Bridging a Modem to a Wireless Router – A detailed Guide
Bridging your modem to a wireless router promotes better communication between the two devices, resulting in better connectivity. While bridging can be a seemingly lengthy procedure, it is quite easy to do.
Often times, when we buy modems for home connectivity, they come with pre-set configurations which only allow them to operate as stand-alone devices or firewalls. These configurations act as impediments which keep information from passing through your modem and getting through to your installed router. To resolve this issue, you will have to disable PPP log-in on your modem and have these settings moved to the router. For this to happen, you will be required to place your modem in bridged mode after which you will use your DSL connectivity settings on your installed router. Below is an easy step by step procedure on how to bridge a modem to a wireless router.
Table of Contents
Bridging a modem to a wireless router – Step by Step Guide
For this activity, you will need a tablet, laptop or desktop computer (a mobile phone would also suffice), and a stable internet connection.
Step One –Get In to DSL
Log in to your DSL modem’s administrative area. You are going to need your username plus password to complete these steps. In case you do not have them, call a tech support representative from your Internet Service Provider and ask them for your modem’s address. In most cases, vendors will have the modems set onhttp://192.168.1.254. In case you are unable to get through to your Internet Service Provider, you can look them up online. Before making any of these steps, however, you need to keep in mind that altering your connectivity settings could eventually cause problems where connectivity is concerned.
Step Two – Locate PPP-OE
On the ‘Advanced’ field of your DSL, click on the PPP-OE option provided. Here, you will see the option that allows you to change your modem to Bridged Mode. Clicking on this mode will allow for the router to be the only routing gadget across the available network. After this step, you will be required to log in to your router so that you can successfully set up the PPP-OE password and username.
Step Three – Configuring your router
After the above steps are complete, you will have to configure the router. This will allow you to key in your Internet Service Provider username plus password where they are required.In case you do not have this information with you, seek clarification from the router’s manufacturer.
When these steps are complete, you have successfully activated Bridge Mode.
Proceed to reset your modem to facilitate smooth connection.
So, is it possible to have a modem/router combo (gateway device) in bridge mode?
Yes, it is. However, the procedure often varies depending on the manufacturer of the gateway device. Below is an example on how you can bridge your modem/router combo.
Step i – Disconnect coaxial cable
On the back panel of your gateway device, you will notice a coaxial cable charged with connecting your modem/ router device to the public domain of the network. Proceed to disconnect it before moving to the next step.
Step ii – Restart modem/ router
To do this, turn the modem/ router off, and then wait about two seconds before turning it back on.
Step iii – Push WLAN button
On the front panel of your gateway device, locate the WLAN button. Press and hold for a period of about 5 seconds. Once you do this, check to confirm that the ‘Wireless’ indicator LED light on your device is off.
Stepiv – Connect gateway to internet enabled device
Using an Ethernet cable, make a wired connection from your modem/ router combo to an internet compatible device such as a laptop or desktop computer. Once connected, go to your web browser and key in 192.168.0.1. Proceed to press Enter on your keyboard.
Step v – Username, Password
Key in the username plus password given by your gateway device’s manufacturer so that you can be allowed to log in.On the top right hand corner of your screen, click on ‘Advanced’. Proceed to click on Status, and then select Connections.
Step vi – Bridge
When the above steps are complete, find the eRouterProvisioning (mostly on Motorola devices). On the drop down menu, click on the ‘Bridged’ field then proceed to save your settings.
In case this field is inactive or greyed out, or if your drop down menu will not respond, it is an indication that the coaxial cable is still connected to your gateway device. Disconnect the cable and give it another try.
If the field remains greyed out eve after removing the coaxial cable, go on and restart your modem. When you have powered it back up and completed step 4, you will be able to activate Bridge mode with ease.
Once this is done, proceed as such;
- Get the coaxial cable and reconnect it to the modem as it is rebooting. Keep in mind that you shall no longer be able to be allowed to log in to the interface.
- Disconnect the internet device (laptop, desktop, tablet etc) that had been connected via Ethernet cable, and then connect the Ethernet cable to a router in case you have one.
Before beginning this process, however, have in mind that some devices come with the Bridge mode activated, and you may not necessarily have to go through the trouble.
Below are a few examples;
Device Name |
Function |
Wi-Fi standard |
Action |
Ubiquiti Networks Unifi Security Gateway Router |
Router + Modem |
802.11 ac |
|
Motorola MB7420 Gateway |
Router + Modem |
802.11 ac |
|
Netgear Nighthawk C7100V |
Router + Modem + Voice |
802.11 ac |
|
Motorola MB72270 |
Cable modem |
802.11 ac |
Final Verdict
Bridging your modem to your router allows for the latter to be the only supported device on the said router. This results in better communication between the two devices, resulting in good speeds and reliable connections whenever you are surfing.
FAQS
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Does the Motorola MB7220 support DOCSIS 3.1 technology?
No, it supports the DOCSIS 3.0 channel which is also quite good?
-
Can the setting steps vary based on my location?
Yes, but not within the same country. They may vary across wide geographical expanses like continents.
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How can I know that a router is bridged before purchase?
Seek clarification from the seller and from the manufacturer’s website before making the purchase.