Airport Extreme: Modem-Free Or Essential Companion?

The Airport Extreme is a broadband router and requires a modem to connect to the internet. It is not a modem itself and cannot be used as one. The modem connects with the incoming signal from your provider, and the router (Airport Extreme) routes the signal wirelessly to your devices. The router is the connector between the modem and your devices.

The Airport Extreme is not a modem, but a router

The Airport Extreme is a router, not a modem. This means that it cannot connect directly to the internet on its own. Instead, it must be connected to a modem, which can be done via a wired Ethernet cable connection. This setup allows the Airport Extreme to provide a wireless network connection to other devices.

When setting up the Airport Extreme, it is important to ensure that the modem is functioning correctly by connecting it directly to a computer using an Ethernet cable. This step confirms that the issue does not lie with the modem itself. If the modem is working properly, the next step is to connect it to the Airport Extreme. The Ethernet cable should be plugged into the "WAN" or "O" port on the Airport Extreme. After powering on both devices, they should be allowed to run for a minute or two to establish a connection.

It is worth noting that the Airport Extreme cannot connect to a modem wirelessly. If a wired connection is not feasible, an alternative option is to use Ethernet Over Powerline (EOP) adapters. These adapters utilise the existing AC power lines in a home to transmit the internet signal. However, this method may not work in all homes, and it is advisable to understand the return policy when purchasing EOP adapters.

While the Airport Extreme is a capable router, it does have some limitations. For example, it does not support the newer WPA3 wireless security protocol, only the older WPA2 protocol. Additionally, Apple no longer manufactures or supports the Airport Extreme, so users will need to consider alternative routers for future upgrades. Despite these limitations, the Airport Extreme can still be a reliable and effective router for home networks.

The Airport Extreme can be used with a modem/router

If you are unsure what type of modem you have, you can post the make and model number and someone will be able to check for you. The AirPort Extreme does not need to be located near the modem, and an Ethernet cable of up to 300+ feet or about 100 meters can be run between the modem and AirPort Extreme if needed.

If you want to use the AirPort Extreme as your wireless router/modem, you will need to plug it into your telephone/network socket directly and allow all your devices to connect to it. You can connect some devices, such as an iMac and Xbox, with a Cat5 cable, and others can use Wi-Fi.

The AirPort Extreme was designed in 2012 to connect to standard Cable and DSL type connections. Apple does not mention fibre capability in the specifications or setup instructions for the AirPort Extreme. If you have fibre, you will need to check with your provider to see if you can connect an older design third-party router directly to the modem.

If you have a modem in another room of your house, you will still need to connect your AirPort Extreme to it via a permanent, wired Ethernet cable connection. It is not possible to connect the AirPort Extreme to your existing modem wirelessly.

The Airport Extreme can be used with a simple modem

The Airport Extreme is a broadband router (and firewall/DHCP server) but it is not a modem. Therefore, it needs to be connected to a modem to access the internet. If you have a simple modem with only one Ethernet port, your network setup should be: Internet > Modem > Airport Extreme > Switch and other devices. The modem must connect directly to the WAN port of the Airport Extreme.

The Airport Extreme does not need to be located near the modem. You can run an Ethernet cable up to 300+ feet or about 100 meters between the modem and Airport Extreme if needed. If you cannot run an Ethernet cable, you can use a pair of Ethernet Over Powerline (EOP) adapters to send the signal over the existing AC power lines in your home.

If you have a modem/router, which is a separate modem and router combined into the same package, your network setup can be: Internet > Modem/Router > Switch > Airport Extreme and other devices or Internet > Modem/Router > Airport Extreme > Switch and other devices.

If you are not sure what type of modem you have, you can post the make and model number to get help checking.

The Airport Extreme must be connected to the modem with an Ethernet cable

The Airport Extreme is a router, not a modem. This means that it cannot connect directly to the internet on its own and must be connected to a modem. The Airport Extreme can be connected to a modem using an Ethernet cable. This is the most reliable way to connect the two devices. The Ethernet cable can be up to 300 feet or 100 meters long, minimising the need for additional equipment.

If you want to use the Airport Extreme as your wireless router, you will need to connect it to your existing modem. This can be done by plugging an Ethernet cable into the modem and the WAN port of the Airport Extreme. This will allow the Airport Extreme to access the internet connection provided by your modem and share it with other devices.

It is important to note that the Airport Extreme cannot connect to your modem wirelessly. The connection must be made with a physical Ethernet cable. If you are unable to run an Ethernet cable between the two devices, you may be able to use a pair of Ethernet Over Powerline (EOP) adapters to send the internet signal over your home's electrical wiring. However, this method may not work in all homes, and it is recommended to check the return policy before purchasing EOP adapters.

Additionally, if you have a modem/router combination device, you may need to configure it to act as a simple modem so that the Airport Extreme can function as the main router for your network. This will depend on the specific modem/router device you have and may require contacting your internet service provider for assistance.

Overall, the Airport Extreme is designed to work in conjunction with a modem to provide a wireless internet connection for your devices. By connecting the Airport Extreme to your modem with an Ethernet cable, you can utilise its features as a wireless router and access point.

The Airport Extreme can be used with a modem in another room

The Airport Extreme is a broadband router and not a modem. It can be used with a modem in another room, but the connection between the Airport Extreme and the modem must be wired. The best and most reliable way to do this is by using an Ethernet cable. Ethernet cabling can be run for up to 300 feet with virtually no signal loss, so you should be able to locate the Airport Extreme anywhere you want.

If you cannot run an Ethernet cable, you can use a pair of Ethernet Over Powerline (EOP) adapters to send the signal over your home's AC power lines. However, this method is less reliable as you are trying to send a very low-voltage signal over high-voltage lines.

If you have a simple modem with only one Ethernet port, your network setup should be: Internet > Modem > Airport Extreme > Switch and other devices.

If you have a modem/router, your network setup can be:

• Internet > Modem/Router > Switch > Airport Extreme and other devices
• Internet > Modem/Router > Airport Extreme > Switch and other devices

The Airport Extreme does not need to be located near the modem. You can always set it up as a bridge so that the modem/router handles DHCP and NAT, while the Airport Extreme acts as a secondary wireless access point.

Frequently asked questions