Lois Larson
Apple's AirPort Extreme can be connected wirelessly to another router, but it is not as simple as connecting to another Apple router. To connect the AirPort Extreme to a non-Apple router, you will need to bridge the device, turning it into a network-enabled hard drive and gigabit switch. This can be done by opening AirPort Utility on a computer, connecting to the primary router, and then selecting 'Off' for wireless network and 'Bridge Mode' for 'Router Mode'. This will allow the AirPort Extreme to connect to the primary router wirelessly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wireless connection to non-Apple routers | No |
| Wireless connection to Apple routers | Yes |
| Wireless connection to ISP routers | Yes |
| Wireless connection to eero network | Yes, but wireless and routing functions must be disabled |
| Wireless connection to primary router | Yes, with wired Ethernet cable |
| Wireless connection to secondary router | Yes, with Bridge Mode |
| Wireless connection to Comcast router | Yes, with common network name, security method, and password |
| Wireless connection range | 270 feet |
| Effective wireless connection range | 150 feet |
| Wireless connection speed | 14 MBps for writing and 23 MBps for reading |
| Wireless printing | Yes |
| Wireless file sharing | Yes, but only for Mac users |
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What You'll Learn
Connecting Airport Extreme to a non-Apple router
It is possible to connect an Apple Airport Extreme to a non-Apple router, but it may not be straightforward. Apple's AirPort Express base station can serve as a Wi-Fi extender, but it is primarily designed to work with other Apple products.
To connect an Airport Extreme to a non-Apple router, you will need to use the "Join" mode. This can be done by opening the AirPort Utility on your computer and configuring it to "Join the Network". Make sure that the Airport's own DHCP server is disabled and set to pull internet data from DHCP. This will allow the Airport Extreme to wirelessly connect to the non-Apple router.
Additionally, you can try to set up the Airport Extreme as a bridge. This can be done by connecting the Airport Extreme to the primary router using a wired Ethernet cable. In the AirPort utility, set "Connection Sharing" to "Off (Bridge Mode)." This will allow the Airport Extreme to pass traffic to the primary router.
Another option is to use Powerline adapters and bridge mode. This will allow you to extend the network and connect to a non-Apple router.
When setting up the network, it is recommended to use the same network name (SSID) and password for both routers to allow devices to roam freely between access points. This can be done by configuring the non-Apple router to use the same network name, security method (WPA 2 Personal), and password as the Airport Extreme.
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Using the 'Extend' option
To use the "Extend" option to connect your AirPort Extreme to another router, you will need to ensure that your current router is an Apple router. The "Extend" feature is not available for third-party routers.
Step 1: Open AirPort Utility
On your Mac, go to the "Go" menu, then select "Applications" and choose the "Utilities" folder. For Windows PCs, you can find it in the "Start Menu" under "Programs" and then "AirPort."
Step 2: Connect to the Primary Router
Use a wired Ethernet cable to connect to your primary router. In the AirPort Utility, go to "Connection Sharing" and choose "Share a Public IP Address."
Step 3: Configure the Primary Router
Click on "Airport", then "Wireless", and select "Create a Wireless Network." Check the box that says "Allow This Network to Be Extended." Enter or confirm your desired network name and, if desired, click on "Wireless Security" to set a password for your network.
Step 4: Connect to the Secondary Router
Disconnect from the primary router and connect to your AirPort Extreme, which will be used as the secondary router or extender. In the AirPort Utility, set "Connection Sharing" to "Off (Bridge Mode)." This will allow your AirPort Extreme to extend the Wi-Fi signal from your primary router.
Additional Considerations:
- It is recommended to use the same network name (SSID) and password for both routers to create a seamless roaming experience for your devices.
- Ensure your Comcast router is set up as a router and not a bridged device, as bridging turns off certain routing functions.
- If you encounter issues with devices not automatically switching to the stronger network, try setting up your AirPort Extreme in bridge mode.
By following these steps, you can use the "Extend" option to connect your AirPort Extreme wirelessly to your existing router and expand your Wi-Fi coverage.
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Using the 'Join' option
To connect your AirPort Extreme to your current wireless network, you will need to use the "Join" option. This option is not available by default and requires a workaround.
First, install AirPort Utility 5.6. This will unlock the hidden "Join" option.
Next, open AirPort Utility on your computer. On a Mac, go to "Go," then "Applications," and choose the "Utilities" folder. For a Microsoft Windows PC, click "Start Menu," select "Programs," and then "AirPort."
Once AirPort Utility is open, connect to your primary router using a wired Ethernet cable. In the AirPort utility, use the "Connection Sharing" drop-down menu and choose "Share a Public IP Address."
Now, disconnect from your primary router and connect to your AirPort Extreme. In the AirPort utility, set "Connection Sharing" to "Off (Bridge Mode)." This will allow your AirPort Extreme to pass traffic to your primary router.
Finally, you can configure your AirPort Extreme to join your wireless network. Click on "Airport," then "Wireless," and select "Create a Wireless Network." Check the box that says "Allow This Network to Be Extended" and enter or confirm your desired network name. If you want to secure your network, click on "Wireless Security" and create a password.
Please note that some sources suggest that using the "Join" option may result in slower speeds, especially if you attach an external HDD in the future. Therefore, it is recommended to consider your specific use case and requirements before proceeding with this setup.
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Using Powerline adapters
If you want to connect an AirPort Extreme to a router, you can use Powerline adapters. Powerline adapters allow you to send an Ethernet signal over the existing AC wiring in your home. This means that you won't need to install any additional wiring, you will just need to purchase the adapters.
To set up this connection, plug an Ethernet cable from the main router into one of the Powerline adapters. Then, plug the other adapter into the room for the Express and connect the second adapter to the WAN port on the Express. You can use the LAN port for your Xbox if necessary.
Make sure that the settings on the Express are identical to those on the main router. You can also use Powerline adapters to connect an AirPort Extreme to an Asus router. In this case, you will need to use Ethernet Over Powerline (EOP) adapters.
It is worth noting that Powerline adapters can provide variable results depending on the environment in which they are installed.
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Using a common network name
To set up a common network name, you will need to configure the routers to use the same SSID (Service Set Identifier). This can be done by opening the AirPort Utility on your computer. On a Mac, go to "Go," then "Applications," and choose the "Utilities" folder. For a Microsoft Windows PC, the application can be found in the "Start Menu" under "Programs." Once the AirPort Utility is open, connect to the primary router using a wired Ethernet cable. In the AirPort utility, use the "Connection Sharing" drop-down to choose "Share a Public IP Address."
Next, disconnect from the primary router and connect to the secondary router you plan to use as an extender. In the AirPort utility, set "Connection Sharing" to "Off (Bridge Mode)." This will make the device pass traffic to the primary AirPort device. Enter the desired network name, security settings, and password, ensuring that they match those of the primary router. Finally, click "Update."
It is important to note that while using a common network name can provide a seamless experience for devices that can only connect to a single network, it may not always be the best option for devices that can remember multiple networks. In those cases, using different network names can allow for a choice of which network to join, which may be beneficial in certain scenarios.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you can't connect an Airport Extreme to a non-Apple router wirelessly.
Yes, you can use Airport Extreme and a regular router as the same wifi network. You can either use the same SSID and password or a unique name and password.
The Airport Extreme offers a range of roughly 270 feet, with an effective range of about 150 feet.
Yes, you can use Airport Express to extend your wifi network.
To connect Airport Extreme to your eero network, you need to disable the wireless and routing functions on either your Airport device or your eeros. You can do this by bridging your Airport device, which turns it into a network-enabled hard drive and gigabit switch.
