Airport Extreme Guest Network Trouble

[tangomike]

Using MacBook Pro running OS 10.11.5 and just installed an Airport Extreme Router. Primary network operating as advertised, but when I tied to join the guest network to check it out, Network Preferences showed "WiFi has self-assigned IP address ---.---.---.--- and will not be able to connect to the internet."

I found online references for how to fix what was described as a common WiFi connection issue — self-assigned IP on a MacBook — by selecting "Use DHCP with a manual address." I did that and entered the IP address for the primary network, which allowed me to join the guest network, but it isn't connected to the internet. I've been unsuccessfully searching for a solution and would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

Update: I just found Mork's thread on the same topic, and while it offers a number of suggestions, it doesn't appear to have found a solution.

Apple Support information about guest networks says: "The DHCP and NAT option in AirPort Utility application > Network tab > Router Mode (default mode) must be selected on your primary base station, and Off (Bridge Mode) should be selected for any other AirPort base stations on the network."

I've tried this twice, and both times it has completely terminated my connection to the router and the internet, and it puts Airport Utility in an unusable mode for doing anything else.

 

[DJLC]

It sounds like the AirPort isn't providing DHCP services to the guest network. Is your primary network working as expected?

I'd double check whatever settings you have for the guest network and make sure DHCP is enabled. Beyond that, I don't really have any suggestions.

 

[belvdr]

Any of the items listed help?

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204590

 

[tangomike]

My primary network operates as advertised and expected.

The items listed in the support link are of little help. All they really say is, "It's easy."

In the final analysis, I'm going to abandon the attempt to create a guest network. It seemed like a good idea, but I have no compelling reason to keep trying, and leaving well enough alone seems prudent.

Thanks for the suggestions, but we can mark this thread as closed.

 

[belvdr]

The items listed in the support link are of little help. All they really say is, "It's easy."

Not really, but it's your call

• If you have more than one AirPort base stations, one must be configured as the primary base station.
• The DHCP and NAT option in AirPort Utility application > Network tab > Router Mode (default mode) must be selected on your primary base station, and Off (Bridge Mode) should be selected for any other AirPort base stations on the network.
• If enabled, Access Control lists will apply to both the primary Wi-Fi network and the Guest network. If you use Access Control Lists, you will need to add your guest network clients to the list in order for them to join.

 

[Altemose]

In the final analysis, I'm going to abandon the attempt to create a guest network. It seemed like a good idea, but I have no compelling reason to keep trying, and leaving well enough alone seems prudent.

The guest network functionality is dependent on the AirPort operating in DHCP & NAT mode. It appears you have another router upstream of your AirPort which must either be set to bridge mode or eliminated. Newer ISP provided modems oftentimes have built in routing and wireless hotspot functionality that would cause this issue. Can you please give a run down on how your network is configured? My network is this for example:

ISP --> Motorola SB6121 Modem -Ethernet-> Apple AirPort Extreme (6th Gen.)

This sort of a basic rundown on your network topology will give us the information needed to get this resolved.

 

[tangomike]

The guest network functionality is dependent on the AirPort operating in DHCP & NAT mode. It appears you have another router upstream of your AirPort which must either be set to bridge mode or eliminated. Newer ISP provided modems oftentimes have built in routing and wireless hotspot functionality that would cause this issue. Can you please give a run down on how your network is configured? My network is this for example:

ISP --> Motorola SB6121 Modem -Ethernet-> Apple AirPort Extreme (6th Gen.)

This sort of a basic rundown on your network topology will give us the information needed to get this resolved.

ISP--> Arris TG1672G -Ethernet --> Apple Airport Extreme (6th Gen.)

 

[Altemose]

ISP--> Arris TG1672G -Ethernet --> Apple Airport Extreme (6th Gen.)

The issue lies in the Arris. It is technically a router by itself, so the AirPort will automatically enter Bridge Mode to prevent a Double NAT condition, which disables guest mode functionality. You must either set the Arris to bridge mode, or add the AirPort to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) of the Arris and enable DHCP & NAT on the AirPort.

 

[tangomike]

Thank you for this

The issue lies in the Arris. It is technically a router by itself, so the AirPort will automatically enter Bridge Mode to prevent a Double NAT condition, which disables guest mode functionality. You must either set the Arris to bridge mode, or add the AirPort to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) of the Arris and enable DHCP & NAT on the AirPort.

Thank you for this.

 

[Altemose]

@tangomike Using bridge mode on the Arris is the preferred method, and the DMZ option should only be used if the Arris does not support bridge mode. Report back if you have any questions and how it goes...