Designing AirPort Networks
To follow the directions in this article, you will need the document "Designing AirPort Networks," available in article 75138: "
Designing AirPort Networks"
If you do not have a cable modem or would like an example of why you might wish to use bridging, see related article 106016: "
AirPort: How to Set Up File Sharing Between AirPort and Ethernet Computers"
Bridging With a Cable Modem
If you have a cable modem and need to bridge Ethernet and AirPort, you may consider one of these two solutions:
An IP Address for Each Computer - Obtain additional DHCP leases from your Internet Service Provider for each computer on your network. A DHCP lease is the ability for one computer to obtain the IP address necessary to connect to the Internet. If your cable provider uses static IP addresses instead of DHCP service, obtain additional static IP addresses.
- Set up the AirPort Base Station as a bridge only as described in the document "Designing AirPort Networks."
Add a Router - Set up a separate router on the network for DHCP and NAT services. For information on locating a router or routing software, you may search the Macintosh Products Guide (http://guide.apple.com). Routers come in many sizes, from industrial strength to table top. A computer with two Ethernet interfaces and routing software may also serve the same purpose.
- Set up the AirPort Base Station as a bridge only as described in the document "Designing AirPort Networks."
Important: Bridging may adversely affect other network services in certain environments. If you have a cable modem, you should not use the AirPort Base Station for bridging combined with NAT (network address translation) and DHCP services. NAT and DHCP services may be run on a separate router.
Note: Computers that are set up as AirPort software base stations do not have a bridging feature.
Note: Wireless Internet access requires an AirPort Card, AirPort Base Station, and an Internet service provider, for which fees may apply. Some ISPs are not compatible with AirPort. America Online (AOL) works with AirPort software version 2.0 or later. For more information on AOL compatibility, see technical document 106591: "
AirPort: How to Use with AOL"