If you’re connecting either an AirPort Extreme or a Time Capsule to your eero network, you’ll have to disable the wireless and routing functions on either your Airport device or your eeros. We recommend that you bridge your AirPort device, which essentially turns it into a network-enabled hard drive and gigabit switch. This way, you’ll be able to control your network’s advanced features via the eero app.
Bridging your AirPort Extreme or Time Capsule:
- First, unplug all the Ethernet cables to disconnect it from your existing network.
- Next, connect your laptop to your Time Capsule or Extreme using an Ethernet cable plugged into one of the AirPort’s LAN ports.
- Make sure your computer is connected only to the Airport device and not to the network of another router or modem. We recommend turning off WiFi to make sure you’re only connected to your AirPort device.
- Then launch Airport Utility and select AirPort Time Capsule or AirPort Extreme from the window and press edit.
- Select the ‘Wireless’ tab and find the drop-down menu under ‘Network Mode.’ Then select ‘Off’ to disable any wireless networks created by your Time Capsule or Extreme.
- Next, select the ‘Network’ tab. Under the ‘Router Mode’ drop-down, select ‘Off’ (Bridge Mode). This setting means that IP address assignment is passed onto your eero, which you’ll connect as your primary router.
- Once done, press ‘Update’ and your Time Capsule or Extreme will reboot and save your changes. At this point, disconnect your laptop, re-enable your Wi-Fi, and connect your laptop to your eero Wi-Fi network.
- Then use an Ethernet cable to connect one of your eeros to your Time Capsule or Airport Extreme’s WAN port. After a moment or two, your eero will assign the Time Capsule or Airport Extreme its own IP address and the AirPort hard drive should appear on any device connected to your eero network.
If you are looking to use an Airport Express on your eero network to play iTunes, please visit this Apple FAQ.