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Forum Discussion
Using RAX41 router in normal mode while connected to my ISP-provided router
Right now its in AP mode as advised via Netgear tech support back when I could get support for it and not being charged but since it is in AP mode, there's a lot of settings I can't access because of...
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
New: https://community.netgear.com/kb/en-home-nighthawk-knowledge-sharing/procedure-to-configure-static-ip-address-for-ap-mode-for-netgear-orbi-or-nightha/2456243
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-WIFI-6-AX-AND-Wi-Fi-6E-AXE/Procedure-for-Factory-reset-of-RBS850/m-p/2367505/highlight/true#M53985
Try option #2 first...
My ISP router is a Calix Gigacenter 844E and being that it is fiber Internet, that router is plugged into a, I believe it’s called a UNT, or something like that. It’s a little white box that the router is plugged into with an ethernet cable and then there’s an actual fiber optic cable that goes from that little white box with the lights on it to another little box which is what goes outside.
But like I asked the other responder, is all of this double NAT stuff a possibility only if I returned my Netgear router back to normal router mode or is this something that could be going on right while having my Netgear router configured in AP mode?
Because if there’s not really going to be any advantage to reconfiguring my netgear router away from access point mode that I guess I would just rather leave it how I have it now.
both routers, when connected to their ethernet outputs and depending on the device connected, you can see anywhere from 950 to 980 Mbps and when connected via Wi-Fi, the Netgear router on my iPhone 14 and on my MacBook, I can see about 600 to 620 Mbps, but on the ISP provided router, about 400 to 500 Mbps.
ONT.
You can turn the Netgear router back to router mode, however if the ISP router is active, you'll need to use option #2 to help avoid double NAT issues if there is a router at the ISP level.
OK, so, basically what it sounds to me like you’re saying is, if I return my Netgear router back to normal router mode and leave it connected the way it is, I’m gonna have to basically put my ISP router into bridge mode- which, I can as it has that ability but if I have to do all that, that means I’ll only have one router that I can use so, it sounds to me like Im just better off leaving everything as it is because besides the fact of having two routers to split the load between all my wireless devices and also besides the fact of essentially having another router that my wife can rely on if the Netgear router decides to act up if I’m out of town because while having the ISP provided router as the main router, my ISP can connect to that router remotely to straighten it out so, this is why it kind of sounds to me like if I’m gonna do this, I might as well just either A, use the ISP router by itself and not have near as good a performance or I B, get a lot better performance from my Netgear but also have a router that my ISP can’t connect to remotely if something happens to it and if I’m not around.
How often do you have issues with the ISP? If you don't have problems often then I wouldn't worry about it. If you do then all this will be up to you.
If you don't have lots of devices, then run either mode. AP mode maybe more sensible if you just want better wifi from the RAX.
Run what works best for you. Something to try for each configuration and see what works best for you.