You can use your router in a bridge mode to connect various devices at the faster 802.11ac speed. To do that, you have required two Wi-Fi routers – one will be set up as a router and the other set up in Netgear bridge mode.
In this blog, you will see all the relevant information on Netgear router bridge mode, how to set up, various benefits, and other relatable data. Before moving on to the setup process and more, let us first examine what this feature offers.
What Is Bridge Mode On A Router?
A bridge mode is basically something that allows you to connect the two routers without the risk of performance issues. Bridge mode is the configuration that disables the NAT feature on the modem and also enables a router to function as a DCHP server without a Netgear Router IP address.
Connecting various routers or devices can extend the Wi-Fi coverage in your office or at home. However, when you have the two routers – each with its own private Wi-Fi network – your devices can have a hard time communicating with each other. This situation is called the Double NAT.
Benefits Of Nighthawk Router As A Bridge
Below are some of the benefits of Netgear router in bridge mode offers that you can take advantage of:
- First, you can total advantage of the Gigabit Wi-Fi speeds on devices that do not natively support the gigabit Wi-Fi.
- You can use gigabit Wi-Fi for apps such as streaming video and gaming.
- Connect several devices like a NAS, a smart TV, and a Neo TV at gigabit Wi-Fi speeds using a Wi-Fi link.
- It would be best if you avoided the need for separate Wi-Fi adapters for each device.
For instance, you can install the first router in the room where the internet connection is located. Then, you can set up the second router in bridge mode. Next, please place it in a different room, such as the room where your home entertainment center is located. It would be best if you used the ethernet cables to connect the router in the bridge mode to your Smart TV, game console, DVR, or another device. The 802.11 ac Wi-Fi connection between the two routers lets 802.11n devices with a wired connection take advantage of a faster Wi-Fi connection speed than they support natively.
How To Set Up Bridge Mode?
You need to follow the below steps for Netgear bridge mode setup. Make sure you read the instructions first before applying them.
- First, you need to note the Wi-Fi settings of the other router to which this router will connect.
- Then you need to know the SSID, Wireless password, Wi-Fi security mode, and the operating frequency. Next, launch a web browser using a PC or mobile device connected to the router network, which will turn into Netgear nighthawk bridge mode. Now, you need to type the login address, and the page will be displayed. You need to enter the router’s credentials, which are the username and the password.
- The username is ‘admin,’ and the password is ‘password.’ The Basic home screen will then display. You need to click Advanced and then go to advanced setup and then the wireless bridge.
- The bridge mode wireless settings page will then display where you need to select the Enable Bridge Mode check box.
- Then you need to click the setup bridge mode wireless settings option and enter the settings for the other router as:
- Select the wi-fi network frequency as 2.4GHz or 5GHz. For 802. 11 ac mode, you need to select 5 GHz.
- In the SSID field, you need to enter the wireless network name.
- Select the Wi-Fi security mode of the other router in the security options section.
- If asked, then you need to type the paraphrase.
- Now, you need to click Apply button, and the settings for the other router will be saved, and the Advanced Wireless Settings page will be displayed.
- Finally, you need to click Apply button on the advanced wireless settings page, and your settings will be saved.
Following the above steps, your Netgear Router Setup will be successful. Make sure you follow the instruction carefully. These instructions are usually the same for most routers, whether a Netgear n300 bridge mode or a Netgear nighthawk r7000 bridge mode setup.
The Difference Between Netgear AP Mode Vs. Bridge Mode
In a detailed presentation, Wireless Bridges are found to be an intelligent device compared to hubs that control data flow to and fro from the associated network segments. A wireless bridge has the same function of linking the network segments. However, it does that through a Wi-Fi link instead of a wired ethernet link. It can connect the two networks with a radio link to facilitate connectivity and data transfer. On the other hand, the Wireless bridge access point mainly provides internet access by linking wireless devices with routers. They act as extenders of a wireless network by directly providing internet access over long distances. Some Wireless APs also offers the functionality of a wireless bridge by providing connectivity between two wireless networks.
The Central point of distinction between the two devices lies in their functionality. While the Wireless bridges are designed to integrate two physically parted networks through a radio link, an access point connects several wireless devices with a router. Therefore, a wireless bridge connects two PCs, and a wireless bridge connects several devices with a single internet connection. A bridge can also be utilized to join an existing ethernet network with an access point. In the bridge mode vs router mode, both of them were manufactured separately. Today, a blend of these two devices is more popularly used. These devices provide both bridging and multiple device wireless connectivities. Thus, the boundary between the functionality of both devices has become blurred. If you are thinking of purchasing a wireless access point or bridge mode device, make sure you go for the 802.11 wireless networking standard-based device. It offers the highest data transmission speed presently. You can also have the bridge mode extend wireless networks, which help you in several ways, especially when you want to extend the wireless networks and reach other devices.
So, now you know most about the Netgear router bridge mode, what does it mean, and the benefits from it. For the setup, you can refer to the above steps given in the “How To Set Up Bridge Mode?” section. You can also take a thorough reading of the section shown right above. That will undoubtedly help you in deciding which one you should go with.
