Users of cable modems may use one of two network strategies when bridging Ethernet (wired) and AirPort (wireless) computers with an AirPort Base Station.

Designing AirPort Networks

To follow the directions in this article, you will need the document "Designing AirPort Networks," available at this address:

Apple Software Updates
http://asu.info.apple.com/swupdates.nsf/artnum/n11735

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."

• 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."