AEBS: use WAN port as a LAN port ?

Hello there,
My Airport Extreme base station is connected to an Airport Express as a WDS wireless bridge (none of them distribute IP, there is a router on the network).
I have two printers hooked on the AEBS, a USB one, and an Ethernet printer on the LAN port (Apple LaserWriter). Therefore, the WAN port is not used.
I would like to connect a non-airport Mac to the network thanks to the AEBS.
Can I plug the Mac with Ethernet on the WAN port or I must purchase an Ethernet switch to plug on the LAN port and then on the Mac and printer ?
The documentation says the WAN port is for cable modem only but I don't see any hardware limitation that could allow only those device.
Thank you for your help.
PBook 12' Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Thank you Duane for those infos.
I didn't know that the difference between a WAN and a LAN port was a matter of IP adressing. Nice to know.
I will try that ASAP, if there is no more post, that means it works great.
Thanks again.

Similar Messages

Using the WAN port as a "LAN" port on the Airport Extreme Base Station...

Hi everyone,
I'm re-building my home wireless network and I'm doing so in preparation for the Slingbox AV I ordered last week. Here's my current setup:
I have a DSL modem attached to an Airport Express (802.11n) in my office broadcasting my internet signal. I have an Airport Extreme Base Station (802.11g) set up in my living room as a WDS extender. I currently use the base station in my living room to connect the DishNetwork ViP722 DVR to the internet and allow me to set recordings remotely on my iPhone when I'm away from home. I use the LAN port on the base station to do this, and now with the Slingbox on the way (should be here early next week), I'm wondering what I need to do to make an internet connection available for the Slingbox AV.
My question: Will I be able to simply use the WAN port as a "LAN" port since the Airport Extreme Base Station is being used as a WDS? It'd be awesome if the WAN port would become, essentially, a LAN port since it isn't being used.
Thanks in advance for your advice and insight!

slugoo wrote:
My question: Will I be able to simply use the WAN port as a "LAN" port since the Airport Extreme Base Station is being used as a WDS? It'd be awesome if the WAN port would become, essentially, a LAN port since it isn't being used.
I'd be surprised if that worked. The operation of an AirPort base station depends on keeping the WAN port and the LAN port(s) separate, as those normally are on two different networks.
You might consider buying an Ethernet hub or switch, which would allow your AirPort Extreme's LAN port to be shared. Here's an example of an inexpensive one:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7169244&st=ethernet+switch&type=pr oduct&id=1110266457435

Using the WAN port as a LAN port?

Hi everyone,
sorry for not doing a search, but search isn't available at the moment.
I have an AirPort Extreme Base Station (n) and need to extend my network with an AirPort Express (g) so that the APX connects wirelessly to the AEBS and allows wired clients on its Ethernet port. I've read that this port can be set to WAN mode (default), but also can be used as a LAN port to provide access for AirPort-less clients.
I'm wondering now
1) if this is correct and possible at all?
2) if this will work with my older (g) APX or only with the current (n) model?
Thanks a lot!
Björn
PS: Here's some cheap +ASCII art+ showing what I want to accomplish.
Internet <–––> AEBS ))))) ((((( APX <–––> *Mac without AirPort*

Yes that will work. Configure the 802.11g AirPort Express (AX) and AirPort Extreme base station (AEBS) to connect wirelessly using WDS. Then the AX's Ethernet port will be enabled for use by your Mac without a wireless card.

Using a Switch to Increase LAN ports on Airport Express

Hi,
I'm currently using an Aiport Extreme as a wireless AP to my network, being directly connected to my ADSL modem/router (This is handling DHCP etc). This all works great, with an iMac, Macbook and various other wireless devices connected very nicely over 802.11n. It also functions as a print server and NAS through the USB port (Really helpful features)
I have a number of other ethernet only devices (Set-top boxes, consoles etc) located away from the Extreme (In the lounge, under the TV). I want to connect these to the extreme's wireless network, having moved house and cable connections nolonger being an option. I was considering using WDS with a second Extreme, but thought about the possibility of a Express instead, in order to take advantage of the iTunes capability, its comparably low cost and small size. The difficulty is it only has 1 LAN port for use in WDS (Bridge) mode.
The simple question is, can I attached a basic switch (4 port for example) to the LAN port of the Express when it is running in WDS bridged mode to allow multipe ethernet devices to be attached to the Express?
Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated.
John

wildej, Welcome to the discussion area!
The simple question is, can I attached a basic switch (4 port for example) to the LAN port of the Express when it is running in WDS bridged mode to allow multipe ethernet devices to be attached to the Express?
Yes

G3 & Airport Express vs. AEBS's LAN port?

