AirPort Extreme as switch only uplink q

[adam9c1]

Hello.
If I turn wifi off and set to bridge mode this will turn into a gigabit switch.

Can I use the WAN port for uplink or do I need to use LAN port?

I'm debating getting a small gigabit switch vs AE.

 

[Altemose]

Hello.
If I turn wifi off and set to bridge mode this will turn into a gigabit switch.

Can I use the WAN port for uplink or do I need to use LAN port?

I'm debating getting a small gigabit switch vs AE.

You could use it as a switch with a file server built in but it is a waste of money to do that unless you already had the AE.

 

[adam9c1]

I need a switch in another part of the house that would service several devices connected to that.
It looks like for a switch only solution I can only use the LAN ports (using 1 port as uplink, giving me two ports to use for devices to connect to)

 

[Mikael H]

A real switch is cheaper, depending on what quality you elect to choose. The simplest 5-port GbE switches can be had for 1/5 the price of an Extreme (but be prepared that they will die about every other to every third year, requiring replacement), and a small 8-port managed HP switch with a bit more advanced network features can easily be had for 2/3 the price of an Extreme, which in turn won't be able to achieve that functionality, should you ever need it.

 

[Altemose]

I have had great luck with the TRENDNet TEG-S80g line of switches. They are affordable, speedy, reliable, well constructed in a metal case, and have a great warranty.

 

[adam9c1]

I have two HP 24 port unmanaged (silent) switches (bought used) and have been running 24/7 for few years now solid.

I have had good luck with metal chassis Netgear 5-8-12 ports. Had a5 port switch and had a 8 port for years no problems.

I was asking if AirPort Extreme in bridge mode can utilize all four (3LAN+WAN) as I had a chance to buy it cheap (for my switch purpose).

I ended up hooking up a Time Capsule (that was to be used for a totally different project)...
I powered it up and Airport Utility told me to plug the Ethernet cable to WAN to configure it.

After all of the setup I can confirm I was able to use the WAN port on the LAN. While I did not utilize All of the ports I don't see why they would not work.