What is Bridge Mode on Router and How to Use it in 2024

Privacy & Security by Admin on June 25, 2024 add comment 3625 Views 17 min read

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You might have come across a bridge mode setting when configuring your router’s SSID or turning on WPA2 encryption for more protection.

Are you wondering what is bridge mode? The “bridge mode” setting may be present while configuring your router. It is usually deactivated in routers, almost all of them. But you can activate it with only a few clicks. Given that the router acts as the main hub for your company’s WiFi, you shouldn’t enable bridge mode on a whim without first learning how it functions.

What is Bridge Mode?

Bridge mode is a setting within a router that turns off the router’s WiFi broadcast, turning it into a bridge between a WiFi router and the network. It enables two routers to act as one. Once you enable bridge mode on the router, the extended router essentially creates a mesh network.

This configuration disables the NAT feature on the modem and allows a router to function as a DHCP server without an IP address conflict. You need to bridge your modem before connecting to a router since applications like P2P, VPN, and remote management require a public IP address on the router’s WAN port for a successful connection.

The following are some popular service providers and modems that may need putting the modem to bridge mode:

Modems:

Westell 2100
Westell 2200
Westell 6100
Speedstream 5100B
2 Wire
Zyxel
Netopia
Sprint 645 series
Paradyne
Veragia
Broadexant
Draytek 2400
Comtrend Cd 507
Arescom 800
Zyxel Prestige 623-40
MSN DSL 1000
Tranzeo
Vision net

Internet Service Providers:

AT&T
CenturyTel (Century Link)
Bellsouth
Sprint
Verizon

What is Bridge Mode on A Router?

When you want to add a second WiFi router to your network but want to use it for people to connect wirelessly to it and not have it route packages or do anything complicated, you may use the bridge, repeater, or access point mode.

This mode turns your second router into “a bridge,” sending all traffic to your primary router.

Many routers offer a wireless bridge mode that lets you input your WiFi connection and output cable ethernet. This may help connect several Ethernet-only devices or for remote installations.

The performance, speed, and range of the router in modem-router combination boxes are frequently inferior to those of standalone ones. This option enables you to delegate all router processing to your dedicated, considerably faster router.

What is Bridge Mode on a Modem?

Bridge Mode is a configuration on a modem that disables the NAT feature on the modem, allowing a router to function as a DHCP server without an IP address conflict.

There are two different types of modem/router bridging. One is configuring a modem in bridge mode to access the Internet. The second one is configuring your modem/router into a wireless bridge mode.

The second type is more common to enhance the coverage area of a local LAN by extending the Internet connection to other areas. So, I explain the second method here.

To set a modem/router into bridge mode, ensure it supports the wireless bridge feature. Most wireless modems supplied by Internet Service Providers support the wireless bridge mode.

How to Enable Bridge Mode?

Various routers have various methods to enable bridge mode. In this article, we have tried to list all the ways to enable bridge mode on various popular routers available.

But just be sure to write down the WiFi settings of the primary network to which this router will connect before you start the bridging operation. Be sure to carry a written note of the SSID, WiFi security mode, wireless password, and operational frequency (either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).

Xfinity Bridge Mode

Open Chrome or any web browser on a device connected to your home network and navigate to the Admin Tool at http://10.0.0.1.
Now, enter your default admin username and password.
- Username: admin
- Password: password (case sensitive)

Note: If you changed your Admin password earlier, you need to use the new password to log in.

Choose Gateway > At a Glance from the left-hand column.
Tap Enable next to Bridge Mode.
After doing that, you will get a warning “Enabling Bridge Mode will disable the Router functionality of Gateway and turn off the private WiFi network. Are you sure you want to continue?” Now, click OK to confirm.

Note: Your wireless gateway will now restart.

You can now replace the Wireless Gateway’s router capabilities with your own.
At the upper right, click Logout.
Link your router to any of the Xfinity Wireless Gateway’s Ethernet ports.
If you wish to use the router capabilities of your gateway in the future:
- Navigate to Gateway > At a Glance in the Admin Tool.
- Disable the Bridge Mode setting.

Note: Keep in mind that Advanced Security must be enabled using the Xfinity app.

Eero Bridge Mode

Tap Settings in the Eero app (bottom right corner)
Select Advanced.
Activate DHCP and NAT
Change your preference from Automatic (preferred) to Bridge or Manual (for those running static IP)
In the upper right corner, press the Save

Netgear Bridge Mode

Take note of the WiFi settings of the other router that this router will connect to.
The SSID, WiFi security mode, wireless password, and operational frequency must all be known (either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
Launch Chrome or any web browser from the mobile device or computer connected to the router’s network, which will be in bridge mode.
Enter the address http://www.routerlogin.net.
A login screen appears.
Fill in the router’s username and password.
- Username: Admin
- Password: password
The BASIC Home page loads.
ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless Bridge is the next step.
The page Wireless Bridge appears.
Check the Enable Bridge Mode option.
Setup Bridge Mode Wireless Settings by clicking the Setup Bridge Mode Wireless Settings button.
Enter the following settings for the other router:
Choose a wireless network frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz)
Enter the wireless network name in the Name (SSID) field (SSID).
Select the other router’s WiFi security mode in the Security Options section.
If asked, enter the password (the WiFi password that you use to connect with WiFi to the router).
Click the Apply button.
The other router’s settings are stored, and the Advanced Wireless Settings screen appears.
On the Advanced Wireless Settings screen, click Apply.

