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Forum Discussion
Considerations for using either Router or Access Point mode
Hello, I'm tapping the technical expertise of the community. I've searched through a number of threads and many of them are very situational, and in fact even the genesis of this thread has a si...
CrimpOn wrote:I ran my Orbi behind a router for over a year with "no problems", until I wanted to configure VPN so I could manage the Orbi remotely and "ran into a wall". So you are correct. "Double-NAT" is not an issue until it is an issue.
As FURRYe38 pointed out, most routers have the same capabilities for defining DNS servers as the Orbi router. If you post the brand & model number, I'm happy to help look for the User Manual. Or, a call to the ISP technical support line may help.
(I a way, I'm happy that you did not mention a desire to use Armor or Disney Circle, as those features give me chills.)
Well, I wasn't thinking of those at all as I dismiss them, more of advanced features like implementing VLANs.
Now to your point of most routers, what we get from an ISP doesn't fall into the realm of "most routers". The Arris BGW210-700 likely could have the capability of overriding the DNS, but as consumers of the ATT internet product, we are not offered that level of control. So if I choose to use the Orbi as merely an Access Point, I forfeit the ability to control the DNS. But because I'm stuck having to use their gateway, I'm still stuck with that box in the middle. Part of me just wants to throw my hands up in the air and simply comply with the restriction imposed on me and just deal with what I'm given.
I'm confused. The "footer" on the message says:
Orbi RBK50 in Router mode, fed by 100/20 Mbps VDSL2 connected Arris BGW210 gateway in IP Passthrough
I thought "IP Passthrough" means that the modem is not routing, in which case the Orbi really needs to be in router mode.
CrimpOn wrote:I'm confused. The "footer" on the message says:
Orbi RBK50 in Router mode, fed by 100/20 Mbps VDSL2 connected Arris BGW210 gateway in IP Passthrough
I thought "IP Passthrough" means that the modem is not routing, in which case the Orbi really needs to be in router mode.
You are not confused about the configuration, just about what the terms mean. One might interpret Passthrough or DMZ+ to be equal to true bridge. It is not, and it's taken me some significant time doing research and testing to determine at least partially what's going on. I cannot turn off the firewall completely on the host router either. It is what it is. I should point that technical people much more adept than myself go out of their way to remove this box from their active configuration, presumably for reasons of control and performance at least.
gr8sho wrote:
I should point that technical people much more adept than myself go out of their way to remove this box from their active configuration, presumably for reasons of control and performance at least.Now that's a thought. Last summer, I had a service call with Spectrum over a "Tuning Adapter" problem and during the process the tech decided maybe he should replace my modem. (Wasn't the problem, but he was desperate.) I had a UBEE combination modem/router/WiFi with the WiFi disabled. I said, "Hey, could I have a 'plain modem' instead?", and he said, "Sure." The new modem does support telephone (as does the Arris), but does no routing, no WiFi, no firewall.
If others have replaced their Arris, wonder how they did it?
CrimpOn wrote:Now that's a thought. Last summer, I had a service call with Spectrum over a "Tuning Adapter" problem and during the process the tech decided maybe he should replace my modem. (Wasn't the problem, but he was desperate.) I had a UBEE combination modem/router/WiFi with the WiFi disabled. I said, "Hey, could I have a 'plain modem' instead?", and he said, "Sure." The new modem does support telephone (as does the Arris), but does no routing, no WiFi, no firewall.
If others have replaced their Arris, wonder how they did it?
Right. Whereas cable companies (DOCSIS) still offer pure modems to customers, Telcos here in the US typically don't do that AFAIK, at least not ATT. Of course cable would prefer to rent routers too, but at least the option exists for customers to buy a modem for themselves and avoid a monthly recurring fee, and furthermore use their own routing equipment. Verizon is a Telco and is a large exception to that rule in that I believe they directly support Orbi.
As for replacing the Arris, that is not possible whatsoever. Fiber customers can pursue a bypass, but VDSL customers have no recourse.
Be aware that historically, DMZ+ when they first came out with it was reported to not be full DMZ or do full DMZ pass thru. Years ago I saw users post about this not working as true DMZ on home class routers work. Something to see and removing the RBR from DMZ+ to see if anything changed behaviors. Besides being in a double NAT condition.
Yes, if users were given the opportunity from the ISP to not use this modem router combo, user should look into getting in to modem only units. These ISP modem router combo units can be a pain to work with.
FURRYe38 wrote:Be aware that historically, DMZ+ when they first came out with it was reported to not be full DMZ or do full DMZ pass thru. Years ago I saw users post about this not working as true DMZ on home class routers work. Something to see and removing the RBR from DMZ+ to see if anything changed behaviors. Besides being in a double NAT condition.
Yes, if users were given the opportunity from the ISP to not use this modem router combo, user should look into getting in to modem only units. These ISP modem router combo units can be a pain to work with.
Couldn't agree more on all points.
Are you leaning in any direction at this point and give any other points about important loss of functionality I might be overlooking?