I'm linking a Core2Duo iMac with a 600MHz G3, USB printer, and Earthlink DSL. I've read enough against Earthlink's free Linksys router that I thought to go Apple, esp. on an all-Mac network.
Two options, similar prices: Add an Airport card & adapter for the G3, plus an AIrport Express. Or an AEBS with the G3 in the LAN port -- which I'm hoping can work with no card, no adapter.
Which option's best?
Think that LAN port works on a G3 sans card?
Thanks.
G3 600 MHz iMac Mac OS X (10.3.9) also Core2Duo 2.0GHz iMac

alc323, Welcome to the discussion area!
Which option's best?
They will both work.
Think that LAN port works on a G3 sans card?
Yes. The LAN port is provided to support Ethernet clients.

DHCP on both Wifi and LAN ports?

Everything works well; Wifi clients (MAC only), AppleTV, USB Hub with Printer and 3 External disks etc...
I plug in my MacPro via a LAN Cable and it does not get a valid IP Address from the DHCP server.
Tried setting a fixed IP with all the proper config, nothing gives.
I am a tried and true IT professional with over 20 years, and can't figure this one out. Anyone else have this problem?

That certainly should work. The AirPort Extreme base station (AEBS) supports both wired clients (via the LAN ports) and wireless clients. All clients appear on the same subnet.
The MacPro has 2 Ethernet ports? Have you tried both of them? Check the Network preference pane to ensure that the one you are using is enabled.
Otherwise... have you tried using one of the other LAN ports? Have you tried a different Ethernet cable to eliminate the possibility of a defective cable?

Can AEBS used as a 4 port switch too?

Or is the WAN port dedicated, meaning I can't use it as a LAN port?

If you configure the AEBS to act as a bridge, the WAN port will probably act as LAN port. That is how it works with the older AEBS.

Intermittent Connection via AEBS Lan Port

I have an AEBS connected to a cable modem via the WAN port, which allows my G4 laptop to access the internet. I have a G5 desktop (dual 2.3 w/o airport card) connected the AEBS LAN port. The internet connection to the G5 desktop intermittently fails and recovers. The internet connection on the G4 laptop does not fail during the connection failures on the hardwired G5 desktop.
I should add that there was a power failure/surge that resulted in a replaced startup volume on my G5 desktop. Apple did the diagnostics and HD replacement. Prior to that, both by wireless and hardwired internet connections worked flawlessly.
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

1-whether that HD is open to the world at its IP
assigned by the AEBS
If you are using NAT then you have a hardware firewall which stops unwanted connections to the NAS.
2-whether if someone can access it then does that
give them a portal to the rest of my network?
If they can access the NAS they already have access to the rest of the network. The NAS can not be a portal, you have to be on the network to connect to it.
It seems more secure to go 100% wireless, but maybe
that's a bad perception.
Wired is more secure than wireless, however if you are using WPA then you are pretty secure.
iFelix

I have Fios. I have the TC connected via ethernet to the Fios router. TC WAN port ethernet to Fios Lan port. Then I just have the TC create a wireless network that is different than the Fios wireless network. How do I set up an Airport Extreme to the TC?

The Airport Extreme is a 4th Gen unit. I just want to keep the TC wireless name to go further through my house.

The Ethernet connection will be from one of the LAN <-> ports on the TC to the WAN port (circle of dots icon) on the AirPort Extreme.
Then you can use AirPort Utility - Manual Setup to configure the AirPort Extreme as follows:
Click the Wireless tab located just below the row of icons
Wireless Mode = Create a wireless network (Not "extend a wireless network" as many users incorrectly think)
Wireless Network Name = Same name as your TC network
No check mark needed next to "Allow this network to be extended"
Radio Mode = Automatic
Channel = Automatic
Wireless Security = Same setting as the TC network
Wireless Password = Same setting as the TC network
Confirm Password
Click the Internet icon
Click the Internet Connection tab
Connect Using = Ethernet
Connection Sharing = Off (Bridge Mode)
Update to save settings and restart the entire network
Computers on the TC network will now be able to move to the area where the AirPort Extreme is located and not have to "switch" networks. This is known as a "roaming" network.

