AirPort Extreme (ac) not working with Netgear cable modem (CMD31T)

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AirPort Extreme (ac) not working with Netgear cable modem (CMD31T)

My Netgear cable modem (CMD31T) and Apple Airport Extreme (ac one) aren't playing nice together.

I can connect my laptop (MacBook Air) directly to the RJ-45 of the cable modem to get an Internet connection. From the laptop, System Preferences > Network reports the following:

Configure IPv4: Using DHCP

IP Address: 50.88.235.xx

Subnet Mask: 255.255.248.x

Router: 50.88.232.x

DNS Server: 65.32.5.111, 65.32.5.112

(Note: x's inserted above for the respective digits I chose to hide.)

Then, after connecting the cable modem to the AirPort, connecting wirelessly to the AirPort Extreme from my laptop does not lead to Internet connectivity. The AirPort Utility reports the following:

IP address: 169.254.96.51

LAN IP address: 10.0.1.1

With the following warning status:

Internet Connection

No DNS Servers

The AirPort's LED blinks amber.

The Router Mode is configured as "DHCP and NAT".

Things I've tried:

Reset and restart AirPort Extreme

Reset and restart cable modem

Bridge mode (with resets and restarts)

Thanks!

iMac, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.4)

Posted on Mar 27, 2014 4:01 PM

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Answer 1

sheila_m.

Community Specialist

Mar 29, 2014 8:59 AM in response to SwiftAero

Hello SwiftAero,

Thank you for the details of the issue you are experiencing with your AirPort Extreme. I recommend reviewing the following article when seeing a blinking amber status light on your AirPort Extreme:

Wi-Fi base station: Understanding and resolving a blinking amber status light

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1589

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

Best,

Sheila M.

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Answer 2

Aug 23, 2014 8:39 PM in response to SwiftAero

Swift, did you ever get this issue resolved?

Today I was forced to get a new modem by Comcast and I picked up this one and I am having the same issue as you with my Airport Extreme. Comcast was not helpful - "call the manufacturer."

Any luck?

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Answer 3

Aug 23, 2014 10:37 PM in response to EricBayArea

This is a fairly common issue on the new AC version TC and AE.

Sadly there really isn't a fix.. some modems just work poorly or not at all.

A workaround can be to use a 10/100 switch or crossover cable between the modem and the AE.. but in the end, the issue is some incompatibility in the combo.. so either change the modem or return the AE for replacement / refund.

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