How to make sure Bridge Mode is OFF on my new TC

Question

Level 1

4 points

How to make sure Bridge Mode is OFF on my new TC

When I go into Airport Utility for my New TC, Network, Router Mode the choice is OFF(Bridge Mode). Does this mean the Bridge Mode is off?

Airport Time Capsule 802.11ac, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5)

Posted on Sep 20, 2013 8:43 AM

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Answer 1

Bob Timmons

Level 10

185,138 points

Sep 20, 2013 10:02 AM in response to Alex_Tiny

When DHCP and NAT services are turned "Off", a device is in Bridge Mode.

So, the setting is telling you that normal routing services are "Off", which is in fact, Bridge Mode.

Things would be a bit more clear if the "Off" were not present at all and the setting simply said Bridge Mode.

So, if you want the TC to perform as a router, you would select DHCP and NAT for the Router Mode.

If you want to turn off the routing services on the TC, and have it act as a "bridge", the setting for Router Mode would would be Off (Bridge Mode).

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Answer 2

Sep 20, 2013 2:42 PM in response to Alex_Tiny

It is a really good point.. we have got so used to seeing the name as Off (bridge mode) and that has carried over from time immemorial on the Airport Utility you just forget to a person seeing it for the first time it is strange. As Bob says, it should just say Bridge or even better Router Bridge.. since there is also wireless bridge which also adds to the confusion.

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Answer 3

Alex_Tiny Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 21, 2013 3:40 AM in response to Bob Timmons

I am trying to set up my new TC with a new set of DSN server numbers.

The instructions from the third party for set up are:

Please make sure your Airport Extreme is not set to bridge mode as DNS changes will not work. Instead set DNS on your main router or remove bridge mode.

Open Airport Utility found in Applications > Utilities
Select the Airport Extreme from the menu and click edit
Select the Internet Tab
In DNS servers input 50.112.186.233 & 50.112.143.40
Click update and wait for the Airport Extreme to restart
Restart the devices connected to the Airport Extreme that you want to use with Unlocator

So, if I don't use the OFF mode, then should I use the DHCP mode as suggested erlier?

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Answer 4

Alex_Tiny Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 21, 2013 4:05 AM in response to Bob Timmons

My router addres is 192.168.1.1.

On my TC the DHCP Range is 192.168.1.2 to 192.168.1.200

When I changed the OFF to DCHP I got the following message:

Sharing a range of IP addresses using DHCP Only requires manually configuring your WAN IP address. If your ISP gives you a range of static IP addresses, you should manually configure your base station with the first IP address and distribute the rest via DHCP.

What/How to do?

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Answer 5

Sep 21, 2013 6:58 AM in response to Alex_Tiny

Ok, you want to use the TC in a different way to use the DNS for Netflix etc access.

I have posted a thread already with lots of screen shots how to do the setup.

Rather than repeat that.. just read through this. You will need to start with a factory reset.. but i set this up for a neighbour and it works fine.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5228334?answerId=22695632022#22695632022&ac_cid=tw123456#22695632

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Answer 6

Alex_Tiny Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 21, 2013 9:53 AM in response to LaPastenague

I have read through your posted thread and you clearly state that TC, AC version cannot be set up using your method. I have the AC version so it won't work for me.

Also, it is way too complicated for my inexperienced pea brain. I am retired and pretty much isolated here with very little outside help available.

Discussing this issue with my 3rd party support group, they feel that if I just shut down the Bridge Mode and follow their instructions which are not complicated their server will do the rest. They say they have many customers with Apple TC's, Extremes and Expresses, old and new versions set up with no problem.

So my question is can I just shut down the Bridge Mode, and set all the details so I can udate the TC with the new DNS numbers.

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Answer 7

Sep 21, 2013 2:19 PM in response to Alex_Tiny

Alex_Tiny wrote:

I have read through your posted thread and you clearly state that TC, AC version cannot be set up using your method. I have the AC version so it won't work for me.

Eggman worked out in the thread how to do it.. So follow his section.. which is the same but using v6 utility.

So my question is can I just shut down the Bridge Mode, and set all the details so I can udate the TC with the new DNS numbers.

You can put the TC in router mode.. dhcp + nat and try it..

I do not know if it will work but the problem is, you will then have other issues.. so even if the dns is correct other things won't be.

Double NAT is the issue.. so it depends on if you can move the main router to the TC instead of the current router.

Please do try the other method.

Also, it is way too complicated for my inexperienced pea brain. I am retired and pretty much isolated here with very little outside help available.

You have lots of time.. try every method.. just reset if you mess up and start over. You cannot hurt anything.. indeed you can export your current setup in airport utility so you can restore it easily.

Take your time and make up a proper log and try different settings..

I found it hard to change DNS.. what the company refers to as many people with TC and extreme running this setup unfortunately you really have to work from where you are. If your TC shows DHCP + NAT then bridge is off.. and you have full router and you can play to your hearts content with dns settings.

Tell us what the make and model of the modem you have now.

Give us the current dhcp setup of the modem.. ie the range of IP's and DNS settings.

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Answer 8

Alex_Tiny Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 21, 2013 11:19 PM in response to LaPastenague

First, let me thank you for your timely, friendly and helpful response.

I put the TC in router mode..DHCP + NAT. and updated.

At first I got a green light on Internet and solid yellow light on my Airport Utility with a blinking yellow light on my TC. I got a warning message which I choose to ignore on the drop down list. Then all lights turned green and TC seems to working OK. It shows a list of all my devices that are hooked up to the TC.

Next I will try to set up a device with new DSN numbers uddated on TC, not on individual device. Will keep you informed.

Again, thank you very much.

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