Which is Best... Connect Devices to Airport Extreme OR Modem/Router? And Which is Best for DHCP/NAT?

I have a modem/router from the ISP and have just purchased an Airport Extreme to use for the WIFI instead of the modem/router.
I have 3 other devices on the network connected to the modem/router via ethernet: AppleTV, Smart Blueray Player and a NAS drive.
So I have the modem/router in DHCP/NAT mode, and Airport Extreme in Bridged mode.
But I wondered if the Airport Extreme should be in DHCP/NAT, the other 3 devices connected to that via Ethernet, and the modem/router in bridged mode.
Which is better, or are they the same?
Thanks

So I have the modem/router in DHCP/NAT mode, and Airport Extreme in Bridged mode.
This would be the simplest, correct way to configure your network.
Unless you need some special feature from the AirPort Extreme....that would require that the AirPort Extreme handle DHCP and NAT service.....like the Guest Network feature......then it would probably be best to keep things simple and leave them "as is" on your network.
Either the modem needs to be in Bridge Mode and the AirPort Extreme handles DHCP and NAT.....or.....the modem/router handles DHCP and NAT and the AirPort Extreme is setup in Bridge Mode.
it does not really matter which device handles DHCP and NAT as long as your feature requirements are being met on the network.
Personally, I strongly prefer to use a simple modem....not a modem/router....and another separate router to control the network. But, your ISP may not offer that option.

Similar Messages

I have an Airport Extreme as my router and am using time capsule to extend the network in my new house. My ISP is only providing me 4-5 ip addresses and wants me to set up my router to issue out new ip addresses for all my devices.How do I fix this?Help

I have an Airport Extreme as my router and am using time capsule to extend the network in my new house. My ISP is only providing me 4-5 ip addresses and wants me to set up my router to issue out new ip addresses for all my devices.How do I fix this?Help.
They said I need to change my settings to NAT settings. I haven't been able to figure out or find anything. I have also spoken to Apple Support on the phone for hours without being able to figure out how to do this ( i don't think he knew much either lol.) Please help me because I've got about 15-20 devices in my house that require to be connected to the internet and this is just making things ridiculously slow and painful for me.
Thanks!

It is on DHCP & NAT under router mode yet my isp is still the one issuing ip addresses to my devices instead of the router issuing them

How come my iMac and MacBook connect to my AirPort Extreme but my iPhone and iPad 2 won't?

How come my iMac and MacBook connect to my AirPort Extreme but my iPhone and iPad 2 don't?

Sorry, I should have been more clear. I am asking if the DNS IP addresses, not the IP addresses assigned by the DHCP service, are the same. DNS is like the Internet's version of the Yellow Pages. Your ISP typically will provide them to you or you can elect to use those provided by another source, like OpenDNS.
DNS is the service that translates a website's URL to its actual IP address so that you can access it. I am just trying to rule out that the PC is not configured properly with the correct DNS IP information.
The other thing to check is if the PC is configured to use a Proxy service. By default, it would not be.
Finally, what is the make & model of the PC. More importantly, if the PC is using either a PCI or USB wireless adapter, what is its make & model?

