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Modem Only/Bridge Mode

Hi all

I'm looking for some advice on what ISP's allow their router's to be put into Modem Only/Bridge Mode?

I'm currently with Virgin Media on their M100 broadband only package, I've just started paying almost £49 so am looking to change.

I don't need TV or phone, my main concern is the ability to use my own Mesh system.

Thanks in advance.

Kind regards.

Kristian
 
A think most (especially smaller providers) will usually allow you to connect a second router via the WAN port, but there are exceptions (e.g. Truespeed and those providers that don't make a WAN connection available). But we don't have a solid list of all these differences, which is partly because we often only find out about them after people have joined (i.e. providers tend to be pretty vague when providing details of their routers).
 
A lot will depend on who can provide service to your location. If you are in an area that Openreach supply then you are more likely to be able to use your own kit than if you are stuck with a single altnet. Some smaller ISPs (eg Aquiss) don't supply a router/modem at all so you have a full choice....
 
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A think most (especially smaller providers) will usually allow you to connect a second router via the WAN port, but there are exceptions (e.g. Truespeed and those providers that don't make a WAN connection available). But we don't have a solid list of all these differences, which is partly because we often only find out about them after people have joined (i.e. providers tend to be pretty vague when providing details of their routers).
Totally agree, would be nice if they provided more details on the hardware they supplied to people with IT experience.
 
A lot will depend on who can provide service to your location. If you are in an area that Openreach supply then you are more likely to be able to use your own kit than if you are stuck with a single altnet. Some smaller ISPs (eg Aquiss) don't supply a router/modem at all so you have a full choice....
Thanks! I'm based in Quinton, Birmingham which seems to offer quite the selection of provider's.
 
Thanks! I'm based in Quinton, Birmingham which seems to offer quite the selection of provider's.
Can you clarify which networks - for Openreach FTTP or FTTC or for an AltNet?

The latter as said are a broad church, so there is very little by way of a common approach. So you need to say who and then specific answers can be provided.
 
Can you clarify which networks - for Openreach FTTP or FTTC or for an AltNet?

The latter as said are a broad church, so there is very little by way of a common approach. So you need to say who and then specific answers can be provided.
Thanks, I've only really done the usual uSwitch and other comparison site checks. I've never had ADSL, only ever been with Virgin Media so not that familiar with the other technologies I'm afraid.
 
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So if you strike out VM - then it’s really only Openreach FTTC or DSL. The latter would be really disappointing after Virgin cable speeds.

What results do you get from the BT Wholesale checker?

Possibly an AltNet but you’d need to research what’s available or possibly coming to your street…

Dare I suggest it, 4G or 5G mobile broadband too

https://bidb.uk
 
I've bee looking around for information on this. I've converted several Virgin routers to modem only to install either a better wifi router or a mesh and it's always worked well. I did the same at home (Virgin cable) but realised we didn't need all tv and phone nonsense. I switched to Three 5G hub and a Deco M5 mesh which works really well and save me £60 per month!
However, I too would really like to know which ISP's provide modems which can be switched to 'modem only mode' a la Virgin to make it easier to install mesh systems.
 
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Actually, ISPs providing modem only/bridging on their own modem/routers is a bit hit and miss. But in many cases just to add a mesh system to an existing router, all you need to do is place the mesh unit that connects to the modem/router into AP (Access Point) mode.
*Cut short because otherwise, I could rant on for pages about the minutae
 
However, I too would really like to know which ISP's provide modems which can be switched to 'modem only mode' a la Virgin to make it easier to install mesh systems.

Actually, ISPs providing modem only/bridging on their own modem/routers is a bit hit and miss. But in many cases just to add a mesh system to an existing router, all you need to do is place the mesh unit that connects to the modem/router into AP (Access Point) mode.
*Cut short because otherwise, I could rant on for pages about the minutae
So I think this question was too wide open from the outset. While it's possible to compile a list of which ISPs support "modem mode" this will be insuficient information to determine if a certain ISP will work with a wifh mesh system without knowing what is the wifi mesh system. In other words you really need to look at the combination of ISP and wifi system to know if they are compatible. Why? Because different wifi mesh systems have different requirements. Eero for instance would would only work in "router" mode and would want to take over routing, DNS, DHCP, etc. Some other wifi systems like Ubiquiti Unifi can work completely independent of your router so would work with pretty much all ISPs. Likewise the Ubiquiti Unifi system can work in router mode using the Ubiquiti Security gateway or the Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro.

So in reality the OP should have asked if his chosen wish mesh system was compatible with the ISPs that can serve him and on which modes could this work. In other words this is not a simple question to answer without looking at the specific details of your setup and different ISP/configuration options.
 
Just adding my experience as I came across this post when researching the Unifi Dream router. With Plusnet you are able to use bridge mode, and from some other posts, apparently you can't do this with BT Home hubs, which are the same hardware/software just customised for each ISP.

Screenshot 2023-03-29 at 11.52.25.webp


Screenshot 2023-03-29 at 11.52.39.webp
 
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