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
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.
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.
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
Enable Bridge Mode: Select the option and save your changes. Your router will likely restart.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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