Your preferences have been saved.

LinkSys Bridge Mode

Connect an Ethernet cable from your device to any numbered port on the router that supports Bridge Mode.
For the time being, do not attach anything to the Internet port.
Connect one end of the power adapter to an outlet and the other to the Linksys router.
Open your web browser and type your router’s IP address into the Address bar. Type [Enter]. A Linksys router’s default IP address is 192.168.1.1.
The router’s username and password will be requested. Enter the router’s login information in the appropriate areas, then click OK. Admin is the default username and password. Other router types leave the username blank, but the password is admin.
When a warning window appears, check the box labeled “Do not show me this again” and click OK.
After that, you’ll be sent to the router’s web-based configuration page. Change your Internet Connection Type to Bridge Mode under Internet Setup.
Change the Router Address to Specify an IP address, enter the Linksys router’s IP address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway, and then tap on Save Settings.
Connect the main router to the Linksys router’s Internet port.

Using the Classic firmware, your Linksys Smart WiFi Router is now configured to Bridge Mode. It may now function as an access point, extending your wireless network.

TP-Link Bridge Mode

To begin, use any internet browser (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Firefox, etc.) and enter the modem’s default IP address – 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 – into the address bar.

Unless otherwise specified, enter admin as the username and password.

Choose the “Advance Tab” on the Modem interface.

In the “Advanced” tab

Click on “Network.”
Select “DSL.”
Next, click “+Add” to add a new connection.
Ensure that “VDSL” is selected.
Under “Internet Connection Type,” look for “Bridge.”
Select “Enable” for the VLAN ID.
The VLAN ID must be “”

Finally, “Save” the modifications.

Arris Bridge Mode

Launch the Internet Browser, Safari, Firefox, or any other browser. Enter 192.168.0.1 in the address bar and press the Enter key.
The login page will appear.
On the login page, enter admin as username and password in the password field and click the Login
Now, the System Basic Setup page will appear on your screen.
Go to the Lan Setup tab on the top menu and click on the drop-down menu next to NAT mode and select
Then, click the Apply
A new prompt will appear asking you to restart your system; click OK to proceed.

Orbi Bridge Mode

Start the process by connecting your Orbi device to your Internet Service Provider’s router using an Ethernet cable.
Now, plug your Orbi into a wall socket and turn on the device.
Wait until you find the LED ring on your Orbi lights.
Copy the network key of your router and WiFi network name using your router’s manual or the label on your device.
Now, connect your Orbi device to the network using the mentioned details.
Now, launch any browser on your computer and access the Orbilogin web address.
You will now have to enter your admin username and password.
Fill in the details and click on Login to view your router’s web interface.
Go to Settings and search for Orbi Bridge Mode on your router’s dashboard.
You will now have to enter your router’s PPoE and username.
Fill in all the required fields, and Orbi will automatically detect your router’s gateway to use the Internet on all of your devices.

AmpliFi Bridge Mode

Open the AmpliFi app and select the router icon on your AmpliFi app.
Tap on Internet and toggle on Bridge Mode to enable it.
Now tap on the tick icon to save your settings.
The AmpliFi app will restart, and your settings will be updated.

Why Use Bridge Mode?

You can increase the range of your business’s WiFi by using bridge mode. A single router may not be enough if your company works in a big office or other commercial location. You could obtain reception close to the router. When you leave the confines of your company’s office, coverage may become minimal or nonexistent. Using bridge mode is a simple and effective approach.

Bridge mode allows you to use two routers to increase the WiFi coverage of your company. As a result, you’ll notice quicker speeds and more dependability.

You may question why you can’t just connect two routers without utilizing bridge mode. Conflicts can occur when two routers conduct NAT procedures. The two routers will compete effectively, resulting in a frequent issue called Double NAT. Each router will generate its WiFi network. As a result, some of your devices may connect to one router while others connect to the other.

Bridge mode avoids Double NAP by disabling the NAP processes on the enabled router. The bridge-enabled router connects to the other router to increase its coverage. Both routers will have the same Internet Protocol (IP) address, but only one will conduct NAP operations.

When Should I Use a Bridge Mode?

If you have a second router on your network
If you add a mesh WiFi system (or security router) to your network

It is not a good idea to have two routers doing network address translation on the same network since this might cause difficulties such as IP address conflicts and, in rare cases, performance concerns. This is known as Double NAT.

Even if your secondary router or mesh system has a different IP address than your primary router (say, 192.168.0.1 and 10.1.74.0), you may still have issues.

