What Is Bridge Mode and When Should You Use It?

When setting up your home network, you might have come across the term “bridge mode” for routers. So, what exactly is bridge mode? What features does it offer? When should you use it? How does it differ from other network configurations?

Read this beginner’s guide to router bridge mode and solve all your questions. Let’s start!

What Is Bridge Mode?

Router Bridge Mode is a network configuration built into routers that instructs your router to stop doing rotor things and allows it to operate solely as a switch.

Under normal circumstances, routers perform tasks such as packet analysis, IP address allocation, network traffic management, and network address translation(NAT) in standard routing mode. However, in bridge mode, the router can no longer execute these complex tasks and can only pass network data to the next level of routers or devices.

The primary purpose of bridge mode is to connect two or more routers, which is quite common in everyday scenarios. Most modern modems provided by major internet service providers (ISPs) have built-in routing and Wi-Fi capabilities, which offer convenience and save costs for users. This setup is usually sufficient for a typical household, where only a few devices need internet access.

However, if your home has many devices or if you require higher network performance, the modem’s built-in capabilities might not be enough. In such cases, consider purchasing a more powerful standalone router and switching your modem to bridge mode. This way, the modem handles only signal conversion, while the more robust router manages data processing, leading to improved overall network performance and stability.

Why We Need to Use Router Bridge Mode?

There are many benefits to using the bridge mode, here are a few of the most typical reasons:

Eliminate Double NAT

If your network has two routers with NAT enabled (such as a modem and a router), you might experience double NAT issues. This can slow down your network and affect applications that require port forwarding, such as online gaming, VPNs, or video conferencing. Enabling bridge mode on one router bypasses its NAT, reducing potential problems and simplifying your network configuration.

Enhance Wireless Coverage

Switching your ISP-provided equipment to bridge mode allows you to use a router with stronger wireless capabilities and better antenna design, resulting in superior Wi-Fi coverage and signal strength. You can also add access points or multiple routers and use bridge mode as a bridge for signal extension, enabling devices far from the main router to connect with strong signals.

Simplify Network Management

By setting up one main router and configuring other routers in bridge mode, you can unify the network environment and simplify network management. All devices obtain the IP address from the main router, allowing you to manage settings such as SSID, passwords, and DHCP(Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) range from a single point, avoiding duplicate configurations and easing coordination.

Maintain Network Performance

Bridge mode prevents routing between different network segments and eliminates potential traffic bottlenecks and unnecessary NAT processing, helping to maintain optimal network performance. In scenarios requiring high speed and low latency, such as online gaming or live streaming, bridge mode is crucial.

Enable Device-to-Device Communication

In a network with multiple routers, each router has its own private IP address, making it difficult for devices connected to different routers to communicate directly. Bridge mode ensures that all devices are on the same subnet, facilitating easier and more direct communication.

Allow Advanced Configurations

Using bridge mode lets you take full advantage of advanced features on your main router. If your main router has advanced security, QoS, or parental control features, devices connected to all auxiliary routers with bridge mode enabled can benefit from these functionalities.

Using Bridge Mode: Pros and Cons

The Advantage of Bridge Mode

・Cost-Effective: Efficiently enhances Wi-Fi signal coverage at a low cost. This is especially convenient for larger homes or multi-story residences, as adding extra routers extends the signal range.

・Flexibility and Scalability: Whether new devices are joining or old ones are being removed, bridge mode can quickly adapt to ensure network stability and connectivity.

・Easy Setup: Very beginner-friendly, with a straightforward setup process. Most routers offer simplified setup wizards, making it very easy to enable bridge mode.

・Simultaneous Connection: Allows multiple devices to connect to the network simultaneously without compromising performance. No matter what device to use – enjoy a smooth and fast network experience.

・Device Compatibility: Compatible with a wide range of device types, including phones, tablets, and laptops, eliminating concerns about compatibility issues.

The Disadvantage of Bridge Mode

・Increased Complexity: Although bridge mode simplifies network settings, managing multiple devices still requires some technical knowledge. 

・Disabled Features: Once a router is set to bridge mode, it cannot perform traffic routing or other advanced functions, such as access controls, traffic management, and content filtering.

・Security Risks: If not configured properly, bridge mode can introduce security vulnerabilities, potentially increasing the risk to the entire network.

・Increased Points of Failure: The more bridge routers are introduced, the more potential points of failure there are. This will also result in locating the source of the problem which may require more time and effort.

How to Set Up a Bridge Mode on a Router?

The process of setting up bridge mode on your router is relatively simple, just follow the steps we offered below.

Step 1. Check the bottom of the router or the manual to find the IP address of the router you want to set the router bridge mode, and navigate to it with a browser.

Step 2. Click the Enter button and log in with the router’s username/password.

Step 3. Move to Network> Wan/Internet settings.

Step 4. Find the DHCP settings, disable the DHCP server, and save.

Step 5. Head to Access Point Mode, and enable the Bridge Mode here.

Step 6. Now enter the wireless network name and its password, and configure other settings according to the other router.

Step 7. Hit the Apply button to save the changes.

