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Forum Discussion
jdwelsh
Mar 24, 2023Aspirant
R7000 as a firewall with static ip address
I need to configure my R7000 router as a firewall. The IP address is a static one. The modem is a Comcast business modem in bridge mode. I have set the router with my assigned IP address and their...
jdwelsh
Mar 24, 2023Aspirant
Kitsap
Thanks for the reply. The "modem" is a Comcast SMC Model SMCD3G and it definitely is in bridge mode. They made sure I knew when they installed it some years ago. When I connected it to the modem after having set my IP address, subnet mask, gateway address and their DNS servers, it brought up a browser page that is directed to the netgear site. It would not connect.
Inadvertently at the outset I let the R7000 get it's own address, but it still didn't connect to the browser.
My setup is Comcast modem > R7000 > workgroup network. Previously I was using a virtual Sophos firewall server through the modem but now I am downsizing from a domain to a workgroup to keep it more simpler.
I will try the power down/up process tomorrow.
Thanks!!
Kitsap
Mar 24, 2023Master
jdwelsh wrote:Kitsap
Thanks for the reply. The "modem" is a Comcast SMC Model SMCD3G and it definitely is in bridge mode. They made sure I knew when they installed it some years ago. When I connected it to the modem after having set my IP address, subnet mask, gateway address and their DNS servers, it brought up a browser page that is directed to the netgear site. It would not connect.
Inadvertently at the outset I let the R7000 get it's own address, but it still didn't connect to the browser.
My setup is Comcast modem > R7000 > workgroup network. Previously I was using a virtual Sophos firewall server through the modem but now I am downsizing from a domain to a workgroup to keep it more simpler.
I will try the power down/up process tomorrow.
Thanks!!
That is why I asked for the brand name and model number. Your device is a combination modem/router with multiple LAN output ports. Bridge mode is the proper configuration as that disables the router functions. This device does not appear to have any Wi-Fi capability. In bridge mode, the only active output port is number 1. The other ports on the bridged gateway should remain with no connections.
With no Ethernet connections to the gateway, you should be able to cycle the power and let it boot and stabilize. One of the LED indicators on the front should indicate internet connection. With this new configuration you would be best served to do a firmware default reset on your R7000 and configure it from scratch. With no Ethernet connections to the R7000, power it up and let it boot and stabilize. On the back is a recessed reset button, use a pen or toothpick to press and hold the button in until the LEDs start to blink. Release the reset button and let it complete the process. Now power down your R7000 and connect the WAN port to port 1 on your gateway with an Ethernet cable. Power up your R7000, let it boot and stabilize. Using a computer connected to the router with an Ethernet cable, you should be able to connect to the configuration page and complete the configuration process. If there are any other connection details Comcast business has shared with you, use them in the configuration process. Like a fixed IP address or a specific type of connection and password. If you need the manual for the R7000, it can be downloaded here: https://www.netgear.com/support/
Any particular reason you are not going to Comcast Business for support assistance in configuring your router?
- jdwelshMar 24, 2023Aspirant
Thanks! I will get back to you after I try this. Right now I am temporarily using a Windows server as my firewall but I would feel more comfortable using the R7000. Comcast couldn't/wouldn't help me. Their modem just sits there and doesn't do anything! 🙂
- KitsapMar 24, 2023Master
jdwelsh wrote:Thanks! I will get back to you after I try this. Right now I am temporarily using a Windows server as my firewall but I would feel more comfortable using the R7000. Comcast couldn't/wouldn't help me. Their modem just sits there and doesn't do anything! 🙂
Modem is not the most accurate term to use for a gateway configured in bridge mode. Basically your gateway does not do much of anything besides provide a coax connection to the internet on one end and an Ethernet connection to a router on the other.
I presume your Windows server is connecting to the internet through the gateway? If yes, please check to see if the Ethernet connection to the Windows server machine is plugged in to port 1 on the gateway.
- jdwelshMar 29, 2023Aspirant
I have it working now. I had to list Comcast's dns server in the dns settings on the individual computer network connections. Then I had to list the admin ip address as the gateway on each computer. I am a little perplexed by that last setting. I hope that that doesn't compromise security. I can do away with my Windows firewall server now!