ORBI

guzzijason
Apprentice
Dec 30, 2017
Correct - no router in AP mode.

AP mode is useful becasue the router also performs network address translation (NAT). With NAT, you have 1 single upstream address that gets translated to multiple downstream (client) addresses. If both your Comcast gateway and Orbi are in router mode, then both are doing NAT, and double-NAT can sometimes interfere with some applications.

In AP mode, the upstream gateway handles all NAT (and security), and the Orbi just sort of transparently connects clients to the gateway.
- magatoni
  Aspirant
  Dec 30, 2017
  thank you all, so what is ideal?
  how would you guys configure it?
  I have a comcast gateway that is both a router and a modem with an orbi that is ethernet lined to the gateway currently.
  
  I appreciate all of your time on this!
  Marc
  - TheEther
    Guru
    Dec 30, 2017
    There is no clear cut ideal choice. Only tradeoffs.
    
    Using the Comcast gateway as a router and the Orbi as an AP allows you to use the Comcast's Wi-Fi in addition to the Orbi's. If you have a huge place that even your Orbi can't cover, then this is an upside. Of course, this would only make sense provided that you can put some distance between the Orbi and Comcast gateway. You can also use the extra Ethernet ports on the gateway to connect devices.
    
    If you put the Comcast gateway into bridge mode and use the Orbi as a router, then you lose the Comcast's Wi-Fi. You can only connect the Orbi to the gateway. All other wired devices must be moved to the Orbi.
    OTOH, you can leverage the router functions on the Orbi, which may be better than the Comcast gateway. You also have the peace of mind that Comcast can't get into your Orbi. You should assume that Comcast can access the gateway.
    
    Note, if you have IPTV or VOIP services, then it may not be possible to put the Comcast gateway into bridge mode without affecting them.
    
    So, tradeoffs.

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