Is a Happy Marriage Possible? New Airport Extreme & ADSL Modem/Router

Is a Happy Marriage Possible? New Airport Extreme & ADSL Modem/Router
1. I’m writing from a rural town in Southern Nepal, very close to India. I’m planning to create a new WI-FI network at a small monastery here. Ideally, we will have two parallel wireless networks: the first network produced by an ADSL router/modem and a second network produced by another router in “repeater” mode.
2. Earlier, someone suggested that, when I post a question, I should provide as many details as possible about the situation here. Forgive me if there is “too much information”. I have to make a trip to the US to buy new networking equipment, so I very much want to get this right. Once I return here, I’ll be pretty much stuck with whatever I get in the US.
3. The future routers will live next to each other in an office and could be linked by a cable (if this is the best route to go). We do not wish to “expand” the network (in the sense of making a larger WI-FI network), but rather wish to simply have two networks, hence one ADSL router/modem and one router with the “repeater” function (out-of-the-box without any jerry rigging). Both WI-FI signals need to travel approximately 100 (largely unobstructed) feet.
4. If my dreams come true, the second router would be an Apple Airport Extreme (AX). An Apple router would be ideal because my experience with Apple routers is happy: they are easy to set up, reliable, and secure. Moreover, we use Apple computers and iOS devices here (and the new AX has the “ac” thing which will be preferable as we replace old machines with new ones).
5. Yet, from reading posts and having my prior questions answered on this website, it may be that with an ADSL modem/router, all the ease and happiness of the Apple ecosystem is lost: while Apple routers seem to connect with each other easily, problems appear to arise when users try to inter-marry our non-Apple products with Apples.
6. Our current, super-crappy 2wire 2701hg-t (ADSL modem/router) covers the 100-foot distance without a problem when it is working and there is Ethernet flowing to us. Frequently, our connection is very bad, and I may be unfairly judging the 2wire 2701hg-t. But, based on user reviews on the America Amazon.com, the 2wire 2701hg-t is pretty terrible: first it is simply old and second, among other problems, it seems to have a poor quality power supply unit. I do observe that it frequently seems to be recycling from scratch as if it had turned off and restarted. In any case, we are replacing it since it may be about 4 or 5 years old.
7. In previous posts on this forum, “LaPastenague” responded to some of my earlier questions about AX and ADSL. Among other things, he pointed out that (1) line-attenuation may be contributing to our poor connection and (2) we must choose a modem/router that is suitable for “long lines.” I’ve looked at our current modem/router statistics page; however, there are no statistics for line-attenuation or noise. (As you will see below, my strategy is to get the “better” modem/router that is suitable for long lines.)
8. Concerning our ADSL service, these are the facts I’ve gleaned from looking at the current router’s configuration pages:
Connection Type: PPPoE
Currently, the router is configured to use WPA-PSK security.
Connection Speed: Incoming: 1024 kbps & Outgoing: 509 kbps
(The following information may be unimportant at this time.)
Broadband Link Diagnostics:
DSL Synchronization: UP
G.DMT Signal: UP
PVC Connection: UP
PPPoE Service: UP
PPP Authentication: UP
IP Connection: UP
DNS Communication: UP
9. The ISP (Nepal Telecom) doesn’t supply a modem/router; however, they do have a list of (at times ancient) hardware and hardware vendors:
http://www.ntc.net.np/internet/adsl/adsl_vendersConf.php
10. Concerning what equipment is available here, what I have observed is that generally the ADSL modem/routers for sale locally, and in the far-away capital Kathmandu, and in nearby India are often also available in the United States, but they are the cheaper, older models. I will have to buy the new equipment in the US this year. At a different institution nearby, they are using the TP-Link modem/router td-w89016 which they purchased locally, I believe.
11. Based in part on LaPastenague’s earlier advice, I want to buy the TP-LINK TD-W8980 N600 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit ADSL2+ Modem Router (2.4GHz 300Mbps+5Ghz 300Mbps, IPv6 Compatible). This appears to be the most popular ADSL device on Amazon now.
Will this modem/router work EASILY with the Airport Extreme in the manner I’ve described? That is, connecting the two with a cable and creating two WI-FI networks.
12. Also, is it generally correct that the best way to connect them is with an Ethernet cable: https://discussions.apple.com/message/23759755#23759755
13. In fact, does connecting them with a cable help alleviate some of the problems that can occur between the Apple device and the ADSL modem/router?
14. If this will work, what “mode” will the AX device be in (again, in order to have two separate networks with separate passwords)? I have heard of the “repeater”, “roaming” , and “bridge” modes.
15. Are there two levels of passwords which need to be considered? Of course, there is the network and network passwords which we create here and which will be different. But, does the Apple also have to have the ISP password like the principle ADSL modem/router?
16. To set this up, what information do I need from the ISP (e.g., passwords, IPs…)?
I think there are a lot of good reasons to use an AX router. Of course, if it is just going to be very cumbersome then, we would be loosing one of the best parts of using Apple products. So, whoever feels knowledgeable enough to reply to this post, please be sincere if you think it is better to avoid the Apple. Apple can rest assured that I will buy other things from them!
In that case, I’d likely buy a second TP-Link device to create a second network:
TL-Wa801NP [AP Mode Multi-SSID Mode AP Client Mode Repeater Mode (WDS / Universal) AP+ Bridge mode (point-to-point / point to Multi-point)].
Thank you in advance. Long live Apple!
Message was edited by: Jess1911

