2 Xfinity Cable Modems, each w/ their own Apple Airport Extreme (Same Wifi Network)

Question

2 Xfinity Cable Modems, each w/ their own Apple Airport Extreme (Same Wifi Network)

Disclaimer: I know enough about wifi and home networks to be dangerous. Newbie alert.

Due to the area I'm trying to cover with wifi and the structure / layout of my home, I have two separate Comcast Xfinity internet cable modems on separate levels. Both modems are in Bridge Mode. I'm wondering if I can use the following setup and connect each to an Apple Airport as such:

Basement Comcast router/modem > hard wired > Apple Airport Extreme Time Capsule (tower)

Main Level Comcast router/modem > hard wired > Apple Airport Extreme (802.11n, 4th generation I think, flat)

I want to use the same wifi network (broadcasted from each respective Airport Extreme). I believe, the hard wiring to each Airport Extreme will allow the fastest and strongest possible wifi broadcast signal from each Airport. Each Comcast/Xfinity cable modem should have its own respective dynamic IP address. How do I set this up so I use one wifi network name/password being broadcasted from each Airport Extreme?

For what it is worth, on the third floor I have a Apple Airport Express that is just extending the same wifi network from the main level.

If this isn't how you would set this up, what suggestions would you give? Please talk slowly and don't use big words. 😉

null-OTHER, Airport Extreme

Posted on Oct 26, 2017 6:31 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Bob Timmons

Level 10

190,162 points

Oct 28, 2017 11:37 AM in response to lowcountrygrits

If you want one "big" network provided by multiple routers or wireless access points, then you only need one modem. This type of setup would allow you walk your Mac or other wireless devices from one part of the house to the other and stay on the same network, without having to "switch" networks.

As it stands now, you are paying for two different Internet connections. If you decide to cut that down to one, the cost of having a technician run an Ethernet cable from one of your AirPorts to the other would probably be recouped in just a few months.

After that, you put the money that you are paying for the second Internet connection....(and possibly rental on the modem).....into your pocket, not into the ISP's pocket.

Reply

Answer 2

Bob Timmons

Level 10

190,162 points

Oct 26, 2017 6:55 AM in response to lowcountrygrits

I'm wondering if I can use the following setup and connect each to an Apple Airport as such:

No, this is not possible with an AirPort router.

If you want to use an Apple router, then you will need to use only one modem and connect that to an AirPort router. Then, other AirPort routers will connect back to the "main" AirPort using wired Ethernet cable connections.

It might be possible to use two modems if you look at a router that has dual WAN ports from companies like Netgear, Cisco, Linksys, to name a few. Best to contact an IT professional to design a network for you in cases like this.

Reply

Answer 3

Oct 26, 2017 6:55 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Not sure why I would buy a new router with dual WAN ports since my needs are for two different floors (two separate locations where my two cable modems are placed).

Should I just create two different wifi networks then, one for each respective floor? (For the two different cable modems from my ISP)

I need to use two Internet modems on different floors (due to size of house) and want to leverage my existing Apple equipment so I don't have to go out and buy new equipment.

Reply

Answer 4

Bob Timmons

Level 10

190,162 points

Oct 26, 2017 8:01 AM in response to lowcountrygrits

We already mentioned that what you propose will not work. You will have two separate networks and two separate Internet connections if you have two modems, and you will need to log off of one network and then log onto the other when you move to another area of the house....even if both networks use the same name.

If you want to use an Apple router (or routers), and have the same network name all over the house, then you will need to use only one modem and connect that one modem to an AirPort router. Then, other AirPort routers will connect back to the "main" AirPort using wired Ethernet cable connections.

If you want to stay with two modems, you will need a dual WAN router. Then, each AirPort will connect back to the dual WAN router using wired Ethernet cable connections. This might work. Get an IT professional out to confirm.

So, you first need to decide on whether you want to have two modems or not.

"Should I just create two different wifi networks then, one for each respective floor? (For the two different cable modems from my ISP)"

Yes, if you want to keep two modems, and do not want to install a dual WAN router.

Reply

Answer 5

Oct 26, 2017 8:02 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Thank you for your explanation. I have two different networking companies coming to my house over the next several days and I'll reference your explanation.

Reply