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Re: Turning router into a network extender using bridge mode

ronaldws
Aspirant

Turning router into a network extender using bridge mode

Hi,

I am trying to turn by CBR40 into a range extender.  I know there is an option in the GUI to change it to BRIDGE mode, but that is about it.  What  do I need to do prior to that?  I already have an existing device with the same WIFI ID which replaced my Orbi. I am concerned if I boot up the Orbi the with both having the same names it will proably create a naming conflict.  Do I do a factory reset and have Orbi boot up with its factory name first?

 

Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

Regards,

Ron

Model: CBR40|Orbi AC2200 Tri-band WiFi Cable Modem Router
Message 1 of 7

Accepted Solutions
antinode
Guru

Re: Turning router into a network extender using bridge mode

> [...] I know there is an option in the GUI to change it to BRIDGE
> mode, [...]

 

   Do you know what that mode does?  "Bridge" is a widely
misused/misunderstood term.

 

   Generally, in a modem+router, "bridge mode" means disabling the
router section, leaving only the modem section working.

 

> [...] I already have an existing device with the same WIFI ID which
> replaced my Orbi. [...]

 

   So, some (unspecified) other modem+router?  In that case, configuring
your CBR40 as a modem-only ("bridge mode") will do nothing for you.

 

   One thing which you might be able to do with a cable modem+router
(like a CBR40) to let it extend your wireless-network coverage would be
to configure it as a wireless access point, which would need an Ethernet
(or equivalent) connection to your (unspecified) main router.  See, for
example:


      https://community.netgear.com/t5/x/x/m-p/1463500

 

That's written for a Netgear C6300-as-WAP, but the steps are about the
same for any other router (any make/model) which lacks a one-step WAP
option. (I'd expect a CBR40 to be very similar.)

View solution in original post

Message 2 of 7

All Replies
antinode
Guru

Re: Turning router into a network extender using bridge mode

> [...] I know there is an option in the GUI to change it to BRIDGE
> mode, [...]

 

   Do you know what that mode does?  "Bridge" is a widely
misused/misunderstood term.

 

   Generally, in a modem+router, "bridge mode" means disabling the
router section, leaving only the modem section working.

 

> [...] I already have an existing device with the same WIFI ID which
> replaced my Orbi. [...]

 

   So, some (unspecified) other modem+router?  In that case, configuring
your CBR40 as a modem-only ("bridge mode") will do nothing for you.

 

   One thing which you might be able to do with a cable modem+router
(like a CBR40) to let it extend your wireless-network coverage would be
to configure it as a wireless access point, which would need an Ethernet
(or equivalent) connection to your (unspecified) main router.  See, for
example:


      https://community.netgear.com/t5/x/x/m-p/1463500

 

That's written for a Netgear C6300-as-WAP, but the steps are about the
same for any other router (any make/model) which lacks a one-step WAP
option. (I'd expect a CBR40 to be very similar.)

Message 2 of 7
ronaldws
Aspirant

Re: Turning router into a network extender using bridge mode

Thanks.  Yeah, you are right.  I had no idea what Bridge Mode was, the user guide had no info at all on what it is or why you would use it, so I was just making a big assumption.  In any event you confirmed that what I was trying to do can not be done, i.e. extend my Nokia / T-Mobile 5G21-12W-A Gateway.  Thanks very much for chiming in though. 

Message 3 of 7
antinode
Guru

Re: Turning router into a network extender using bridge mode

> [...] what I was trying to do can not be done, i.e. extend my Nokia /
> T-Mobile 5G21-12W-A Gateway. [...]

 

   Not wirelessly[*], using a CBR40, at least.

 

   [*] If you wanted to invest in a pair of Powerline adapters to use
for the connection between the main router and the CBR40-as-WAP, then
the "(or equivalent)" clause above might apply.  But a different
(purpose-built) extender might be a better investment.

Message 4 of 7
ronaldws
Aspirant

Re: Turning router into a network extender using bridge mode

Actually, that might work.  The device (Xbox) in my residence is the unit needing a boost. I could simply bypass the CBR40 and just have the second powerline (the first Poweline being connected to my Nokia Primary) unit's RJ45 connect the the RJ45 jack in the Xbox, right?

 

Do you have Poweline product recommendations?

Message 5 of 7
antinode
Guru

Re: Turning router into a network extender using bridge mode

> [...] I could simply bypass the CBR40 and just have the second
> powerline (the first Poweline being connected to my Nokia Primary)
> unit's RJ45 connect the the RJ45 jack in the Xbox, right?

 

   Yes.

 

> Do you have Poweline product recommendations?

 

   No. I suspect that all the stuff on the market (at a particular
speed) uses essentially the same hardware.  How fast is your Internet
service?

 

   I'd probably look for an Ebay bargain before investing retail money
without knowing how well the Powerline stuff will work between your
points of interest.

Message 6 of 7
ronaldws
Aspirant

Re: Turning router into a network extender using bridge mode

Thanks very much for all your help.  I went with Netgear Powerline 2000; gets deliverd today from Best Buy.  It had very high ratings on Amazon and Best Buy.  Lots of reviewers stating it solved their gaming usage issues which is similar to mine.

Message 7 of 7
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