Q: Airport Guest Networks Suddenly Work in Bridge Mode

I work for a small business and I have become the IT guy by default. We have a network made up of 16 Apple Airport devices. One Airport Extreme serves as the main hub for the entire network. All other Extremes and Expresses are in "bridge mode." The Airport Extreme sends it's signal to a 24 Channel NETGEAR Switch which then connects to all of the other airports (More details below).

For some time I was unable to get Guest Networks to work while the routers were in Bridge Mode. The Guest Networks show up but you can never connect to them on any device. You phone, computer, etc will just keep trying to connect to the Guest Network forever. All the airports still had all of their other functions so I know that the NETGEAR switch isn't broken.

I purchased a new 24 channel switch from Trednet. And now the Guest Networks work!

I have two questions about this:

1. What is different about NETGEAR versus Trednet?

• When I was using NETGEAR, no guest networks worked in bridge mode. I switched to Trednet, successful bridge mode. Why would this not work with one, but does work with the other?
• To be clear, the NETGEAR switch does work properly. All other functionality is maintained in the airports EXCEPT for Guest Networks in Bridge Mode.

2. There are still a few routers in the network that do not work because another device is in play. Why might this be?

• This device was installed by our internet/cable provider, SCI.
• I believe the tech called this device a "chassis."
• There are about 6 airports that are connected to these devices.
• All I know about it is that fiber optic cable runs into it and ethernet cable runs out of it.
• All I can see on the device is "MRV" and "OS-904." A search on MRV's website did not help. However, I think it's what they call a "OptiDriver."
• Again, to be clear, all other functionality is still present in these airports. It is ONLY the guest networks that do not work.

Below is a map of my network to help explain:

Below are the specs of the devices mentioned:

• Airport Extreme (11)
  • Model# A1521 all on version 7.7.7
• Airport Express (5)
  • Unsure about model numbers, but they are all running 7.6.7
• NETGEAR Switch
  • ProSafe 24 Port Gigabit Smart Switch
  • Model # GS724T v3
• TredNet Switch
  • 24 Port Gigabit GREENnet Switch
  • Model # TEG-S24g