I am not sure if there are different interfaces but my 2wire does an excellent job with line info.
I get into this from browser.. using main IP.. in my case 10.0.0.138/MDC
In your case it should be whatever the IP of the 2wire is, followed by /mdc
Give it a try.
As you can see it shows vendor and loads of info about the line.
I rate it the best domestic modem for line info.
A good modem actually albeit a lousy router.
MDC is the diagnostics and Management Console.
3. The future routers will live next to each other in an office and could be linked by a cable (if this is the best route to go). We do not wish to “expand” the network (in the sense of making a larger WI-FI network), but rather wish to simply have two networks, hence one ADSL router/modem and one router with the “repeater” function (out-of-the-box without any jerry rigging). Both WI-FI signals need to travel approximately 100 (largely unobstructed) feet.
You are not repeating.. you are simply setting up two routers which are interconnected, so one is dependent on the other.. ie one is your adsl modem router and that will take the main router function. Your second router is really not working as a router, but as wireless access point (and switch if you plug things in).
That is perfectly fine. You are not roaming in this case since both routers are running different wireless names and networks.. but they are actually using same IP range.. all devices are on the one IP network with two different wireless access points.
4. If my dreams come true, the second router would be an Apple Airport Extreme (AX).
Apple router is fine for this. Easy to configure out of the box.
5. Yet, from reading posts and having my prior questions answered on this website, it may be that with an ADSL modem/router, all the ease and happiness of the Apple ecosystem is lost: while Apple routers seem to connect with each other easily, problems appear to arise when users try to inter-marry our non-Apple products with Apples.
The problem arises when you try and interconnect using wireless extend or repeater.. you are not using wireless to extend, you are using ethernet. Wired has no issues.
11. Based in part on LaPastenague’s earlier advice, I want to buy the TP-LINK TD-W8980 N600 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit ADSL2+ Modem Router (2.4GHz 300Mbps+5Ghz 300Mbps, IPv6 Compatible). This appears to be the most popular ADSL device on Amazon now.
Will this modem/router work EASILY with the Airport Extreme in the manner I’ve described? That is, connecting the two with a cable and creating two WI-FI networks.
It is a good choice.. It should be fine considering how poor your line is.. this modem is proving to have a couple of bugs.. it does not handle torrents well but I would suggest your system is not being used for that purpose. It has some port forwarding issues. Again you are probably not going to overload it.
12. Also, is it generally correct that the best way to connect them is with an Ethernet cable: https://discussions.apple.com/message/23759755#23759755
Absolutely best.. only decent method.
14. If this will work, what “mode” will the AX device be in (again, in order to have two separate networks with separate passwords)? I have heard of the “repeater”, “roaming” , and “bridge” modes.
Bridge. Although if it gives issues there is another method, although rather complex to setup.. not something to worry about now.
15. Are there two levels of passwords which need to be considered? Of course, there is the network and network passwords which we create here and which will be different. But, does the Apple also have to have the ISP password like the principle ADSL modem/router?
Only the adsl modem has the ISP authentication.. it is the box that does the link. The TC just piggy backs.
The passwords on the TC are for its Admin, wireless and disk access.
16. To set this up, what information do I need from the ISP (e.g., passwords, IPs…)?
For ADSL you must have the PPPoE authentication username and password.
So, whoever feels knowledgeable enough to reply to this post, please be sincere if you think it is better to avoid the Apple.
hmmm.. I am biased because I see the issues not all the good stories..
The latest airport and Time Capsule seem to have a few pretty severe bugs.. if they happen to hit you, they are extremely hard to fix if you are in the middle of Nepal. And Apple service centre is a long long way away.
I cannot answer your question from the point of view of a person on the ground in remote area. If the economics of the purchase works for you, great. Go for it.
In terms of wireless coverage.. the Asus AC models or Netgear R7000 kill the Apple. Sorry but it is just fact.
See reviews here.
http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/lanwan/router-charts/bar/113-5-ghz-dn-c
That is average.. if you look at the apple router in the worst location by changing the filters, it comes out worse again.
I cannot post the URL to our local forum here.. (apple doesn't allow it). But in testing with apple clients the asus still beat Apple router soundly.
Pure wireless range is not the only consideration.. but in a mixed environment and since the wireless on the 8980N is not too bad.. then buy Apple router for apple client devices makes good sense.
Maybe the older Gen5.. or two of them.. would do a better job.. with a bit more tested and known hardware.
One thing you do need to check.
Routers from every other brand allow you to select country. Any country from anywhere in the world. Apple routers do not.
If you buy an airport in North America it is coded to North America and offers just a few countries.. USA, Canada I suppose.. what else is North America??
You cannot change it to Nepal.
To get the one for Nepal you must buy the model that covers, South Asia I guess.. I am not sure which it is.
See what the license information is for wifi in Nepal as it might be very different to US and therefore illegal for you to run it in Nepal.
If only the whole world would just bow to America.. we could all follow the FCC regs..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_WLAN_channels
This only applies to the Apple.. the TP-Link etc allows you to choose Nepal or correct country regulations for wifi.
Buying modems has one tricky bit.. that the actual adsl ATM channel is different in different parts of the world. No modem is usually impossible to setup but some can be difficult if it is pre-configured for US.. this is easy to overcome generally as you can download a firmware for another locality, so you can have local settings.

