About bridge mode - Google Fiber Help (2024)

What is bridge mode?

Bridge mode is a setting within a router that turns off the router’s Wi-Fi broadcast, turning it into a bridge between the network and another Wi-Fi router.

Why is bridge mode important?

While we believe the Google Fiber Multi-Gig Router and Mesh Extenders are great equipment to get 2 Gig customers the speed and Wi-Fi performance they’re looking for, we recognize that everyone’s space and technical needs are different. Customers should have the freedom to use the equipment that works best for them. Bridge mode is a fast way to make that functionality available to our 2 Gig customers.

Can I use my own router with 2 Gig?

Yes, youcan — by using bridge mode.

Step 1: Remove devices from Google Fiber Multi-Gig Router

Remove any devices you have plugged into the Google Fiber Multi-Gig Router via ethernet.

Step 2: Plug in your router

Plug the new router you’d like to use into the 10 Gig ethernet port on the back of the Multi-Gig Router.

About bridge mode - Google Fiber Help (1)

Step 3: Set your Google Fiber Multi-Gig Router to bridge mode

Bridge mode is located on your Google Fiber account: select Network → Advanced → Admin and toggle to enable bridge mode.Click apply (at the very bottom of the Network tab).About bridge mode - Google Fiber Help (2)

Step 4: Restart your Multi-Gig Router

Your Multi-Gig Router will automatically restart. A few minutes after restarting the Multi-Gig Router, your internet connection will be restored and you can configure your own router to provide Wi-Fi and ethernet connectivitybased on its manufacturer’s recommendations.

About bridge mode - Google Fiber Help (3)

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About bridge mode - Google Fiber Help (2024)

FAQs

About bridge mode - Google Fiber Help? ›

Bridge mode is located on your Google Fiber account: select Network → Advanced → Admin and toggle to enable bridge mode. Click apply (at the very bottom of the Network tab).

Should Google WiFi be in bridge mode? ›

Bridge mode is only needed when encountering specific cases of Double NAT. For most people, Double NAT does not affect Wi-Fi performance. However, it can be an issue if you play online games or use IP address assignments, port forwarding rules, or Universal Plug and Play (UPnP).

What is the purpose of bridge mode? ›

It is a networking feature that enables two routers to coexist without any issues. Once it is enabled on the router, the extended router essentially creates a mesh network. You can easily connect to the network from a distance.

What happens if I enable bridge mode? ›

Bridge mode is a networking feature that allows two routers together. When enabled, it essentially turns the one router into a switch, allowing it to extend the coverage of your Wi-Fi. The bridge-enabled router will still transfer data, but it won't perform traditional Network Access Translation (NAT) processes.

Does bridge mode make Internet faster? ›

Bridge mode can improve network performance by reducing latency and optimizing data transfer within the same network segment. By eliminating the need for routing between different network segments, devices can communicate directly with each other, resulting in faster data transmission and reduced network congestion.

When should you use a Wi-Fi bridge? ›

WiFi bridges use a point-to-point WiFi connection to exchange data with routers. You might install a wireless bridge if your property has multiple, thick walls that impede WiFi signals, large outdoor spaces, or multiple buildings that want to use the same network.

Does enabling bridge mode turn off Wi-Fi? ›

By putting your modem/router combo device into bridge mode, you are essentially turning off its WiFi capabilities and passing its Internet connection through to your eero. This step ensures your eero system can work its magic and you can take full advantage of its many advanced features.

What is bridge mode in simple terms? ›

What is Bridge Mode? Bridge mode is a way to connect two different networks. This allows you to bridge two different types of networks together in an efficient way, but not in the same way as access point mode. Bridge mode connects two different networks by creating a virtual interface between them.

What does bridge mode disable? ›

You'll see a message: "WARNING: Enabling Bridge Mode will disable Router functionality of Gateway and turn off the private WiFi network. Are you sure you want to continue?" Click OK to confirm. Note: Your wireless gateway may restart.

Does bridge mode turn off Ethernet? ›

Bridge mode makes a router “act like” just a modem. It does not do NAT or DHCP, and it passes its public IP address on to the device connected to one of its LAN ports, typically LAN1. LAN side Ethernet ports except for LAN 1 are disabled.

How does wireless bridge mode work? ›

A wireless bridge connects a router (or standard internet setup) to a device in a fixed location across a large distance and provides internet access. The device that utilizes the bridge could be a mobile phone, laptop, or similar smart technology.

What is the difference between a router and a bridge? ›

Routers and bridges differ in several ways. First, routers can connect different networks, while bridges can only connect segments of the same network. Second, routers use logical addresses, while bridges use physical addresses. Third, routers can handle different network protocols, while bridges can only handle one.

Can you access router in bridge mode? ›

In order to access your router that is currently in bridged mode you need to manually assign an IP address for your computer that's plugged into it. This is because in bridged mode your router doesn't automatically assign your computer an IP address.

Does bridge mode slow down Wi-Fi? ›

Additionally, wireless bridge mode can cause interference with other devices on your network, which can slow down your network speed.

What are the benefits of Wi-Fi bridge? ›

Benefits of Wi-Fi Bridging

Bridging solutions connect multiple networks that use the same or different protocols by aggregating them into a single network. For example, an Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi bridging device receives incoming data from an Ethernet network and sends it back out via Wi-Fi and vice versa.

How do I make Google Wifi work better? ›

Move the connected device closer to your Wifi router or point. Run a mesh test to confirm placement of your Wifi points. Try to move your router or point to a more open or unobstructed location and your router or points closer to each other. Restart your network.

Should I use bridge mode? ›

In most cases, you'll want to use bridge mode if you have an existing network that can't handle the increased load of having multiple access points on it at once (or if there are other reasons why you should go with one main router instead of multiple).

Does mesh Wi-Fi work in bridge mode? ›

The Linksys Mesh routers allow you to extend your existing network through bridge mode. When in bridge mode, the Linksys Mesh router will not have its own separate network. All nodes and client devices connected to the router will be on the same network and can communicate with other devices within the network.

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