Q: Can a switch be used for extending the network with ethernet?

Please start with the make and model number your modem.

What device does the modem connect to?

What next?

What next, etc?

For example, does your network look like the example below, or something else?

XYZ modem, model number 123 > Main AirPort Extreme > Switch > Extending AirPort Extreme > Etc.

In addition, the Apple Support document that you reference is long out of date, so the "how to" is not really relevant to the current versions of AirPort Utility. Once we understand your network layout and what you want to do, we'll provide some options for you.

The Airport Extreme used for extending the network must be in series with the main Airport (i.e. plugged into it, either directly or via a switch), not in parallel in it (i.e., not both plugged into the switch as you describe). Please see the diagrams in the article you came here from:

Wi-Fi base stations: Extending the range of your wireless network by adding additional Wi-Fi base stations - Apple Suppo…

Hi Roger!

Please remember that the Apple support document that you reference is about 4 years out of date, so the specific "how to" and configuration illustrations will not track with any recent version of AirPort Utility since Lion OS X (10.7.3).  The basic info is good, though.

We keep asking Apple to update this document, but it must be very difficult for them to do this.

IF......the switch is "downstream" from another router, then both AirPorts could connect to the switch and operate from Bridge Mode.  Apple uses only an illustration with a simple modem in the support document.  It would really help if they included an example of a router upstream from the AirPorts.

That's why we need to find out what kind of "modem" the OP is using.

Thanks for clarifying that - I do wish they'd keep themselves up to date, it's most unhelpful. I see it was last modified last August - presumably to change the font and layout rather than keeping the actual information correct: how very Apple.

Sounds like you have what is known as an "unmanaged" switch.  If you could provide the make and model number, we'll know for sure.

If we could get answers to the other questions that we asked above, we should be able to get you going in short order.

I have Verizon Fios

Then, you have a modem/router or gateway type of device, not a simple modem.

My switch is the Cisco SR2016.

Thanks, this confirms that you have an unmanaged switch......meaning that it requires no programming.

My Base AirPort Extreme was just purchased so I believe it's ME918LL/A.

Thanks, got that.

My Extended stations are various older models of AirPort Extremes: one tower and one flat (the tower doesn't state the model)

Thanks, got that.

Can the Extended Base Station be plugged into a switch (that the Primary also plugs into) instead of the Primary Base Station directly?

Yes, assuming that all of the AirPorts are set up to operate in Bridge Mode. So for now, power off the device that you call the "extended" station and check to make sure that all the AirPorts are set up to operate in Bridge Mode, which Apple calls "Off (Bridge Mode)".

We asked for a layout of your network, but did not get an answer to that question. For now, we know that you have a Verizon modem/router. That is the next device connected to the Verizion modem/router, and what connects to what after that.  For example, do things look like this:

Modem/Router > Main AirPort > Switch > Other AirPorts

or

Modem/Router > Switch> Other AirPorts all connect to the switch

In other words, what connects to what on your network?

We assume that you have a Mac using the current or recent operating system. Is that correct?

Your FiOS should plug into the WAN port on your extreme tower. For simplicity sake, plug an Ethernet cable from port 1 on your Extreme into port 1 on your switch. I recommend putting your extenders in ports 2 and 3 or the last 2 ports on the switch. Your Extreme should be configured to be your DHCP server (the device that hands out IP addresses). You said your extenders are in Access Point Mode (Bridge Mode). This seems to be a correct configuration (I use this set up at a pop-up retail store I manage the technology for).

Question: Do you have additional devices connected directly to the switch?

OK, thanks for the clarification.

Are both AirPorts that are setup as extenders acting up?  or   Are you having problems with only one of the extenders?

Are we correct when we assume that you have a current or recent operating system installed on your Mac?

Unfortunately, we seem to be trying to hit a moving target here, and each one of your responses seems to introduce another potential issue.

I'm sure that you will agree that It will not make much sense to start troubleshooting the "extenders" if the main base station is dropping the Internet connection, since the extenders are only going to work as well as the main base station is working. And since the AirPort Extreme in Bridge Mode depends on the Verizon modem/router for its network information....valid IP address, DNS service, DHCP and NAT service, etc...... the Verizon modem/router comes into play as a possible source of the Internet connection difficulties.

Are you confident that the Verizon modem/router is working correctly?  If yes, how have you verified this?

If the Verizon modem/router is not the source of the Internet disconnects, then the main base station....the AirPort Extreme....needs to be checked out. Do you agree?