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Forum Discussion
Billy4117
Feb 27, 2024Aspirant
Set up Orbi 970 with ATT Gateway BGW-210
Just recently purchased the Orbi 970. I currently have an existing ATT Gateway, the BGW-210. I found several old posts about setting up the Orbi, but they all appear different (bridge mode, IP Passth...
- Feb 27, 2024
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 if you want the ISP modem to handle router operations, 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
Try option #2 first...
FURRYe38
Feb 27, 2024Guru - Experienced User
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 if you want the ISP modem to handle router operations, 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
Try option #2 first...
Billy4117
Feb 27, 2024Aspirant
Thank you for the quick reply. So on the ATT interface, I disabled the 2.4 and 5 wifi and in the firewall section, I placed it in IP passthrough with DHCP fixed. It asks for the MAC address entry. Can I simply choose from the dropdown menu for the Orbi 970 MAC address or is there somewhere I can get the MAC address to enter manually. Is there anything I need to do on the Orbi interface or does it default to router mode. Seems so simple, but I feel like I'm missing something somewhere as the speeds in the upstairs (I have one satellite upstairs) area are significantly slower and my home is no where close to the Orbi 970 assertion that it covers 6600 square feet. I have maybe a third of that.
- FURRYe38Feb 27, 2024Guru - Experienced User
Yes you can find the MAC address on the RBRs web page under the Advanced tab. First box on the left will have the MAC address.
What is the distance between the RBR and RBS? 30 feet starting is recommended.That size of home, may need a 2nd RBS. Depending on building materials that will impact wifi performances and operation. Nature of the beast here.
- Billy4117Feb 27, 2024Aspirant
That definitely could be it. My satellite, including the stairs, is probably closer to 50 feet away from the router.
Would you recommend manually enter the MAC address or using the dropdown. I remember in one of the older posts or older youtube videos, they mentioned entering the MAC address manually is better, but I don't recall if there was a reason or not or whether the MAC addresses would be the same (dropdown vs manual entry).
Again, thanks for the help.
- FURRYe38Feb 27, 2024Guru - Experienced User
I would set a IP address reservation on the ISP router for the RBR that's given to the RBR.
Then set up the MAC address or IP address on the ISP router for the IP Pass-thru feature. Contact the ISP for help and information regarding there ISP router and configuration of it.
Could try the RBS maybe 40 feet way from the RBR and see.