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Forum Discussion
magatoni
Dec 30, 2017Aspirant
ORBI
Hi there gang! I have a quick question I think I have double nat as I have an orbi installed (router mode) behind a comcast gateway that is broadcasting a wifi signal too and is not in bridge mode....
TheEther
Dec 30, 2017Guru
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.
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.
magatoni
Dec 30, 2017Aspirant
Thanks so much for taking the time to explain. Happy New Year.