I need to connect a Verizon Jetpack to an Airport Extreme. How can I do this?

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Level 1

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I need to connect a Verizon Jetpack to an Airport Extreme. How can I do this?

We are setting up a business where landlines are not feasible. We purchased a Verizon Jetpack MHS291LVW to serve as our WAN modem and an Airport Extreme to serve as our router. The Jetpack provides Ethernet connectivity (called tether) via a USB cable, which is also its power supply. We found out that the Extreme does not support Ethernet through its USB port, so we are looking for a viable alternative way to connect the two. The Jetpack can function as a router and WiFi hub but can only support 10 devices. Amazon lists USB Ethernet adapters but we aren't sure one of these will do the job, since they are assumed to plug into a computer, not into a peripheral, which the Jetpack would be. Anyone have any experience with a solution to this problem?

Posted on May 15, 2014 6:24 PM

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Answer 1

Bob Timmons

Level 10

185,132 points

May 15, 2014 6:30 PM in response to albtwelve

Unfortunately, you need to have an Ethernet port on the Jetpack with an Ethernet cable connecting directly to the WAN port on the AirPort Extreme in order for things to work.

Any chance that Verizon can swap the current "modem" for a device with Ethernet capability?

As you might imagine, a USB to Ethernet adaper is not going to work since the AirPort Extreme cannot accept a USB connection at its WAN port.

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Answer 2

albtwelve Author

Level 1

0 points

May 16, 2014 7:41 AM in response to Bob Timmons

The Jetpack provides Ethernet signal but through a USB wire and connector. Therefore the need to either plug into a computer or to convert the USB electical to Ethernet electrical (Cat 5) and RJ-45 connector.

I'll look into 1) plugging directly into the iMac and eliminating the Airport Extreme entirely or 2) see if Verizon offers another modem that will directly support Ethernet over Cat 5 and RJ-45.

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Answer 3

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

24,235 points

May 17, 2014 3:35 AM in response to albtwelve

Hi,

>1) plugging directly into the iMac

This may or may not work. According to the Verizon web site, the MHS291L appears to be "USB tethering–capable with Windows" (whereas an M5510L is "USB tethering–capable with Windows & Mac OS X"). You could then use a plain USB 4G modem instead. Trying to share such an Internet connection (if at all possible) is often not the best idea (http://support.apple.com/kb/PH13855).

>2) see if Verizon offers another modem that will directly support Ethernet

One alternative could be a dedicated mobile broadband router (perhaps something like the Cradlepoint MBR95) with support for a separate USB modem. Another may be a router with a built-in modem (such as the Netgear MBR1515).

Jan

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Answer 4

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

24,235 points

May 17, 2014 3:48 AM in response to Jan Hedlund

Correction

>M5510L

MiFi 5510L

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Answer 5

colbydog

Level 1

0 points

Jan 11, 2015 6:22 PM in response to albtwelve

Use an Airport Express to connect the Airport Extreme to the JetPack's wifi network. The express joins the JetPack and the Extreme creates its own network.

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