I'm a recent switcher. My current network is comprised of a DSL modem connected to a Netgear MR814v2. On that network reside my PM and an ethernet print server, both connected via ethernet, and a Thinkpad connected via wireless. I also have a wireless adapter connecting my Tivo to the network.
I recently purchased an Airport Express with the intent of connecting my Xbox to the network, as well as the functionality of iTunes on my stereo. As you may know and I have recently learned, I cannot use the Express as a wireless bridge with my Netgear router, only Airport base stations. I like the Express and want to stick with it, so I'm considering adding an Airport base station to the mix. My questions are these:
1. The Airport base station has one LAN connection and one WAN connection. As I have 2 ethernet devices that need connections, can I cripple my Netgear router so it basically works as a wired switch, then connect my PM and print server to the router, then I'm guessing use the "UP" port on the router to connect to the LAN port of the Airport? If the idea will work, but the implementation is off, can you correct me?
2. I'm assuming the Airport is basically a router and that I can use it to assign all the IP addresses my network will need. Correct?
3. Should I bypass the Airport base station and just add another Express in its place, same configuration as (1) above?
4. Will the Thinkpad have any trouble connecting to the Airport/Express?
I'm brand new to the ways of Apple networking and am hoping any information provided will be helpful to others as well.
As always, thanks in advance for any assistance!
I recently purchased an Airport Express with the intent of connecting my Xbox to the network, as well as the functionality of iTunes on my stereo. As you may know and I have recently learned, I cannot use the Express as a wireless bridge with my Netgear router, only Airport base stations. I like the Express and want to stick with it, so I'm considering adding an Airport base station to the mix. My questions are these:
1. The Airport base station has one LAN connection and one WAN connection. As I have 2 ethernet devices that need connections, can I cripple my Netgear router so it basically works as a wired switch, then connect my PM and print server to the router, then I'm guessing use the "UP" port on the router to connect to the LAN port of the Airport? If the idea will work, but the implementation is off, can you correct me?
2. I'm assuming the Airport is basically a router and that I can use it to assign all the IP addresses my network will need. Correct?
3. Should I bypass the Airport base station and just add another Express in its place, same configuration as (1) above?
4. Will the Thinkpad have any trouble connecting to the Airport/Express?
I'm brand new to the ways of Apple networking and am hoping any information provided will be helpful to others as well.
As always, thanks in advance for any assistance!