RouterFreak Reviews, Tips and Tools for Network Engineers
When you get an Xfinity Wireless Gateway, you’re getting a modem, which connects you to your ISP, and a router (which transmits signal to your devices) in one unit.
The xFi Gateway bridge mode allows you to disable the router function so that you’re only using the Xfinity modem and can substitute your own router.
There are reasons why using a separate router with your Xfinity Gateway might suit you, but remember, most people don’t absolutely need to switch to bridge mode.
Another point to consider is that in bridge mode, you won’t be able to personalize your network using the Xfinity app.
However, you can deactivate bridge mode, so don’t be scared to try it if you think it will help you.
Advantages of Using Bridge Mode: Why You Might Want It
The advantages of using your xFi bridge mode might include better range on your own Xfinity compatible router.
Or, you can connect more than one router and have multiple networks. On the downside, you might not get the performance you were hoping for and you may encounter additional security risks.
At the same time, you might have an even better security setup than Xfinity offers and want to keep it.
Finally, it’s possible that not all your devices are compatible with your Xfinity network.
However, do remember that if you’re allowing the Xfinity to act as your router and have set new passwords, you will have to add your devices to the network before they’ll work.
What Are the Advantages of Not Implementing Xfi Bridge Mode?
There are some xFi features that aren’t going to work in Bridge Mode. So, even if you own an extra router that you like and are considering using bridge mode so that you can, consider the pros and cons.
Security
xFi Advanced Security is a feature that’s available to some Xfinity customers. It’s worth having since you don’t need extra hardware or software to benefit from its built-in security.
These include preventing you from inadvertently accessing risky sites and preventing external access to your devices if it doesn’t seem above-board.
If you are in xFi bridge mode, these features won’t work.
However, if you’re confident that you can manage your network security without these features, there’s no harm in going ahead. Not sure?
We’ll talk about maintaining security in Bridge Mode in this article, so keep reading.
App and Device Management Features
The only thing you can reliably do on the Xfinity app if you’re in bridge mode is manage your account. You can’t make use of its extra features.
This could make it harder for you to troubleshoot connected devices or control them. For example, the app allows you to set parental controls.
Access to Xfinity WiFi Hotspots
If you frequently access the internet while you’re out and about, Xfinity WiFi hotspots offer you free WiFi. However, you won’t be able to access them when your gateway is in xFi bridge mode.
How important this is to you depends on how much you’d spend on data if you don’t have access to the hotspots.
No Xfinity Voice Service
If your Xfinity package comes with voice service, you won’t be able to use it while your gateway is in bridge mode.
We think this is a nice little extra, so be sure to check it out and weigh whatever advantages you expect to gain from activating bridge mode against losing this benefit.
Setup and Troubleshooting Will Be More Complex
If you’re using your Xfinity Wireless Gateway as is, you have full support from Xfinity. But as soon as you start adding your own routers to the picture, it will become more difficult for them to help you.
If you’re confident in your ability to do your own setup and troubleshooting, you’ll be fine. But if you don’t have much experience with this, it may be better to keep it simple.
How to Put Xfinity Modem in Bridge Mode
If you decide that using an external router instead of Xfinity’s built-in router capabilities is still better for you, it’s time to get into bridge mode.
- Open your browser and navigate to http://10.0.0.1.
- Log in with your username and password. If you haven’t set these yet, use the default username admin and the default password “password.” Don’t use caps, even the default is case sensitive.
- Select the Gateway > At a Glance
- You will see an option to enable bridge mode. If you want it, enable it.
- After clicking enable, you will see a warning message indicating that router functionality will be disabled. SInce this is what you need to do if you want to use another router, hit “OK.”
- To implement bridge mode, the gateway may restart.
- Now you can plug your desired router into one of the ethernet ports on your gateway.
What If You Want to Get Out of Bridge Mode?
Bridge mode will be enabled for as long as you want it to be. If you change your mind about it and want to use your Xfinity modem’s router capabilities again, simply follow the same steps as you did to enable bridge mode.
After you select “disable,” you won’t need an additional router since your Xfinity modem is also a router.
You’ll also be able to enable features like enhanced security measures using the Xfinity app. When you’re in xFi bridge mode, you can only use the app to monitor your account status.
What to Do If You Can’t Enable (or Disable) Bridge Mode
There are many devices that require a factory reset to get out of bridge mode. Your Xfinity should allow you to simply toggle your setting to enable or disable it. But glitches can occur.
If this happens, try restarting your system first. If that doesn’t work, you may have to restore factory settings and start over.
Remember that you will have to press and hold the reset button for ten seconds.
After that, your Xfinity wireless gateway will be in the same state as it was when you bought it. That means you’ll have to set up your network from scratch.
What Can You Do to Improve Security in Bridge Mode?
These days, we’re all aware that online security is an issue we can’t ignore. But there’s more than one way to do things.
As long as you’re aware of the potential security risks of bridge mode, you can address them.
Here are some points to consider:
- Check your external router’s firewall settings and make sure they’re up and running.
- Make sure your router’s firmware is up to date. Firmware updates often include security upgrades to address current threats.
- This applies to any scenario, but it’s worth mentioning. Make sure that your passwords are strong to prevent unauthorized access.
- Remote management can make your life easier – but it can also allow outsiders in. It’s usually best to disable remote access.
- Ensure that you’re using Wi-Fi encryption so that information moving through your network can’t be intercepted.
Lost Internet Connectivity in Xfi Bridge Mode? Troubleshooting and Fixes
If you just switched over to bridge mode and connected your extra router, you still have to set it up before it can work.
If you look back to the steps for enabling bridge mode, you’ll see that you have to enable it before you plug in the router.
Once you turn on your router, navigate to the external router’s setup wizard and follow the steps to configure it.
The easiest way to do that is to restore your secondary router to factory settings. That way, all the old info will be cleared away and you can replace it with the new settings.
Since you’re dealing with a new setup, do check that all the cables are properly plugged in – yes, we know that’s basic, but complex-seeming problems often have simple solutions.
If you still can’t connect, try rebooting your gateway. The most effective way is to unplug it from its power source for a couple of minutes before allowing it to restart. While you’re at it, power cycle your external router to cover all the bases.
Try disabling and re-enabling bridge mode. If your gateway doesn’t automatically restart, do a manual restart after each step.
Your last strategy will be to restore factory settings and start setting up your network from scratch. That way, you might be able to eliminate any technical errors that occurred along the way.
Xfinity xFi Bridge Mode: You’re Good to Go
We hope that this article answers all your questions about xFi bridge mode. There’s just one more thing. It should work with most routers, but we have heard of occasional compatibility issues.
If you think this might be your issue, or if the information we’ve provided here isn’t solving your issues with xFi bridge mode, you may need to check it out with Xfinity support.
Before you do, disable bridge mode and just check whether the gateway’s router function is working.
If it is, there’s some kind of bridging problem. If it doesn’t , then it’s an Xfinity problem that has nothing to do with bridge mode.
On the whole, however, using xFi bridge mode is pretty easy and you should be all set.
