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Router Bridge Mode Setup

G5 Cyber Security

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:

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