Advantages of Using Bridge Mode

There are plenty of benefits to using Bridge Mode, some of which are mentioned below:

Provides for Bus Topology

In the bridge mode, we employ bus topology. Using this technology, you may deliver a single piece of data to the network’s accessible PCs by sending it to a single unit. It assists you in generating a large amount of traffic.

Reduces Bandwidth Loss

Most users choose bridge mode over routed mode because of the reduced bandwidth loss. The bridge mode regulates traffic flow and eliminates all superfluous data transfers between segments.

Bridge Mode Lowers Collision Risk

The bridge mode’s biggest feature is that it helps you avoid collisions. A separate collision domain is formed on either side of the bridge in bridge mode to reduce collision during work.

Network segmentation into segments

In bridge mode, the LAN is divided into two pieces. When you submit data, it is sent directly to the bridge, selecting whether to send it to segment one or two. It enables you to lessen traffic whenever you like.

Disadvantages of Using Bridge Mode

Bridge mode disables some of the features.

The biggest downside of utilizing bridge mode is that it restricts several of the router’s functionality. Bridge mode may deactivate useful features like parental controls, MAC address filtering, and others.

There is a workaround for this, and it involves bridging your primary ISP-provided modem/router rather than the linked router. However, this may not be feasible since certain ISP-supplied routers lack this feature. If this is the case, you should activate bridge mode on the secondary router and connect all your devices there instead.

Mesh WiFi systems are the best option for most people, and they perform the same function as a second router in terms of increasing WiFi coverage. When you install them, the companion app will ask you what configuration you presently have.

They’ll probably advise you to enable bridge mode, but doing so will disable a slew of functionality. Bridge mode, for example, disables the most beneficial aspects of a Linksys Velop mesh system, such as parental controls, device prioritization, MAC address filtering, etc.

The apparent approach is to switch your primary router to bridge mode and allow the mesh WiFi system to handle the routing. However, this is not feasible in many circumstances since ISP-supplied routers frequently lack this feature. BT’s Smart Hub does not support it. However, replacing it with a different modem may create additional issues, such as BT TV internet channels not working.

If this is the case, your only alternative is to build a secondary router next to your old one and connect all wired devices to it so that all devices connect to that additional router instead.

Not all mesh systems enable bridge mode in this way: If you just have one Nest router, Google’s Nest WiFi will only operate in bridge mode. If you have several WiFi hotspots, it is not supported. Google suggests setting your modem router to bridge mode; however, as previously said, this may not be feasible.

When Should You Use Bridge Mode?

Bridge mode should be used if:

You are adding a second router to your network.
You’re putting together a mesh WiFi system for your network.
You want to avoid NAT collisions.

Risks of Using Wireless Bridge Mode

Although wireless bridge mode is convenient, there are certain concerns to consider before utilizing it. One of the most serious hazards is that wireless bridge mode disables several of your router’s security capabilities. This makes your network more exposed to attacks. Furthermore, wireless bridge mode might interfere with other devices on your network, slowing down network performance. Finally, wireless bridge mode might be tough to debug if your network has issues.

The easiest option to safeguard your wireless connection is to utilize a VPN (Virtual Private Network), which encrypts your internet traffic and protects it from everyone, even your ISP. You may effortlessly secure digital assets using a single VPN subscription on 10 simultaneous devices at home or work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bridge mode safe?

Yes, bridge mode is fairly secure from the WAN side because the router performs NAT and, therefore, must have an explicit port-forward rule for WAN users to get to the device. This is, however, insecure from inside your network, so you should be careful to encrypt your network, which means that you need to protect your system with a VPN if you’re trying to enable bridge mode on your router.

Does bridge mode turn off WiFi?

Yes, bridge mode will disable routing on your modem, making it incapable of handless wireless clients.

What happens when I enable bridge mode?

The extended router effectively creates a mesh network after bridge mode is enabled on the router. You can effortlessly join the network from a distance with Bridge Mode.

Why is bridge mode important?

Bridge mode allows you to leverage two routers so that your business’s WiFi extends across a larger area. In turn, you’ll experience faster speeds and better reliability.

Can I use a VPN legally?

Using a VPN service for any reason is legal in most regions. However, there are regions where using a VPN service is illegal, and using them has serious consequences. To be on the safe side, it is better to contact a lawyer who has knowledge of local law. If the lawyer says it is safe to use a VPN service in the region, then users may proceed to subscribe to a VPN service.

Are VPN services safe?

It is never a good idea to use a free service. For starters, free VPN services often share user data with third parties. Additionally, free VPN services often fail to create the secure and private environment desired by the user.

It is better to utilize the services of a paid VPN service like Ivacy VPN. Ivacy VPN features a strict No-Logs policy which is a technical way of saying that none of the users’ data is stored on servers online.

Final Thoughts

You are not required to enable bridge mode in all cases. There’s no reason to utilize bridge mode if your home or business WiFi works well with good WiFi coverage and doesn’t irritate you with poor speeds as you move farther away.

Bridge mode is especially useful when traveling away from your router and needing more WiFi coverage. It also allows devices connected to the private network to talk without experiencing performance concerns.

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