Router Bridge Mode Setup

TL;DR

Bridge mode turns your router into a simple Wi-Fi access point. This is useful if you already have another device handling routing (like a Virgin Media Hub) and just want to extend your wireless network. Here’s how to do it.

Setting up Bridge Mode

1. Find Your Router’s IP Address: This is usually the address you type into your web browser to access its settings. Common ones are 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. You can find it by:
   • Windows: Open Command Prompt and type

     ipconfig

     . Look for ‘Default Gateway’.

   • macOS: Open System Preferences > Network, select your connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), then click ‘Advanced’ and go to the TCP/IP tab. The Router address is listed there.
2. Access Your Router’s Settings: Type the IP address into a web browser and log in. You’ll need your router’s username and password (often found on a sticker on the router itself). If you’ve changed it, use that one.
3. Locate Bridge Mode: The location of this setting varies hugely between routers. Look for options like:
   • ‘Bridge Mode’
   • ‘Access Point Mode’
   • ‘Wireless Repeater Mode’ (sometimes this includes bridge functionality)
   • Advanced Settings > Operation Mode
4. Enable Bridge Mode: Select the option and save your changes. Your router will likely restart.
5. Disable DHCP Server: This is crucial. With bridge mode, your main router handles IP address assignment. If you don’t disable it on the bridging router, you’ll have conflicts.
   • Find the DHCP server settings (usually in LAN or Network Settings).
   • Uncheck ‘Enable DHCP Server’ or set it to ‘Disabled’.
   • Save your changes.
6. Set a Static IP Address (Optional but Recommended): Give the bridging router a static IP address within your main router’s network range, but outside its DHCP assignment range. This makes it easier to access for management.
   • Example: If your main router is 192.168.1.1 and assigns addresses from 192.168.1.100 – 192.168.1.200, you could set the bridging router to 192.168.1.50
   • You’ll need your main router’s subnet mask and gateway address (usually the same as its IP).
7. Connect to Your Main Router: Connect an Ethernet cable from a LAN port on your bridging router to a LAN port on your main router. Do not use the WAN/Internet port.
8. Test Connectivity: Once everything is set up, check if devices connected to the bridging router can access the internet. If not:
   • Restart both routers.
   • Double-check that DHCP is disabled on the bridging router.
   • Verify the static IP address settings (if used).
   • Check firewall settings on your main router – it shouldn’t be blocking traffic from the bridging router’s IP address.

Troubleshooting

If you can’t access your router after enabling bridge mode, try these steps:

• Reset Your Router: Hold down the reset button on the back of the router for 10-15 seconds. This will restore it to factory defaults.
• Check Ethernet Cable: Make sure the cable is securely connected at both ends.
• Consult Your Router’s Manual: Different routers have different settings and procedures.