Apple Event: May 7th at 7 am PT
Can I use my Airport Extreme as an ethernet bridge.
I do not want the Airport to "extend my network" since that seems to make wifi unstable.
I only want the ethernet port to be enabled.
Thanks, M.
I do not know what you mean: "join rather than extend" ?
"extend my network" is an actual option from drop down menu in Extreme.
...it's an Extreme, not Express.
I can connect ethernet, I just do not want wifi extension....
Can I use my Airport Extreme as an ethernet bridge.
The Ethernet ports are enabled on the AirPort Extreme only if it is configured to "Extend a wireless network" that is being provided by another Apple AirPort router.
If you have another Apple AirPort router that is providing your "main" wireless network, and the AirPort Extreme is unstable, then we will need to do some troubleshooting on the AirPort Extreme that is extending the network.
Please post back to tell us what model of AirPort router is acting as your "main" router for the network.
My setup is as follows:
Netgear CG3700EMR in bridge mode
AirPort Extreme (7.7.9) Internet: "dhcp", Wireless: "create a wireless network"/ 5GHz with separate name, Network: "dhcp and NAT".
AirPort Extreme (7.7.9) Internet: "dhcp", Wireless: "extend wireless network"/ 5GHz with separate name, Network: "off(bridge mode)".
Apart from 5GHz, nothing changed from default settings.
The AE's are both the newest edition, the tall model.
All units well inside range of each other.
Thanks
Your extend wireless unit is also going to have active ethernet so it will perform as wireless bridge.. no problem at all.
Since you have the perfect setup for this with two AC apple wireless routers.. no issues at all.
I know, but I want it without WiFi enabled since I see a significant change in WiFi quality (connecting times/ speed).
I suspect my unit cannot decide which network to connect to, the main unit or the “extender”.
Ideally I could turn of WiFi or give it it’s own name so it doesn’t try to switch.
Thanks
Ok.. gotcha.. and sadly that is not available.
Apple for their own reasons made wireless bridge as a pure client exclusive to the airport express.
I suspect my unit cannot decide which network to connect to, the main unit or the “extender”.
If you connect by ethernet.. I don't understand why you are leaving wireless turned on..
If you have another client that is getting confused by the two wireless AP.. then my suggestion would be to mask the AE to the side the client lives on.. e.g... wrap the AE with a half cylinder of metal ..
Otherwise the only solution is to buy a proper wireless bridge.
Can I use my Airport Extreme as an ethernet bridge.
No. The AirPort Extreme cannot perform as a wireless Ethernet bridge. If you need this capability, you will need to get an AirPort Express base station.
join rather than extend
AirPort Express: How to join an existing Wi-Fi network in client mode - Apple Support
join rather than extend
The Ethernet ports on the AirPort Extreme are not enabled when it is configured to "Join a wireless network".
You are likely thinking about an AirPort Express.
but I want it without WiFi enabled
Sorry, but we already answered above that this is not possible.
It would be possible if you substituted an AirPort Express for the AirPort Extreme.
Thanks for answers.
I'll probably try an Express (n) or an full speed (ac) wireless bridge, until I get the opportunity to hardwire.
Airport Extreme ethernet bridge