Can I use the LAN port of my Airport Express, which is being used to extend my wi-fi network from my Time Capsule?

I have a home wi-fi network based on a Time Capsule (3rd Gen.). I recently added a new "n" Airport Express to extend my wi-fi coverage to areas of my home where the signal has been weak or non-existant. The setup went very well (Airport Utility 6 on my MacBook Pro running Mtn. Lion) and was extremely simple and trouble free. Now I am attempting ot plug an ethernet device (internet bridge reciver from a wirelss weather station) into the LAN port. The weather station instructions say the device should communicate fine plugged directly into my router (not physically available where the device needs to be) OR plugged into a LAN port of an ethernet hub. My question is then: with the Airport Express in wi-fi extend mode, is the LAN port available to cable internet devices into the network?

My question is then: with the Airport Express in wi-fi extend mode, is the LAN port available to cable internet devices into the network?
Yes, assuming that the setup went correctly.
Test by moving your laptop or other computer close to the AirPort Express. Temporarily, turn off the wireless on the laptop and connect it using a spare Ethernet cable to the LAN port on the Express.
See if you can get an Internet connection. If you can, you know the Express has been configured and is functioning correctly.
Since the Express is in bridge mode when it "extends" both ports become LAN ports, so if you have a second device that needs an Ethernet connection, connect it to the WAN port as it will work as well.

Can I use the LAN port out of the network?

I just bought an Express to use with a neighbor. They have a desk top PC and a DSL modem. If we plug the modem into the extreme, can I just plug his PC into the LAN Port without having to configure it to the Extreme (we don't want to create a linked network, we just need the signal to pass through like a router)? Ideally, this is what I want, for them to not have anything to deal with, just me setting up my own laptop and leaving their system be.
Will our computers be linked at all if the wireless aspect of it is only being used for my g4 ibook?

cactus101, Welcome to the discussion area!
You mention Express and Extreme. I'm going to assume that you are connecting the PC to the AirPort Extreme base station (AEBS).
Yes you can plug the PC into the AEBS's LAN port. The PC will be configured to use Ethernet and DHCP to get an IP address. The PC doesn't won't even know that the AEBS exists. It will only know that a router exists and it is connected via Ethernet.Will our computers be linked at all if the wireless aspect of it is only being used for my g4 ibook?Yes they will be on the same network subnet.

Can an AEBS extend a wireless network and provide 3 LAN ports?

I have just reorganised my wireless network by replacing an AEBS GigE (MC053B/A) {AEBS1} with an AEBS Sim Dual-Band II (MC340B/A) {AEBS2}. Whereas before I used an AE G {AE1} to provide a dedicated G wireless network and bridged it via LAN to AESB1, which was configured for 5GHz N only, the new setup is all taken care by AEBS2.
The setup is basically this:
AEBS2:
- Internet gateway with shared IP from the cable modem.
- all client wireless connections are made to AEBS2, no other base station will accept client wi-fi.
- provides separate 5GHz N and 2.4GHz B/G networks with WPA2 authentication
- performs all DHCP assignment
- uses MAC address access control
- allows networks to be extended
AE1:
- set to 'join' the G network for AirTunes
*AE N* {AE2} :
- set to extend N network but no wireless clients: this enables the LAN port to be used to connect to my FreeSat HD TV's ethernet port, for upcoming BBC iPlayer support.
*Wi-Fi clients:*
- Various client devices all connect via N or G to AEBS2
This all works just fine.
The problem I have is with AEBS1. I have a Mac Min Core Duo that only has G wireless. I would like to configure AEBS1 to extend the N network so that its LAN ports can be used by the Mac Mini (and turn off the Mini's wi-fi). The idea is similar to what I've done with AE2: no wireless clients, just LAN.
I've restored AEBS1 to default settings and then configured it to 'extend' the N network with no wireless clients.
While testing I find that AEBS1 connects to the N network but only for 70 seconds, it then disconnects for 31 seconds, after which it reconnects. This cycle is predictable and I've monitored it from an iMac PINGing AEBS1's wireless IP address while following the ethernet (en0) status in the Console app on a LAN attached MacBook.
The MacBook gets its DHCP assigned IP address from AEBS2 when AEBS1's connection is up, but the IP address is dropped as soon as AEBS1 drops the connection.
The MacBook quite happily connects when I tested it using AE2's LAN port.
So either AEBS1 has a problem, or AEBS2, or both.
Has anyone else experienced something like this?

