AirPort Extreme with AT&T Uverse?

[choreo]

I purchased a new AirPort Extreme several months ago to connect my Suddenlink Modem to my Macs.

Recently I discontinued my Suddenlink account and switched to AT&T UVerse. The AT&T system came with it's own Modem/Router - so now I have my old cable modem and the Airport collecting dust.

My question is, is there any way to integrate the Airport into the AT&T System and if so are there any advantages to doing so (security, etc)? Better to just leave well enough alone and sell my Airport?

 

[Fishrrman]

I've had Uverse equipment for years now, which I use with an older (flat model) Airport Extreme.

I set it up this way:
1. Connect AE to one of the LAN ethernet ports on Uverse residential gateway (combined modem/router)
2. Set up AE as desired, BUT...
3. In the "Network" panel, I set it to "bridge mode" (routing features turned off).
4. Go into the residential gateway setup and TURN OFF wireless features.

This way, the residential gateway handles the routing chores (NAT, etc.), and the AE functions as the wireless access point.

It's worked that way for 7 years now, without a hiccup.

 

[choreo]

I've had Uverse equipment for years now, which I use with an older (flat model) Airport Extreme.

I set it up this way:
1. Connect AE to one of the LAN ethernet ports on Uverse residential gateway (combined modem/router)
2. Set up AE as desired, BUT...
3. In the "Network" panel, I set it to "bridge mode" (routing features turned off).
4. Go into the residential gateway setup and TURN OFF wireless features.

This way, the residential gateway handles the routing chores (NAT, etc.), and the AE functions as the wireless access point.

It's worked that way for 7 years now, without a hiccup.

Is there any advantage to doing it this way? (i.e. is there anything the Airport Extreme would handle better than the UVerse unit by itself)?

 

[TonyK]

For me it is an extra layer of protection. I use the AP's WiFi over the AT&T unit's WiFi and also lock down the AT&T unit.

 

[mic j]

Does your U-verse gateway have dual band wifi?

 

[TonyK]

Yes, I believe it does and I've locked both the 2.4 and 5 Mhz bands down.