None of the 3 iphones in the house will connect to my airport extreme, but my macbook and iMac will, no problem. HELP!

HELP! I have comcast using a Motorola Surfboard Modem, fairly new, 3 iPhones in the house - 2 4S, 1 4, an iMac, Macbook Pro and Airport Extreme. The iMac and Macbook pro connects ot internet fine, but none of the iPhones will connect to the internet (though they do connect to the wifi singnal. I've reset the AE, even to factory default but no luck....

I discovered the solution to the problem, hopefully it helps others with the same issue.Using the airport utility (sorry, i don't recall the procedure verbatim or have access to the utility right now for exact details) find where it lists settings for 2.4ghz and 5ghz, they are probably both set to "Automatic". Change the setting for 2.4ghz from automatic to one of the channel numbers, try a number 1 - 11. Update. You might have to disconnect and connect the wireless device from the network. It worked for me!

I have Verizon FiOS service for phone, internet and TV but I only have one TV hooked up for it for just basic cable service with no DVR and no need for widgets. Can I use an Airport Extreme as my router and not use the FiOs router?

I want to use an Airport Extreme as my router. I currently have a Verizon FiOS router. I have Verizon for phone, internet and TV. However, TV-wise, I just have a basic service for one TV with just a regular box. No HD, no DVR. Don't need access to a menu, widgets, on-demand. Can I eliminate the FiOS Router and just use the Airport Extreme and still have phone and internet?

I know that it will increase my wireless coverage in my house but will it increase the speeds?
Not sure what you are asking here. The AirPort Extreme is only going to be as fast as the Internet connection that it receives.....which is 75/75. It cannot take a 75/75 connection and make it go any faster.
If you locate the AirPort Extreme in an area where you need more wireless signal coverage, the AirPort Extreme would deliver 75/75 in that area. But, keep in mind that the AirPort Extreme must connect to the FIOS router using a permanent, wired Ethernet cable connection.
If you are asking if the AirPort Extreme can wirelessly connect to the FIOS modem router, and extend the FIOS wireless network, the AirPort Extreme would not be compatible with a FIOS product for that purpose.

Guest Network access issue on Apple Airport Extreme 802.11AC router and Actiontec MI424WR Rev.1

I contacted Apple because I am not able to create any guest Network on my Airport Extreme because I was told that my modem needs to be simple. Per Apple: "The Guest Network feature will not operate correctly unless your "main" AirPort Extreme is connected to a simple modem........not a modem/router (such as the Actiontec MI424WR Rev.1) or gateway type of device that is often furnished by Internet Service Providers to their customers."
So is it possible to make this version of Actiontec a simple modem. Is this even possible or will I need a new modem?
NOTE: I disabled the wireless functionality of the actiontec.

Do you have FiOS TV ? You can completely bridge the ActionTec or take it out of the equation entirely if you don't have TV to worry about. Or, you can make the Apple router your primary and put the ActionTec behind it, with the trade-off that things like Remote DVR and Caller ID on TV won't work the best.
========
The first to bring me 1Gbps Fiber for $30/m wins!

AirPort Extreme extends my network and has worked well for three months. Now it can no longer extend the network and flashes Amber. I have restored to factory settings moved it closer to time capsule and rebooted the system without luck

i have a blinking Amber on my extreme now and it cannot extend the network. It was working fine and nothing has changed. I have restored to factory settings moved it to another room and rebooted the system without luck. Any suggestions