Thanks Bob. I've read extensively here of the limits of 5GHz, but I've not experienced these as my house doesn't have solid (concrete) floors or (many brick) walls. I also have the main WiFi point upstairs and I've put AEBS2 upside down on its 'head' near the floor.
I'm able to get good Wi-Fi throughout the house on both N and G. The Apple TV, which is under the TV and near AE2 gets good N connectivity. Mainly, the worse WiFi device is the Mac Mini and it always has been.
Since AE2 can join/extend the 5GHz N network and it is downstairs, I think there is some problem with with how AEBS1 tries to extend 5GHz N networks. BTW AEBS1 is on my desk and AEBS2 is under the desk about 1m away.
For the moment I've set AEBS2 to "802.11n only (5 GHz) - 802.11b/g/n" and have AEBS1 set to extend the 2.4GHz b/g/n network. At least the Mac Mini will get 2.4GHz N some of the time and more consistent connectivity all of the time.

I want to know if Ican connect a print server (to print with several wireless printers) to the new airport express given that it has wan and lan ports. Tks!

The print server that I want to connect allows me to choose among 2 usb printers and 01 serail port printer. It needs to be connected to a router through a lan port. Given that the all new airport express now come with a wan and a lan port, i want to know if I can connect this device to the airport express.

You're welcome.
Beware that while USB print servers are commonly available and inexpensive, finding one with a serial port is more of a challenge. Apple Stores in the US do not sell them. Call the iStore before going there.
If you need recommendations for obtaining a print server with a serial port, let me know.

How to connect A extreme to A express in WDS so i can use A express as LAN port with RJ 45. A express is old and does allow WDS, but A extreme is n technology and doesnt allow wds anywhere in configuration. do i hvae to buy a new A extreme or new A expr

I have an airport extreme 4th generation (n) and airport express i think model 1084, which is not n technology. I want to connect the express to extreme base station wirelessly and then use the port on express to connect a non wireless PC or TV to the internet. I do not want to run a wire from base station to the computer and wanna use express's ethernet port as LAN port. I understand this can be done in wds mode, but my extreme (n) does not allow anywhere to set up a wds under the airport utility.
do i need to buy a new express or a new extreme? If i buy a new extreme can i connect the new extreme to old extreme base station without a wire and then use the LAN ports on the new extreme to connect to a computer or tv using rj45.
thanks

but my extreme (n) does not allow anywhere to set up a wds under the airport utility.
Suggest that you download and install the more functional and useful AirPort Utility 5.6 for Mac OS X Lion , which can be used to administer both the older "g" and newer "n" devices.
Open AirPort Utility 5.6
Select the AirPort that you want to administer
Click Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab below the icons
Hold down the option key on your Mac while you click on the Wireless Mode selection box and the WDS setting will appear so that you can make further adjustments as needed.

Using LAN Ports Of A Second Wi-Fi Connected Airport Extreme

I wish to set up 2 Airport Extremes one connected to the DSL router the other connected to the first via wi-fi-
BUT I also want to be able to use the LAN ports on the Airport Extree that is NOT connected to the DSL router in order to service devices tht only have a fixed LAN connection- Is this possible ???

BUT I also want to be able to use the LAN ports on the Airport Extree that is NOT connected to the DSL router in order to service devices tht only have a fixed LAN connection- Is this possible ???
Yes, assuming that you are using newer versions of the AirPort Extreme, the "remote" Extreme would be configured to "Extend a wireless network". The Ethernet ports are enabled when the device is configured this way.
Keep in mind that this will not be the same type of Ethernet connection that you would have it you connected to the "main" AirPort Extreme. The signal at the Ethernet port on the "remote" Extreme will only be as good as the quality of the wireless connection allows between the two AirPort Extremes.

AEBS: use WAN port as a LAN port ?

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