User profile for user: bungi
bungi Author
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How to configure an AirPort Extreme for wired connections

I have recently had FTTP installed. ONT on wall and ethernet to router. I have an airport extreme in bridge mode to create a wireless network to enable another extreme to provide a wired connection to an xbox.

There’s another airport extreme that I could connect an ethernet cable to directly from the router. Would this have to be set up in bridge mode and create a wireless network? Would the ethernet go in WAN port, and could I turn wifi off on this extreme, as I only need it to allow wired connection to TV and xbox?

I have tried messing around but ended with no internet message on airport utility…. thought I’d completely messed it up.


Posted on Nov 23, 2025 11:30 AM

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User profile for user: Bob Timmons
Bob Timmons
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User level: Level 10
184,010 points

Posted on Nov 23, 2025 2:03 PM

There’s another airport extreme that I could connect an ethernet cable to directly from the router. Would this have to be set up in bridge mode and create a wireless network?


Bridge Mode.....yes. Wireless.....yes. But, you won't have to worry about any of this since AirPort Utility will automatically set up the AirPort Extreme correctly for you.


Connect the Ethernet cable from the router to the WAN "O" port on the AirPort.


The correct setup using AirPort Utility would be "extend a wireless network using Ethernet", but once you have a green light on the AirPort, you can go back in using AirPort Utility and turn off the Wi-Fi if you don't need additional wireless coverage in the area where the AirPort will be located.


The example below shows an AirPort Express that is being set up, but you will an AirPort Extreme on your display.











If you elect to turn off the Wi-Fi, in effect, the second AirPort Extreme will be functioning as a simple Ethernet switch.


If you need a few tips, let us know whether you will be using a Mac or an iPhone / iPad to set up the AirPort Extreme.

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User profile for user: Bob Timmons
Bob Timmons
Community+ 2025
User level: Level 10
184,010 points

Nov 23, 2025 2:03 PM in response to bungi

There’s another airport extreme that I could connect an ethernet cable to directly from the router. Would this have to be set up in bridge mode and create a wireless network?


Bridge Mode.....yes. Wireless.....yes. But, you won't have to worry about any of this since AirPort Utility will automatically set up the AirPort Extreme correctly for you.


Connect the Ethernet cable from the router to the WAN "O" port on the AirPort.


The correct setup using AirPort Utility would be "extend a wireless network using Ethernet", but once you have a green light on the AirPort, you can go back in using AirPort Utility and turn off the Wi-Fi if you don't need additional wireless coverage in the area where the AirPort will be located.


The example below shows an AirPort Express that is being set up, but you will an AirPort Extreme on your display.











If you elect to turn off the Wi-Fi, in effect, the second AirPort Extreme will be functioning as a simple Ethernet switch.


If you need a few tips, let us know whether you will be using a Mac or an iPhone / iPad to set up the AirPort Extreme.

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How to configure an AirPort Extreme for wired connections

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