Sachin Walls
Apple's AirPort Extreme is a combination device that includes a router, switch, DHCP server, and more. It is possible to use an AirPort Extreme as a switch by connecting it to a network and disabling its wireless and routing functions. This can be done by bridging the AirPort device, which turns it into a network-enabled hard drive and gigabit switch. Additionally, users have reported success in using an old AirPort Extreme as a switch by running it in bridge mode and connecting it to their network via an Ethernet cable.
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What You'll Learn
Using Airport Utility
First, ensure that your AirPort Extreme is connected to your network via an Ethernet cable. If you're using it as a repeater, connect it to an open port on your network. If you're using it as an access point, connect it to your main router.
Next, open Airport Utility on your Mac or iOS device. If you're using an older version of macOS, you might need to use an older version of Airport Utility, such as v5.5.1, which may not be compatible with newer versions of macOS.
Once Airport Utility is open, click on your AirPort Extreme (AE) in the list of devices. Then, click on Wireless and choose "Network Mode." From here, you can choose to join, extend, or create a wireless network. If you're using it as a repeater, choose "Extend" to extend your existing wireless network.
If you want to turn off the Wi-Fi on your AirPort Extreme, you can do this through Airport Utility as well. Click on your AE in the list of devices, then click on Wireless. From here, you should be able to turn off the wireless functionality.
Additionally, you can use Airport Utility to update your AirPort Extreme's firmware and configure other settings, such as the network name (SSID) and password.
It's worth noting that some users have reported issues with the newer versions of Airport Utility, stating that they lack the functionality and flexibility of older versions. If you encounter problems, you may need to use an older version of Airport Utility or seek alternative solutions, such as using a different router or network setup.
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Connecting to eero network
To connect to an eero network, you will need to download the eero app. Once your eero is connected to the cloud via the app, the status light will turn solid blue. You will then be able to set a location name for your eero so that you can recognize it on the network. You can select from the available options or set a custom location.
After setting up your eero, you will need to give your eero network a wifi name and password. You can use your existing wifi name and password to have all of your connected devices automatically join your new eero network. Once your network name and password are entered, registration will be complete and your network will be online. You can then add another eero to add more eeros to the network.
When adding eeros to your network, there are a few placement tips to keep in mind. Firstly, place your eero device centrally, and if you have a dead spot, try to place your new eero device between the dead spot and another eero device to ensure a strong connection. Secondly, make sure your eero is out in the open, as eeros communicate best when they are not closed in. Try not to place your eero inside a media console or cabinet, or behind or underneath any large furniture. Lastly, place your eero away from large electronics as metal objects can block wifi signals.
Any eero with an ethernet port can be connected to your network wirelessly or via Ethernet backhaul for a faster and more reliable connection. Devices without an Ethernet port, such as the eero Beacon or eero 6 Extender, can only be connected wirelessly.
If you want to keep your existing router, you have two options for using your eeros: putting them in bridge mode or double NAT-ing them. In bridge mode, you will still get all the benefits of eero mesh, but your upstream router will manage the connection between your network and ISP. You will, however, lose many advanced features. When double NAT-ing your eeros, be sure to use a different SSID and password for your eero network than your existing network, as running two networks with the same SSID simultaneously will lead to technical complications.
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Using old Airport Extreme
An old Airport Extreme can be used as a switch. To do this, hold the reset button on the AE and plug in the power. Keep holding the reset button for about 10 seconds until the front LED flashes rapidly, then release the button. Wait for the AE to restart and open Airport Utility, where you will see a white box with 'Other Wi-Fi Devices (1)'. Click this to start the setup wizard and give the AE a suitable name. You can also turn off the wireless functionality.
Another use for an old Airport Extreme is as a Time Machine server, allowing wireless backups. It can also be used as a range extender for a network, for dedicated Airplay speakers, or for Ethernet to a console for direct online gaming.
