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Question

Extending Wireless Router with second Router in Bridge Mode?

Jul 8, 2019 3:40PM PDT

I have a Comcast modem/ router in one level of my condo (where the Comcast cable access is located) that works well with Apple mobile devices on that level. The other (upper) level has limited coverage which results in random drop-outs. Another issue appears to be a strong WiFi signal in an adjacent condo which seems to mask the weaker one I am trying to connect to on the upper level.
I am thinking of running an Ethernet cable between the two levels in the condo, and connecting one of the LAN Ethernet ports on the Comcast router to the WAN input of another router running in bridge mode. From this second router I plan to run both Ethernet LAN connections to fixed Mac computers on the upper level, as well as use the WiFi capability of the second router to create a connection to mobile devices on the upper level. I do have a spare router- it's an Apple AirPort Extreme.
Would this network configuration work? I anticipate using the second router (in bridge mode) as a switch for LAN connections as well as a WiFi connection to mobile devices. Any advice most appreciated. Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Are you sure about the title question?
Jul 8, 2019 3:52PM PDT

We set a router to bridge mode when it's a combo modem and router and want to disable the router which also disables the WiFi in that box.

I'm going to answer no as this is an easy.... no.

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Thanks...
Jul 8, 2019 4:04PM PDT

Appreciate the help, I thought this sounded too easy. Second thought- I run the Ethernet cable between condo levels and connect one end to one of the LAN ports on the Comcast modem/router, and a simple Ethernet switch to the other end, so at least my fixed computers will get an Ethernet feed from the network. Doesn't solve the WiFi issue, just changes the network form WiFi to Ethernet for computers that can make use of it.... Thanks.

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Why bridge mode here?
Jul 8, 2019 4:08PM PDT

The more common setup is to setup a second router as a WAP (wireless access point.)

There are many articles on this but I can't narrow it down since I don't know what your second router is. Apple made quite a few models.

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Is this what you mean?
Jul 8, 2019 4:48PM PDT

The second router is an AirPort Extreme- that may not be enough to know about the router specs. I found this on the Apple forums:https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3868306

Is this what you mean by using the second router as a WAP?
I can't see how this is different from my OP, but also know I am no expert in this stuff- complete novice in fact ☺️. Thanks for the replies.

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Bridge mode for most would be something else. But ... Apple
Jul 8, 2019 6:08PM PDT

That disables the router and WiFi so that's not what we want. Note: https://kb.netgear.com/000028987/When-to-put-modem-into-bridge-mode

Using a router as a WAP sounds what you need to do and your Apple link tells you what to do next.

"Router as a WAP" is the common phrase used by networkers I know but "Bridging" is also a method: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridging_(networking)

Now with the supplied the Apple doc up top then I can tailor the words to what you have rather than the 99% of gear I setup.

-> Sorry about the long back and forth. You're good to go.

Post was last edited on July 8, 2019 6:10 PM PDT

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Thanks for the info, much appreciated
Jul 8, 2019 6:15PM PDT

Thanks!

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My suggestion
Jul 9, 2019 7:03PM PDT

Go with your 2nd idea. Put the router in AP mode making it a WAP, plug WAP into upstairs switch port. Also if you see any thing in the new AP/router settings that says dhcp, make sure that's disabled. Of course you will have to set up the wireless settings to match whats on the Comcast box but I think you already know that