NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.
Forum Discussion
connecting RBR50 to ISP supplied modem/router using layer 2 bridge?
I'm not very knowledgeable with networking but hopefully someone can confirm that I'm heading in the right direction... For many years I've had an RBR50 plus three satellites happily connected to a V...
Thanks for the info. I really do need separation as I keep all my untrusted cloud stuff (Chinese light bulbs) on the guest network. They're all spread out over our two buildings hence having three Orbi RBS50 satellites in addition to the RBR50 base.
Now I'm puzzled because I thought OSI model layer 2 network bridges acted as transparent connections between Ethernet segments. I thought they learned the MAC addresses of devices on each segment and forwarded traffic between them based on MAC. This way, all devices on both segments appeared to be on the same local network, without the need for any NAT or routing. You seem to be saying there will still be double NAT when using such a bridge?
Your ISP Modem already has a built in router and wifi. This would be a double NAT (two router) condition which isn't recommended. https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAT
https://kb.netgear.com/30187/How-to-fix-issues-with-Double-NAT
Couple of options,
1. Configure the modem for transparent bridge or modem only mode. Then use the Orbi router in router mode. You'll need to contact the ISP for help and information in regards to the modem being bridged correctly.
2. If you can't bridge the modem, disable ALL wifi radios on the modem, configure the modems DMZ/ExposedHost or IP Pass-Through for the IP address the Orbi router gets from the modem. Then you can use the Orbi router in Router mode.
3. Or disable all wifi radios on the modem and connect the Orbi router to the modem, configure AP mode on the Orbi router. https://kb.netgear.com/31218/How-do-I-configure-my-Orbi-router-to-act-as-an-access-point and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7LOcJ8GdDo&app=desktop
Try option #2 first...
https://kb.netgear.com/000061277/Which-features-are-disabled-on-my-Orbi-router-when-it-is-set-to-AP-Mode