If you want to reset your Airport Extreme to factory settings, perhaps to sell or gift it, you can do this through the software method or manually. The software method involves waiting for the device to restart to a slow blinking amber light status and then unplugging the device from the power source.
If you are having issues with your old Airport Extreme, it could be because you are using outdated software. For example, Airport Utility v5.5.1 will not run on a Mac operating on OS X 10.12.5.
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Ports and LAN switches
The AirPort Extreme typically has four LAN ports, which are Ethernet ports, and one WAN port. These ports can be used to connect various devices, such as computers, laptops, and other network components. By utilising these ports, you can establish wired connections, providing a reliable and stable network experience.
When using the AirPort Extreme as a LAN switch, it's important to configure it correctly. This involves disabling the wireless and routing functions of the device. You can achieve this by bridging the AirPort Extreme, essentially turning it into a network-enabled hard drive and gigabit switch. Bridging allows you to control advanced network features through external applications or devices.
To set up the AirPort Extreme as a LAN switch, follow these steps:
- Disconnect all Ethernet cables from your existing network.
- Connect your laptop or computer to the AirPort Extreme using an Ethernet cable plugged into one of the LAN ports. Ensure your device is only connected to the AirPort Extreme and not to any other routers or modems.
- Launch the AirPort Utility software and select the AirPort Extreme from the list of devices.
- In the AirPort Utility, navigate to the 'Network' tab and select 'Off' or 'Bridge Mode' under the 'Router Mode' drop-down menu. This disables the routing functionality.
- Press 'Update' to save your changes and reboot the AirPort Extreme.
- After the device has rebooted, disconnect your laptop and re-enable Wi-Fi.
- Connect your laptop to your primary router's Wi-Fi network.
- Use an Ethernet cable to connect one of the router's ports to the WAN port on the AirPort Extreme.
- Wait for the AirPort Extreme to be assigned an IP address by the primary router.
- Once the setup is complete, the AirPort Extreme will function as a LAN switch, providing additional wired connections for your network devices.
By following these steps, you can effectively utilise the ports and LAN switching capabilities of the AirPort Extreme to expand your network's connectivity options and enhance its performance.
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WAN port and SSID
Apple's AirPort Extreme is a discontinued line of residential gateways that combine the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, and NAS, as well as other functions. It has four Ethernet ports that can be used as LAN ports. However, the WAN port cannot be used as a LAN port.
When setting up a LAN switch from AirPort Extreme, it is important to ensure that the SSID and password are the same across all devices. If you are extending an existing network, the SSID and password will remain the same. However, if you are resetting and redoing the setup, you must enter the exact same name and password.
To set up a LAN switch from AirPort Extreme, you can plug the Ethernet cable into the WAN port and run the AirPort utility. It may take some time for the device to show up in the AirPort Utility, but once it does, you can update the settings.
It is worth noting that some users have reported difficulties turning off the Wi-Fi on their AirPort Extreme when using it as a switch. As a result, they have used it as a guest network and for troubleshooting.
Additionally, when using an older version of AirPort Extreme, you may need to use a different version of the AirPort Utility software, as newer versions may lack the functionality and flexibility of older versions.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can. The four ports excluding the WAN port are a switch.
First, hold the reset button and plug in the power. Hold the reset button for 10 seconds until the front LED flashes rapidly, then release. Next, shut down your cable modem for 15 minutes and then power it up again. Plug the Google Wifi into the Airport Extreme and reconfigure it to WAP only.
You will have to disable the wireless and routing functions on either your Airport device or your eeros. It is recommended that you bridge your Airport device, which turns it into a network-enabled hard drive and gigabit switch.
You can plug the Ethernet cable into the WAN port and run the Airport utility again or reset it and start fresh. If you reset it, make sure you enter the same name and password.
Yes, you can. You can set it up as a bridge and run an Ethernet cable from your port into the WAN port on the Airport Extreme.