What OS are you running?
Please give me a screenshot of the current AE setup..
I strongly recommend if you have issues.. take control of all the variables. Apple routers have too much auto..
Here is a list that I use for setups when using Yosemite.. but it relates to any OS.
You will need to factory reset again to get going.
Factory reset universal
Power off the AE.. ie pull the power cord or power off at the wall.. wait 10sec.. hold in the reset button.. be gentle.. power on again still holding in reset.. and keep holding it in for another 10sec. You may need some help as it is hard to both hold in reset and apply power. It will show success by rapidly blinking the front led. Release the reset.. and wait a couple of min for the AE to reset and come back with factory settings. If the front LED doesn’t blink rapidly you missed it and simply try again. The reset is fairly fragile in these.. press it so you feel it just click and no more.. I have seen people bend the lever or even break it. I use a toothpick as tool.
Then redo the setup from the computer with Yosemite or whatever you are using.
1. Use very short names.. NOT APPLE RECOMMENDED names. No spaces and pure alphanumerics.
eg AEgen5 for basestation.
Use AE24ghz and AE5ghz for wireless on each band, with fixed channels as this also seems to help stop the nonsense.
2. Use all passwords that also comply but can be a bit longer. ie 8-20 characters mixed case and numbers.. no non-alphanumerics.
3. Ensure the AE always takes the same IP address.. this is not a problem for router but if the AE is bridged you can have trouble.. Try using the static IP method or control it via the main router dhcp reservations.
4. Check your share name on the computer/s is not changing.. make sure it also complies with the above.. short no spaces and pure alphanumeric..
5. Make sure IPv6 is set to link-local only in the computer. For example wireless open the network preferences, wireless and advanced / TCP/IP.. and fix the IPv6. to link-local only.
6. Set up the extend to the Express using 2.4ghz and then see how good or bad the connection is.. this is better in the old v5 utility but if you hover your mouse over where it shows connection an extra chunk of info comes up.
I have specifically used 5ghz to make the extend.. because by testing it works better.. but do not be fooled.. this good connection is poor.. the RSSI.. which is difference signal .. at -79dbm is down the bottom of the stable.. and it drops out on a daily basis.. you want to see that signal around -60dbm at min.
There is a lot more jiggery pokery you can try but the above is a good start.. if you find it still unreliable.. don't be surprised.

Airport express connection to extend airport extreme

Hi all,
Not sure if this is in the right forum, but any help appreciated. I'm using an Airport Extreme base station for wireless connection to a batch of PCs and Apple Macs. It works great, and hs no problems. I've just purchased the new Airport Express MC414X/A, with the intent to get wireless into a separate unit on my property, approx. 15 metres away, brick walls intervening. My intention was to run Ethernet from the base station to the Express so that I get a better output, the unit being 15 metres closer.
I'm unable to get the concept of how I configure the software to make this happen. I've looked at the Airport Utility graphics within the program, but can't work out how to get the Express connected and working. I'd appreciate any help/advice that can be offered; hopefully in layman terms, if possible.
TIA for any assistance.
Barrie

barriefromcorowa wrote:
Thanks for prompt response. I'm using a late model Airport Extreme as the router, and I purchased the new Airport Extreme N series device, with the new shape (no plug on the device). HTH, and I appreciate any further advice you might give.
Regards
What version of OS X are you using? Also, many people get the airport express (AX) and the airport extreme (AE) mixed up. Are you using two airport extremes... (which is very good) or are you using one airport extreme and the one you just ordered is the new airport express (which is good)?
Also if you go to your Application Folder then your Utility Folder you should have at least one application called Airport Utility... what version of Airport Utility is this that you have (airport utility 5.6 or airportutility 6.x)? to locate what version go the About menu located in the menu bar under the menu category of Airport Utilyt located at the top of the screen, to the right of the apple logo.
Message was edited by: Carlo TD

Saving files to a hard drive connected to my Airport Extreme

I just upgraded to Leopard. I am unable to use Backup v 3.1.2 to save files to a hard drive i have connected to my Airport Extreme. Previously, using Tiger i was able to perform this task.
I use Finder and see my airport express network and my external hard drive. However, when i run my backup jobs using Backup the program can not located the external hard drives.

The discussion was helpful. My hard drive connected to my Airport Extreme is now recognized and i can backup files to a folder called 'Backups'. However, i am only capable of saving to this one folder. When i try to create subfolders and select one of them as my location in the Backup program i get an error message; "the selected location is not a valid destination". Any idea how to get around this problem?
Many thanks for the quick response to my previous mail.

I am trying to get an answer to whether or not I can successfully use Time Machine with an external HDD connected to an airport extreme? Some forums say yes, some say no.

I am trying to get an answer to whether or not I can successfuly use Time Machine with an external HDD connected to an airport extreme. Some forums say yes, some say no. I'm also curious about formatting the hard drive to work both on my wife's MacBook Pro and my PC. Any help would definitely be appreciated.

