ORBI AX4200 to ISP Fiber optic modem or router

Question

I have fiber running into my home and am using the ISP FO modem (Alcatel-Lucent) connected to the ISP provided modem (ZYXEL XMG3512). My TV service also runs through this modem (via a ZYXEL HLA3000).
I recently installed the ORBI AX4200 and connected it to the modem as instructed. In the process, I decided to organize my network closet and damaged the FO cable to the modem. The ISP tech came and repaired the FO but rerouted the ORBI through the ISP router. The tech said not to connect the ORBI to the modem because it will mess things up - he didn’t elaborate. He also said the ISP router is required since everything is running through it - including my HD TV and internet.
Any thoughts or concerns? Should I go ahead and connect the ORBI back to the modem or leave it connected to the ISP router? Does it matter?
Not really having any issues connected to the router as far as I can tell, but am I losing any benefits with the current setup?
Thanks in advance.

schumaku · Answer

michaelkenward&nbsp;wrote:
FURRYe38 has&nbsp;already listed your main options.
But&nbsp;your list of devices is puzzling to me at least. Take this:
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(2) the ISP provided router (ZYXEL XMG3512). I mistakenly called this a modem in the original post.
I suspect that FURRYe38 did the same as I did – ask Google about the ZYXEL XMG3512. The link I found describes this as a " VDSL2 Bonding/SFP Multi WAN Gateway". If so it is a&nbsp; modem.

There is indeed a two-wire modem for up to VDSL2+ - however there is also an SFP WAN&nbsp;cage can take GPON, Active-fiber, or GFast module, and/or a Gigabit Ethernet WAN port (I guess this is in use between the Fiber OSP and the router ... that's why it appears to work when plugging the Orbi WAN/Internet port there.
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Datwyl01&nbsp;wrote:I have reposted this 3x now with zero response from the community. Does ANYONE have any idea about this issue?
The problem is the non-existing crystall ball on how the Fiber OSP and the ISP router is configured&nbsp;when it comes to the triple-play services.
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The point to start with an attempt to "unbundle" boxes would be talking to your undefined ISP, or to a ISP community where people already&nbsp;have taken the plunge to reverse-engineer (or get the information from the ISP) - being for VLAN(s) involved, IGMP Multicast for live TV, ISP/carrier supported TR-069/181 based monitoring and support (certainly not available on the Orbi), on merging IPTV and Internet into one LAN allowing to have the IPTV Set-top-box (capable for other features probable, like Netflix et all, DLNA media access) and the other systems on your [W]LAN on one network and IP subnet (something&nbsp;Orbi can't again) ...
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Should the Fiber be some kind of shared fiber like GPON, there is even more complexity, as laser colours and encryption authentication does typically add a hurdle you can't overcome, even if you would own business class router with SFP/SFP+/SFP28 WAN interface(s).

Datwyl01 · Answer

I have reposted this 3x now with zero response from the community. Does ANYONE have any idea about this issue?

michaelkenward · Answer

Datwyl01&nbsp;wrote:I have reposted this 3x now with zero response from the community. Does ANYONE have any idea about this issue?
It helps to post in the right place. You won't find many Orbi users here.
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You have posted your message in the section of this community given over to General WiFi Routers (Non-Nighthawk). (This is easily done, given Netgear's complicated community structure.) Many questions apply to different types of device, so there may be useful responses here, but Orbi systems are not like standard routers, so you might get more help, and find earlier questions and answers specific to your device, in the appropriate section for your hardware. That's probably here: Orbi - NETGEAR CommunitiesI will ask the Netgear moderator to move your message.In the meantime you could visit the support pages:Support | NETGEARFeed in your model number and check the documentation for your hardware. Look at the label on the device for the model number.You may have done this already. I can't tell from your message. I mention it because Netgear stopped supplying printed manuals and CD versions some years ago and people sometimes miss the downloads.
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FURRYe38 · Answer

Your ISP Modem already has a built in router and wifi. This would be a double NAT (two router) 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 Orbi 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 Orbi router gets from the modem. Then you can use the Orbi router in Router mode.
3. Or disable all wifi radios on the modem and connect the Orbi router to the modem, configure AP mode on the Orbi router. https://kb.netgear.com/31218/How-do-I-configure-my-Orbi-router-to-act-as-an-access-point and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7LOcJ8GdDo&app=desktop

SInce your ISP said the ISP router is required, I would try option #2 or #3...

Datwyl01 · Answer

michaelkenwardThank you for your response and guidance. Yes the community is difficult to navigate.

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ORBI AX4200 to ISP Fiber optic modem or router

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