Cable Modem/router + Personal router

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  1. Posts : 123
    10 Pro
       #1

    Cable Modem/router + Personal router


    My cable company provides a box that is a modem & router. I also use my own router attached to the cable modem.
    I have done nothing to the cable box except attach a cable from my router to it.
    Do I need to "Bridge" the cable router or can I use the WiFi from it along with the WiFi from my router?
    Is there a disadvantage for leaving things as they are or is it a must to provide better service to Bridge the cable router?
    I am trying to set up an Asus AI Mesh system between my two Asus 2900 routers to get better house WiFi coverage.
    Based on this, will the cable router create any issues?
    This has been on my mind as to the route to take with the cable router. I'm asking because under the theory, "If it an't broke, leave it alone", I am not sure that in my case this is still a good theory to follow.
    Would appreciate your thinking on this.
    Windows 10 Pro Build 19041.1
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  2. Posts : 30,117
    Windows 11 Pro x64 Version 23H2
       #2

    I run something like this.

    ISP Modem / router and my own router.

    I did not put the ISP device in bridge mode as I want a separate Lan for boxes I bring into my house. In my case I only use wire connections to my ISP modem router for strangers computers. I had the wifi enabled but just stopped using it so I shut it off.

    You can leave your ISP modem router WIFI on but ensure you use different channels from Asus setup. If you use the same channels you will get interference and if they are close to one another this interference will be noticeable.

    Devices connected to your router(s) will go through a Double NAT and while some say this provides a performance hit I don't notice it. I get my full upload and download speeds.

    What is Double NAT? | Answer | NETGEAR Support

    I would make sure you are not using the same IP ranges on both devices, so say ISP router is 192.168.0.xxx I would set your router to 192.168.15.xxx

    Devices connected to ISP router will not see or share with devices connected to your router(s).

    Could also have issues going the other way.
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  3. Posts : 5,048
    Windows 10/11 Pro x64, Various Linux Builds, Networking, Storage, Cybersecurity Specialty.
       #3

    @Cyclone3211 @Caledon Ken

    And all others...

    There's another important item to be careful of and it could come as a combination Modem/Router or discrete router.

    Many Cable Companies/ISP's use the portion of a free wireless router, provisioned to create a hot spot right in your premises, without you knowing.
    My ISP and others have played this trick so that anyone can piggyback onto your IP when they need free Wi-Fi bandwidth. It's really shady!

    I brought this to the attention of the FCC and was told that they were going to look into it a long time ago and nothing happened.

    So if your cable company/ISP offers you a free router... decline it.

    If it is a combo, disable the internal router via bridge mode (if possible), or ask for an email from them telling you that it won't be used for that purpose.

    Buy your own and be safe, like I did.

    Hope this helps.
    Last edited by Compumind; 07 Jan 2020 at 18:45.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 13,301
    Windows 10 Pro (x64) 21H2 19044.1526
       #4

    Compumind said:
    @Cyclone3211 @Caledon Ken

    and others...

    There's another important item to be careful of and it could come as a combination Modem/Router or discrete router.

    Many Cable Companies use the portion of a free wireless router, provisioned to create a hot spot right in your premises, without you knowing.
    My ISP and others have played this trick so that anyone can piggyback onto your IP when they need Wi-Fi.

    I brought this to the attention of the FCC and was told that they were going to look into it a long time ago and nothing happened.
    So if your cable company/ISP offers you a free router - decline it. Buy your own and be safe!

    Hope this helps.
    I noticed since I replaced my Xfinity modem with my own
    that Xfinity wifi has vanished from my network list.
    this was an open wifi.
    Thanks @Compumind that explains a lot
    Last edited by thomaseg1; 07 Jan 2020 at 20:55.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 5,048
    Windows 10/11 Pro x64, Various Linux Builds, Networking, Storage, Cybersecurity Specialty.
       #5

    thomaseg1 said:
    I noticed since I replaced my Xfinity modem with my own
    that Xfinity wifi has vanished from my network list.
    this was an open wifi.
    Thanks @Compumind that explains a lot
    It happens. You're welcome.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #6

    The other issue with not putting the modem into bridge mode is if you want to get into your network remotely from the internet side. I've got a NAS that I like to share files from with family members in another town and I doubt that I could do that if my modem was in router mode, followed by my Orbi router (although I have not tried it.)
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 13,301
    Windows 10 Pro (x64) 21H2 19044.1526
       #7

    Compumind said:
    It happens. You're welcome.
    Well you two do give great information so that's my excuse
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  8. Posts : 13,301
    Windows 10 Pro (x64) 21H2 19044.1526
       #8

    I have an old AT&T modem/router (paid for) which I use for in house sharing, minimum internet.
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 5,048
    Windows 10/11 Pro x64, Various Linux Builds, Networking, Storage, Cybersecurity Specialty.
       #9

    IMHO, there's nothing like discrete network components which you can manage.

    For the price that my Cable TV/ISP charged me every month, I more than paid for my modem by buying it outright - and not from them.
    As long as it's compatible, they just provision it. $10 per month was ridiculous.

      My Computer


  10. Posts : 4,201
    Windows 10 Pro x64 Latest RP
       #10

    Over the pond it's a known issue with at least one ISP, BT British Telecom, they advertise that their service includes "Free" WiFi for when you're out and about, the only reason it's free is because it's paid for by their customers, their router sets aside a segment of the available Bandwidth that is by default, reserved to provide a secondary WiFi hotspot that any BT customer can log into using their personal login details. Which shows that there is a link, from your router to BT to authenticate other users credentials

    I'm not sure if this has been stopped, or they now use random SSIDs and some app to find them, or that most people are now aware that it can be switched off in the depths of the settings, (where you are told by BT "not to mess with"), as I do not see as many BT hotspots around. these days.

    BT has a year or two ago Purchased or Merged with my ISP EE, (itself a merger of Orange and tMobile), I have noticed that whenever I have need to put in a support ticket they insist on providing me with one of their Super routers, to ensure that it's not a fault in my Netgear Pro hardware. (I never bother using them but do wonder why they insist in sending these out all the time, just to be added to the recycling) - I can recall talking to a Tech after an issue and being escalated and he admitted to me that he would never use their router, but would give no further details why.
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