You may be going on a recollection, that I share, that at one time Apple stated this would be possible:
In fact, Apple’s Time Machine Web page touted this very capability as recently as last Tuesday, as you can see from Google’s October 16 cache of the page
Effortless meets wireless. With a hard disk connected to your AirPort Extreme Base Station, all the Macs in your house can use Time Machine to back up wirelessly. Simply select your AirPort Disk as the backup disk for each computer and the whole family can enjoy the benefits of Time Machine.
But if you look at the current Time Machine page on Apple’s Web site, that text is nowhere to be found.
That was a long time ago, it has never been officially implemented, and at present they specifically say it cannot be done.
In summary, it may work, but probably won't, and even if it does it may not be reliable.
Reference:
Disks that can be used with Time Machine
Time Machine can’t back up to an external disk connected to an AirPort Extreme, or...
and
Mac OS X v10.5: Time Machine doesn't back up to AirPort Extreme AirPort Disks

How can I set up an Airport Extreme as a router, in conjunction with my AT&T modem/router?

I am trying to set up an Airport Extreme as my router, and I am currently using an AT&T modem/router combo. I am wondering what would be the easiest way to do this. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Connect an Ethernet cable from one of the LAN <-> ports on the ATT modem/router to the WAN "O" port on the AirPort Extreme. This cable must remain in place permanently.
Open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility on your Mac
Click on Other WiFi Devices
Click on AirPort Extreme xxxxx
The utility will take a moment to analyze the connection, then a screen similar to this will appear with your AirPort Extreme instead of an AirPort Express
Type in a short simple name that you want to use for the wireless network
Type in a device name for the AirPort Extreme
Enter a password that will be used for both the AirPort Extreme and wireless network
Verify the password
Click Next
The utility will setup everything for you. When the message of Setup Complete appears, click Done and close AirPort Utility.
The AirPort Extreme wireless network is now available.

Which External Drives are compatible with Time Machine. I plan to utilize it for backups and to connect to an Airport Extreme.

MBP Retina, 15 inch, Late 2013. Intel Core i7. OSX 10.9.4
Which External Hard Drives are compatible with Time Machine.
I plan to use one drive for automatic backups connected to an Airport Extreme.
The connection can be USB or Ethernet and should be expandable.
OR
should I just buy the Time capsule and avoid the compatibility, connection and interference issues.
Thanks

Hi Kappy,
I just saw that on the Apple Support site that "Time Machine is not supported with USB hard drives that are connected to an AirPort Express or AirPort Extreme device", just as you have suggested.
Why is the newest model of the Airport Extreme, which is the model I have, an exception to the Time Machine compatibility?
The following information is from Apple website:
Time Machine works with:
AirPort Time Capsule's built-in hard drive (any model)
External USB hard drive connected to AirPort Time Capsule (any model)
An external hard drive connected to your Mac
Use the Time Machine pane of System Preferences to choose your backup disk(s).
Additional Information
Time Machine is not supported with USB hard drives that are connected to an AirPort Express or AirPort Extreme device.

ITunes library stored on an external hard drive which is connected to my airport extreme, I wish to share my iTunes library over my network, I can do this with my laptop, but not with my iPad, can anyone tell me if it is possible

I have my iTunes library stored on an external hard drive which is connected to my airport extreme, I wish to share my iTunes library over my network, I can do this with my laptop, but not with my iPad, can anyone tell me if it is possible

You can't connect directly to the external drive, but should be able to use iTunes Home Sharing via the laptop.
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH1453

I already have a hard drive connected to my airport extreme, and ws wondering if i could use it as a network storage device

I already have a hard drive connected to my airport extreme, and ws wondering if i could use it as a network storage device. If so would I have to format it with two partitions , one for time machine and the other for network storage. Aprreciate any advice

If you have the hard drive connected to the AirPort Extreme....it is a network storage device.
One issue that you may want to think about is that Apple does not support Time Machine backups to a hard drive at the USB port at the AirPort Extreme.
In spite of this, some users who try this are able to make it work. Others have some limited success and some have no success.
It's not supported....so there will be no help from Apple in the event of problems.
If you decide to proceed with this, make sure that the partition for Time Machine backups is formatted in Mac OS Extended (Journaled) as other formats will not work with Time Machine.
Having a secondary backup plan would also be something that you might want to consider.

Which is Best... Connect Devices to Airport Extreme OR Modem/Router? And Which is Best for DHCP/NAT?

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