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Forum Discussion
New internet provider opens can of worms
I have a Mesh Wi-fi Router MR60. I just switched to Xfinity with their Gateway at 1000Mbps. Do I use their router and simply use the Mesh satellites as extenders, not using the Mesh's router and Wi-Fi? I connected the Mesh Internet port to the Gateway and the old Internet name is fixed within the Nighthawk app and I cannot select the new internet name, but the blue lights come on the satellites, so I guess they are spreading the signal within my home. I cleared my history/cache on my Windows laptop, but cannot get into the Netgear Router Login because I'm not on the same router as the Mesh is in (the old internet name). The Nighthawk app on my iPhone and iPad automatically have the old internet connection name and I cannot seem to be able to change this. I read about Bridge mode, but Xfinity says not to do this. Thanks for your help
5 Replies
If it was me?
I'd leave the wifi on the xfinity gateway. Some of the newer xfinity gateways (you don't say which you have) are quite decent with their wireless. I'd leave it on with the MR60 connected to it and the MR60 in access point mode. The MR60 was a pretty base model mesh system but it still has satellites to expand your coverage.
So you could go xfinity gateway--->MR60 (ap mode)---->satellites
The devices that are fixed and half close can be connected to the xfinity gateway and those that roam and are further away, can connect to the MK60 system. Then you have faster speeds close to the gateway while still having mesh coverage.
I'd just make sure to have the 2 systems using different wireless channels for 2.4ghz and 5ghz to prevent interference. I'd also name them with different SSIDs (wireless names)
Your ISP Modem already has a built in router and wifi. This would be a double NAT (two router) condition which isn't recommended. This would be a double NAT 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 NG 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 NG router gets from the modem. https://kb.netgear.com/25891/DMZ-on-NETGEAR-routers
https://kb.netgear.com/24086/How-do-I-set-up-a-default-DMZ-server-on-my-Nighthawk-router
3. Or disable all wifi radios on the modem and connect the NG router to the modem, LAN to LAN configure AP mode on the NG router.
https://kb.netgear.com/20927/How-do-I-change-my-NETGEAR-router-to-AP-mode
Try option #2 first...
I have a Mesh Wi-fi Router MR60. I just switched to Xfinity with their Gateway at 1000Mbps. Do I use their router and simply use the Mesh satellites as extenders, not using the Mesh's router and Wi-Fi? I connected the Mesh Internet port to the Gateway and the old Internet name is fixed within the Nighthawk app and I cannot select the new internet name, but the blue lights come on the satellites, so I guess they are spreading the signal within my home. I cleared my history/cache on my Windows laptop, but cannot get into the Netgear Router Login because I'm not on the same router as the Mesh is in (the old internet name). The Nighthawk app on my iPhone and iPad automatically have the old internet connection name and I cannot seem to be able to change this. I read about Bridge mode, but Xfinity says not to do this. Thanks for your help
This would be a double NAT condition which isn't recommended.
FWIW, I have to use double NAT and it is quite managable.
If you don't use port forwarding or upnp, then you don't need to do anything special. Just turn off the Xfinity wifi and connect the MR60 to one of its LAN ports.
- If you use upnp, then put the MR60 in the DMZ of the Xfinity gateway (port forwarding will also work if you do that).
- If you forward ports, then you can alternatively first forward them from the Xfinity gateway to the MR60, and then forward them again in the MR60 to the desired destination.
I cleared my history/cache on my Windows laptop, but cannot get into the Netgear Router Login because I'm not on the same router
If the laptop is connected with ethernet, then you need to connect it to one of the MR60 LAN ports. If it is connected over wifi, then just join the MR60's wifi network, and not the Xfinity one.
If you do not need those applications, there is no need.
Even if you do, there are straightforward approaches to dealing with double NAT.
The easiest thing to do is simply connect the MR60 to the Xfinity gateway and it should work the same as it always has.
Most people would also learn how to log into the Xfinity gateway to turn off the Xfinity WiFi so that it does not interfere with the mesh system.
Having "two routers" has the potential to interfere with specific applications. (Internet search for "Double NAT" for more information.) People who use these applications do indeed consider putting their Internet Service Provider (ISP) device into Bridge Mode. If you do not need those applications, there is no need.