Step 8. Connect the other router to one LAN port on the bridged one via an Ethernet cable.

Don’t forget to restart your router, and then the bridge mode will be enabled successfully.

Xfinity Bridge Mode

Considering there are many Xfinity users, we also provide you with a detailed guide on how to enable bridge mode on the Xfinity gateway.

Step 1. Navigate to the Admin Tool(http://10.0.01) via the device connected to the network.

Step 2. Enter the router’s username/password, and hit the LOGIN.

Step 3. Move to Getaway> At a Glance> Bridge Mode.

Step 4. Hit the Enable button. Then a message will show up to warn you, click the OK option.

Step 5. Head to Access Point Mode, and enable the Bridge Mode here.

Step 6. Restart the wireless gateway, and connect your router to one Ethernet port.

Now you can use your own router to perform routing functions.

💡How to Turn off the Bridge Mode?

To disable Bridge Mode, simply follow the steps we’ve provided above, find the Bridge Mode settings, and click Disable.

When Should We Use Bridge Mode?

We recommend using bridge mode in the following situations:

・Connecting Multiple Routers: If you want to connect two or more routers on the same network, consider using bridge mode to avoid double NAT. This prevents network issues when gaming or using certain online applications.

・Improving Network Performance: If you’ve purchased a more powerful router and your ISP’s modem has routing capabilities, set the modem to bridge mode to enjoy advanced features and enhanced performance.

・Enhancing Security: If online security is a high priority for you, consider purchasing a router with robust security features and setting your ISP’s device to bridge mode. This setup allows for better management and monitoring of network security through the new router.

・Simplifying Network Management: Using bridge mode can centralize network management and settings on a single device, thereby improving the efficiency of network monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting.

Comparison of Bridge Mode with Other Network Configurations

To give you a more comprehensive understanding of bridge mode, we provide a comparison with other common network configurations.

Bridge Mode vs. Router Mode

Router mode is the most typical configuration for routers, ideally suited for managing home network distribution and monitoring network security. In this mode, the device can perform complete routing functions, including NAT, DHCP, firewall, and more.

	Bridge Mode	Router Mode
NAT	Disabled	Enabled
DHCP	Disabled	Enabled
Configuration	Requires an additional router for network management	A single device manages all functions
Device Role	Simply passes network traffic	Manages, and allocates network traffic
Suitable Scenarios	When there are 2 or more routers needed	Integrated network management in small environments

Bridge Mode vs. IP Passthrough

The function of IP Passthrough is similar to bridge mode, as both can disable the routing capabilities of a modem, but they achieve this in different ways.

You can think of bridge mode as a transparent channel. When you enable bridge mode, your modem essentially stops all intelligent management and simply passes the internet signal directly to the next router. This setup is ideal for scenarios where the new router needs to completely take over network control.

On the other hand, IP Passthrough is more like a VIP lane. It allows one specific device, such as a gaming console, server, or second router, to obtain a public IP address to access the internet directly. Meanwhile, other devices on the network continue using the private IP settings of the original router and are managed as usual.  

	Bridge Mode	IP Passthrough
NAT	Disabled	Enabled
DHCP	Disabled	Enabled
Configuration	Requires an additional router for network management	Requires designating a device for Public IP
Device Role	Simply passes network traffic	Some routing functions remain
Suitable Scenarios	When there are 2 or more routers needed	When a single device requires direct internet access

🔥To Sum up

・Bridge Mode is beneficial when you want to use your own router entirely, skipping the ISP device’s routing functions.

・Router Mode is best for typical home or business networks where the router needs to oversee all networking responsibilities.

・IP Passthrough is advantageous when certain devices require a public IP for direct internet access, while the router continues to manage the rest of the network devices.

Pro Tip: Best VPN for Routers Recommended

As mentioned above, bridge mode can pose security risks. If not set up correctly, such as by disabling the security features of the bridging router, and the main router lacks enough protection, your network could be easy to monitor or attack. 

To mitigate these risks when using bridge mode, it’s advisable to set up X-VPN on your router. X-VPN employs top-notch VPN encryption and multiple protocols, ensuring that all devices connect to your network, including those not directly compatible with VPNs like gaming consoles or smart printers,  transmit data securely through VPN protection.

X-VPN stands out as a leading VPN for routers, offering multiple detailed setup guides specific to various router brands and protocols, simplifying VPN configuration under bridge mode. With over 8000 fast servers worldwide, it not only routes your data via remote servers to protect your online identity but also bypasses geo-restrictions to access global content. 

Additionally, by switching your ISP equipment to bridge mode, you can fully utilize the computing power of high-performance routers to run X-VPN, which typically results in faster connection speeds and a smoother internet experience.

Now you can hit the button to download X-VPN and try its 100% free version on your device without login and data limitations, and read the guide How to Set up a VPN on Your Router? to know more.

Conclusion

Bridge mode is a widely used network configuration that allows multiple routers to coexist on the same network, boosting network performance and enabling seamless communication between devices. However, before deciding to enable this mode, ensure you understand your specific network needs, check device compatibility, and consider setting up X-VPN on your router for comprehensive online protection.

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