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My two iMacs frequently go offline when I have our iPad and two iPhones-5 connected with Airport Express (2nd edition). If I disable WiFi on my three "i" devices no problem. Any thoughts on this?

My two iMacs frequently go offline when I have my iPad and two iPhones-5 connected with Airport Express (2nd edition). If I disable WiFi on my three "i" devices the offline problem stops. Any thoughts on this?

iPhone 5c

Posted on May 6, 2014 10:49 AM

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13 replies

May 6, 2014 1:41 PM in response to Harry W Sherwood

Based on the information that I can find on this modem, it is actually a combination ADSL modem & router.


If you have the AirPort Express connected to this device by Ethernet, the Express should be reconfigured as a bridge to allow all of your network clients to gain access to both the network and the Internet.


To reconfigure the Express as a bridge, you will need to use the AirPort Utility, as follows:


  • Run the AirPort Utility.
  • Select the AirPort Express, and then, click on Edit.
  • Click on the Network tab.
  • Change "Router Mode" to: Off (Bridge Mode)
  • Click on Update and allow the Express to restart.

May 6, 2014 2:20 PM in response to Harry W Sherwood

Ok, thank you for the update.


In this case the Comtrend is the device that is handing out the local IP addresses in order for all of your network clients regardless of which router they are connected to. These addresses are only "passing through" the Express to those clients connected to it.


I would suggest reviewing the settings on the Comtrend device to be sure that it is configured properly. That is, it has both NAT & DHCP functions enabled and that each of your network clients are getting the appropriate addresses...with each getting a unique IP address.

May 6, 2014 2:48 PM in response to Tesserax

Since these offline events happen rather randomly, usually with one or the other iMacs going offline, even though the WIFI signal in the menu bar shows a strong connection, and sometimes one or more of the "i" devices losing internet connections and unable to connect, I had suspected the ISP might be where the answer was to be found. I'll follow up this conversation with my provider.


Thank you again.


Harry

May 6, 2014 7:28 PM in response to Harry W Sherwood

The ISP provides an Internet signal to the modem. The ISPs signal is likely just fine. I believe that the problem lies with the modem, and not the ISP signal.


If you want to call a modem problem an ISP problem, you can certainly do so.


Please be prepared for the ISP to tell you that "everything looks fine" when you call them. As soon as they learn that you have another router, they will try their best to shift the focus of the problem to the router.


I hope that you find suitable resolution to your issue soon.

May 6, 2014 8:11 PM in response to Harry W Sherwood

.....doesn't that seems to suggest the modem?


That is what I have suggested....twice now. From posts above:


My opinion would be that it is likely not the ISP, unless you have complete loss of Internet service for all devices at the same time......it is the Comtrend device....

and



I believe that the problem lies with the modem, and not the ISP signal.


Your ISP will likely have a different opinion, though. Please keep us posted on your progress.

May 25, 2014 8:13 AM in response to Harry W Sherwood

I contacted my ISP regarding this problem and when I explained the problem their tech guy suggested that I change my router's Network Mode setting from Off (Bridge Mode) to DHCP and NAT. That's all it took! It has been more than a week since I made the change and haven't been kicked Offline since. Thanks for all your patience and responses.

My two iMacs frequently go offline when I have our iPad and two iPhones-5 connected with Airport Express (2nd edition). If I disable WiFi on my three "i" devices no problem. Any thoughts on this?

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