How to add MK72s mesh system to AX3000 4-Stream WiFi 6 RAX36S

michaelkenward
Guru - Experienced User
Apr 10, 2025
plemans wrote:

And you're not just in a double nat with those 2, you're in a triple because of your modem/gateway you're using. It has its own routing capability built in too. this is making it more complicated and prone to error.

Jeez. I'd missed the "gateway" complication.

Bit of a rat's nest.

I have grappled with a similar pile of devices. My Internet service provider insists on using a gateway that will not work in modem/only mode. My solution was to use that as the modem, but to put my MK mesh router (MR90) into the DMZ of the modem/router.. Then the MR90 is the router at the centre of the Mesh wifi network.

I also have an R7800 router in AP mode bolted on to the MK93 network so that I can use its USB ports for extra storage.

I would advocate this arrangement. It just suits me because I have piles of hardware hanging around that I can find a use for.

Where possible, create the simplest network possible that meets your needs.

Disclaimer: Just another user with time on their hands.
- vegemitetoastie
  Aspirant
  Apr 12, 2025
  So I've read all the advice here and I'm trying to set it up in the following way --
  
  Billion BiPAC 8900X R3
  - Set up in bridge mode (because the Nighthawks can't plug straight into the phone line / I need VDSL2)
  Netgear Nighthawk MK72S (AX3000) Dual-Band WiFi 6 Mesh System (2-pack: Router + Satellite)
  - Mesh system set up as main router and network
  Netgear Nighthawk AX3000 4-Stream WiFi 6 RAX36S Router
  - Set up as an access point wired to the mesh system
  
  If I understand correctly, is this what's recommended? Also, I've been having some trouble getting my Mate NBN (Australia) to connect through PPoE on the Nighthawk after setting the Billion 8900X into bridge mode. Just wondering if anybody here has had experience with a similar set up and could offer any advice? My internet was working fine when I had the Billion 8900X handling the connection (it wasn't set up in bridge mode), and then I had that plugged in with ethernet to a Kogan Mesh system, that I've just replaced with this Nighthawk gear.
  
  Appreciate the help so far, cheers! michaelkenward plemans
  - michaelkenward
    Guru - Experienced User
    Apr 12, 2025
    vegemitetoastie wrote:
    
    So I've read all the advice here and I'm trying to set it up in the following way --
    
    Billion BiPAC 8900X R3
    - Set up in bridge mode (because the Nighthawks can't plug straight into the phone line / I need VDSL2)
    
    Netgear Nighthawk MK72S (AX3000) Dual-Band WiFi 6 Mesh System (2-pack: Router + Satellite)
    - Mesh system set up as main router and network
    
    Netgear Nighthawk AX3000 4-Stream WiFi 6 RAX36S Router
    - Set up as an access point wired to the mesh system
    
    If I understand correctly, is this what's recommended?
    
    Yes. That should work. But, and it can be important, you have thrown a new spanner in the works.
    
    Also, I've been having some trouble getting my Mate NBN (Australia) to connect through PPoE on the Nighthawk after setting the Billion 8900X into bridge mode.
    
    Talk of NBN is scary. NBN isn't a single technology but something cooked up for Australian Internet users.
    
    The people behind NBN have a habit of changing things in ways that can confuse people outside Australia. For example, it has an implementation of VDSL that can break some Netgear modem/routers.
    
    What is a NBN connection and which NETGEAR routers and modems are compatible? | Answer | NETGEAR Support
    
    Search - NETGEAR Communities – NBN SOS
    
    In these circumstances, it might be best to consult local experts. I usually aim people at Whirlpool Forums.
    
    For example:
    
    https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/3xv6n44q
    
    Disclaimer: Just another user with time on their hands.

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How to add MK72s mesh system to AX3000 4-Stream WiFi 6 RAX36S