
Apple's AirPort Base Station, which was discontinued in 2018, can be used as a router. The AirPort Base Station can be connected to a DSL or cable modem via an Ethernet cable. The AirPort uses Network Address Translation (NAT) to assign internal addresses to devices on the network. It is possible to use the AirPort Base Station to create a new wireless network or extend an existing one.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can an Airport Base Station be used as a router? | Yes, it can be used as a router. |
| How to set up an Airport Base Station as a router? | Connect an Ethernet cable to the WAN port on the base station, then plug it into your DSL or cable modem. |
| How does the Airport Base Station obtain an IP address? | It obtains the IP address from the cable modem via DHCP, and then all other devices on the network receive their IP addresses from the Airport Base Station via DHCP. |
| What is the role of Network Address Translation (NAT) in the process? | The Airport Base Station uses NAT to assign internal addresses to devices on the network. |
| What are the different configurations of the Airport Extreme Base Station (model A1034)? | M8799LL/A, M8930LL/A, and M9397LL/A, each with variations in port configurations and features. |
| What are the benefits of using an Airport Base Station as a router? | It eliminates the need to purchase a separate cable/DSL router and can provide wireless connection speeds of up to 54 Mbit/s. |
| What are some additional features of the Airport Base Station? | It can be used as an audio streaming device, a USB printer sharing device, and supports both wireless and Ethernet connections. |
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What You'll Learn

Using an AirPort Base Station as a router
Apple's AirPort Base Station can be used as a router to connect AirPort-enabled computers to the internet, each other, a wired LAN, and/or other devices. The AirPort Base Station can obtain an IP address from a cable modem via DHCP, which is then assigned to other devices on the network. This eliminates the need for a separate cable or DSL router.
To set up an AirPort Base Station as a router, you can follow these general steps:
- Connect an Ethernet cable to the WAN port on your AirPort Base Station, and then plug the other end into your DSL or cable modem.
- On your Mac, click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and select the new AirPort Base Station from the list.
- Follow the onscreen instructions provided by the AirPort Utility Setup Assistant. The setup assistant will automatically choose settings based on your network. If no network is found, it will create a new one. If a network already exists, it will extend the existing network.
- If you prefer to customise your network settings, you can click "Other Options" and configure your internet and Wi-Fi connection manually.
Additionally, if you are using an older Apple AirPort Extreme as your main router, you can use Airport Utility to configure your AirPort Base Station. Click on "Wireless," then "Network Mode," to join, extend, or create a wireless network. If you create a new network, you can enter a unique network name and password. However, you should disable DHCP/NAT in the Network tab and enable "Bridge mode."
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AirPort Base Station obtains an IP address via DHCP
Yes, you can use an AirPort Base Station as a router.
To do this, you need to configure your AirPort Base Station to connect to the internet using DHCP. DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol and is a network management protocol that enables a server to automatically assign an IP address to a computer from a defined pool of numbers configured for a specific network.
- Connect an Ethernet cable to the WAN port on your AirPort Base Station, then plug the other end into your DSL or cable modem.
- On your Mac, open the AirPort Utility app, which can be found in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder.
- In the graphical overview, select the base station you want to configure, then click "Edit". You may need to enter a password for the base station.
- Click "Network", then verify that "DHCP and NAT" or "DHCP only" is selected in the Router Mode pop-up menu.
- Click "Internet", then click the "Connect Using" pop-up menu and choose "DHCP".
- Do not modify the DNS Servers, IPv6 DNS Servers, or Domain Name fields, or click the "Renew DHCP Lease" button unless instructed to do so by your ISP or network administrator.
- Click "Update" to save your changes.
Once your AirPort Base Station is configured to connect to the internet using DHCP, it will obtain an IP address from your cable modem via DHCP. Then, all other devices on the network will receive their IP addresses from the AirPort Base Station, also via DHCP. This makes the purchase of a separate cable or DSL router unnecessary.
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AirPort's Network Address Translation (NAT)
AirPorts can be used as routers and can assign IP addresses to devices on the network via DHCP. The AirPort Base Station uses Network Address Translation (NAT) to assign internal addresses. NAT is a method of mapping an IP address space into another by modifying the network address information in the IP header of packets while they are in transit across a traffic routing device.
NAT allows multiple devices to use the same public IP address to access the Internet. This is achieved by translating a private IP address into a public IP address. There are a limited number of IPv4 addresses, so NAT helps to conserve IP addresses by allowing multiple devices to share a single public IP address. This is known as NAT overload or IP masquerading.
