How do I add an airport extreme to a cable modem with only one ethernet port, while keeping that port connected to my Mac?

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Level 1

4 points

How do I add an airport extreme to a cable modem with only one ethernet port, while keeping that port connected to my Mac?

I have a mac pro connected by ethernet to a cable modem via ethernet. There is only one ethernet port on the modem.

I want to keep the Mac connected via ethernet for speed. Is there a way that I can add an airport extreme to this set up - for my ipad and roku, and for guests to use - or do I need to buy a router to put between the modem and the mac?

If I need a router, what kind?

Thanks.

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Nov 14, 2013 5:30 PM

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Answer 1

Bob Timmons

Level 10

185,024 points

Nov 14, 2013 5:41 PM in response to editortom

The modem connects to the WAN "O" port on an AirPort Extreme router.

The Mac Pro connects to one of the three LAN <-> ports on the AirPort Extreme router.

Or if you do not need the ability to connect a hard drive to the USB port on the router, you can save a bit by using an AirPort Express.

The modem connects to the WAN "O" port, the Mac Pro connects to the LAN <-> port

Either the AirPort Extreme router or AirPort Express router will allow up to 50 wireless device to connect.

There are many other wireless modems offered by other manufacturers as well.

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Answer 2

Tesserax

Level 10

158,190 points

Nov 14, 2013 5:38 PM in response to editortom

You only basic option would be to add a router between the modem and your Mac Pro. You would connect an Ethernet cable between the modem and the WAN port of the router, and another, between the router's LAN port and the Mac Pro.

To support your other network clients I would recommend getting the AirPort Extreme base station. This will support both multiple wired or wireless clients.

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Answer 3

editortom Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 14, 2013 8:58 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Thanks, Bob, this did the trick!

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