

If you can get an Internet connection when the modem is connected directly to your Mac, then we'll try to get the AirPort Extreme working.

Important......Remember to delete or inactivate the PPPoE connection on the Mac now.....before you connect the modem to the AirPort Extreme......since you cannot have two devices on a network both trying to initiate PPPoE service.

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24 replies

Feb 1, 2013 2:58 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Ok so I went back to the configurations and changed it to "Routed bridge" instead of "Bridge". When I did, the screen refreshed and this is what appeared:

I didn't change any of these settings. The modem restarted and then I lost internet access/the PPPoE connection. So I went into the router and changed it from "DHCP only" to "DHCP and NAT"....still the same problem. And despite it being on a type of bridge mode, the internet light on the modem is lit up now.

So, you think if I were to get one of the modems you mentioned, or if I were to find a way to turn off the NAT function on the modem completely, that it would then work?

Feb 1, 2013 3:30 PM in response to shirtandtieler

If you have the router set up to Connect Using = PPPoE......the only setting that you can use is DHCP and NAT. It is not possible to select DHCP Only because the DHCP and NAT setting is grayed out. It cannot be changed.

Please post screenshots from AirPort Utility from your 10.8.2 operating system for the Internet tab and Network tab. Examples below:

Feb 1, 2013 3:57 PM in response to shirtandtieler

Now, you are discovering that you did not have the router set to Connect Using = PPPoE, correct?

You have the correct router settings above. If your modem is able to function as a Bridge, then the configuration will work.

The Motorola 2210 has worked fine for me for years in Bridge Mode. The AirPort Connects Using = PPPoE.

The Motorola 3360 has worked fine for my neighbor for a number of months in Bridge Mode. His AirPort Extreme Connects Using = PPPoE.

I cannot say whether either of these devices will work for you.

Feb 1, 2013 7:35 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Ok, so here's how I have it set up where the modem is in bridge mode AND I can get internet access:

(It forces me to connect by using the static settings and won't let me get away with choosing DHCP)

(I realize this is not what I want but this is currently the only way that I know how to get internet while the modem is in bridge mode).

The following is what happens if I change the router settings to "connect using PPPoE" :

(note: the router has a green light to it, the internet has an orange light to it, though = no internet access)

Feb 1, 2013 7:53 PM in response to shirtandtieler

Thanks for the info.

I gave it my best shot, but failed.

I can only relate that configuring my AirPort to Connect Using = PPPoE with the modem set to Bridge Mode has worked reliably for me for years. The same setup has worked for my neighbor for a number of months since I set it up for him.

I'm using the setup recommended by ATT...nothing new, nothing different, no static IPs, no custom settings, just following the instructions.

http://www.att.com/esupport/article.jsp?sid=KB401764&cv=801,902&title=Connecting +a+non-AT%26T+provided+router+to+your+AT%26T+Internet+connection#fbid=mj2TldfH7_ n

If you decide to try the Motorola 2210 or 3360 modem, please post back on your results.

Feb 1, 2013 7:56 PM in response to Bob Timmons

So I was considering getting the Motorola 2210 or 3360. The 3360 is currently out of my price range for something that isn't going to make or break my internet experience.

The 2210, however, is significantly cheaper yet it has awful ratings. I can't imagine it being MUCH worse than my discontinued 7 year old modem but what's your take on it?

Feb 1, 2013 8:04 PM in response to shirtandtieler

I've had mine for about 5 years. Flawless. I would buy another one tomorrow if needed, but I think it is officially discontinued. Might be available through online sellers, etc.

The 3360 appears to be very similar performance and setup wise.

Feb 1, 2013 8:30 PM in response to Bob Timmons

There are some on Amazon that are New and $60 but used ones sell for $15-20 which led me to believe their quality wasn't so great. However, I think I'll go ahead and buy one as you seem to know your stuff!

I shall report back with the final results when I get it!

Feb 1, 2013 8:32 PM in response to shirtandtieler

And of course, I just want to give you a bucket full of thanks as you've been a HUGE help to me. AT&T has been very....general....in their assisstance and always quick to move on to their next customer. The speed which you've replied back and the amount of thought that you put into my problem was much appreciated!

Airport Utility - Orange Internet light but green router light....what?