NAT gateways can map IP addresses in several ways. This includes mapping from a local IP address to a global IP address, or from a global IP address to a pool of local IP addresses. NAT also translates port numbers to distinguish traffic belonging to each IP address. This is important when multiple devices share the same public IP address.
The NAT facility tracks each active connection and uses connection tracking data to determine which private address to forward inbound traffic to. This helps to ensure security and improve privacy, as the device's actual IP address is hidden.
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AirPort Utility setup
Yes, you can use an AirPort Base Station as a router. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to set up a new base station using AirPort Utility on a Mac:
Firstly, connect an Ethernet cable to the WAN port on your base station, and then plug the other end into your DSL or cable modem. If you don't use a modem, or connect in a different way, you can get connection instructions from your ISP.
Next, on your Mac, click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and select the base station listed under 'New AirPort Base Station'. The AirPort Utility Setup Assistant will then automatically choose settings based on your network. If no network is found, the setup assistant will create a new one. If a network already exists, the setup assistant will extend the existing network.
If you would like to set up your network using different settings, click 'Other Options'. On your device, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, then tap the name of your base station. Follow the onscreen instructions.
After you complete the setup process, you have additional options for configuring your network. For example, you can see what cables you can connect to your AirPort base station, and keep your base station up to date in AirPort Utility.
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AirPort Extreme Base Station features
The AirPort Extreme Base Station, first introduced in 2003, has gone through several iterations over the years, with the latest model released in 2013. Here are some of its key features:
- Support for 802.11ac Wi-Fi: The 2013 model, also known as the AirPort Extreme 802.11ac (6th Generation), offers support for the latest and fastest Wi-Fi standard at the time, 802.11ac. This provides a maximum data rate of 1.3 Gbit/s, nearly three times faster than the previous 802.11n standard.
- Improved Antenna Design: The 2013 model features a new vertical form factor, taller than it is wide, allowing for the addition of more antennas. This improves wireless output power and enhances Wi-Fi coverage.
- Network-Attached Storage (NAS): The AirPort Disk feature allows users to connect a USB hard drive to the AirPort Extreme, enabling its use as a network-attached storage (NAS) device. This is compatible with Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows clients.
- Simultaneous Device Support: The original AirPort Extreme Base Station could serve up to 50 Macs or PCs simultaneously, a significant improvement over previous generations.
- Internal 56K Modem: The early models of the AirPort Extreme Base Station included an internal 56K dial-up modem. This allowed homes without broadband access to still enjoy wireless connectivity, although at dial-up speeds.
- Easy Setup and Administration: The AirPort Extreme Base Station is known for its simple setup process, with some users reporting setup completion in just a few minutes. It also offers hassle-free administration, making it a user-friendly option.
- Excellent Range: Users have praised the AirPort Extreme's range, with some reporting that it easily covers a 1000 sq ft apartment without any dead spots.
- Compatibility with Modern Modems: Customers have noted that the AirPort Extreme Base Station works well with modern modems and provides excellent signal strength, even when used with multiple devices.
- Aesthetic Design: The AirPort Extreme has a sleek and aesthetically pleasing design, with some users appreciating its appearance.
- Use as a Router: The AirPort Extreme Base Station can be used as a router by connecting it to a DSL or cable modem. It can obtain an IP address via DHCP and then assign internal addresses to other devices on the network using Network Address Translation (NAT).
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can. Apple's AirPort line, discontinued in 2018, included the AirPort Base Station (later AirPort Extreme), which can be used as a router to connect to the internet, other devices, or a wired LAN.
Connect an Ethernet cable to the WAN port on your base station, then plug it into your DSL or cable modem. On your Mac, click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and choose the base station listed under "New AirPort Base Station". Follow the onscreen instructions.
Yes, you can use your old Apple AirPort Extreme as an access point or repeater for your new network. You can do this by using Airport Utility and clicking on "Wireless" and then "Network Mode" to join, extend, or create a wireless network.
The AirPort Extreme is an updated version of the AirPort Base Station, which was discontinued in 2003. The AirPort Extreme offers faster wireless connection speeds of up to a maximum of 54 Mbit/s and includes additional ports such as an external antenna connector and a USB port.
Yes, you can use an Airport Base Station as a wired router without wireless features. However, you may need to turn off DHCP/NAT by going to the Network tab and using "Bridge mode".


























