Bridge mode: What it is, and how to enable it on a router

What is bridge mode?

NAT is a crucial feature in most routers. It allows multiple devices with private, non-routable IP addresses to share a single public IP address when connecting to the internet by translating private IP addresses to the public one. This process shields your home network from direct exposure to the internet. 

However, when two routers connect and both try to handle NAT at the same time, a problem called “double NAT” can occur, causing connectivity issues with gaming, remote access, and port forwarding.

Bridge mode helps by turning off NAT and DHCP on one router so that only the primary router manages IP address assignments. The other router still forwards network traffic but works as a pass-through device, letting the primary one take over as the default gateway for all connected devices. 

How does bridge mode work?

When you enable bridge mode on a router, it stops acting as one. Instead of creating its own network, it simply passes the internet connection to another router without modifying IP addresses or performing NAT. Each device keeps its original MAC address, ensuring that the primary router handles all network management: assigning IPs, managing security settings, and preventing conflicts.

This setup ensures that all devices are correctly identified on the network and prevents network conflicts, which interfere with gaming, remote access, and certain online services.

How to set up bridge mode on a router

Setting up bridge mode varies slightly on different types of routers, but the process generally follows the same steps. Below, you'll find instructions for Netgear, Linksys, and Eero routers.

On a Netgear router, follow these steps:

1. 1.Open a browser on a device connected to the Netgear router.
2. 2.Enter the router's IP address in the address bar — typically 192.168.1.1, but you can check the label or user manual if that doesn't work.
3. 3.Enter your admin username and password.
4. 4.Go to "Advanced" > "Advanced setup." 
5. 5.Find and enable the "Bridge mode" option. This option could also be called “IP passthrough” if you’re using a Netgear router.
6. 6.Save your settings and restart the router.

On a Linksys router, follow these steps:

1. 1.Open a browser on a device connected to the router and log in to its web interface by entering 192.168.1.1.
2. 2.Go to "Internet settings" and find the "Bridge mode" option.
3. 3.Click the "Enable bridge mode" checkbox.
4. 4.Save the settings and restart your router.

Note: Depending on the model of router, some call bridge mode “Automatic configuration – bridge mode” or “Access point mode.”

On an Eero router, follow these steps:

1. 1.Open the Eero app on your phone.
2. 2.Tap "Settings" > "Advanced settings."
3. 3.Select "Bridge Mode.”
4. 4.Save and reboot your network.

Advantages of bridge mode

If your current network setup isn't working the way you need, you can use bridge mode to streamline it. It's worth considering for the following reasons:

• Double NAT prevention. No more connectivity issues with gaming, remote work, or port forwarding.
• Bypassing ISP limitations. If your internet service provider’s router doesn’t meet your needs, you may be able to enable bridge mode and use your own router instead. However, not all ISP-issued routers support this feature.
• Multiple routers working together. If you want to connect multiple routers within the same wired network, bridge mode ensures they work without IP conflicts or redundant processing.

Disadvantages of bridge mode

While bridge mode offers several benefits, it's important to be aware of the potential risks and challenges associated with its use. Some key considerations include:

• Loss of routing capabilities. With NAT and DHCP disabled, the bridged router can't assign IPs or route traffic between networks. All advanced routing functions — like firewalls, VLANs, and port forwarding — must be handled by the primary router.
• Single point of failure. When using bridge mode, multiple devices rely on a single primary router or access point for network connectivity. If it fails or experiences network issues, the entire bridged network loses connectivity.
• Potential network security risks. With NAT disabled, devices lose the layer of address translation that helps obscure internal IP addresses. This step doesn’t directly expose devices but does make it more important for the primary router to manage firewall and security settings.
• Connectivity issues. If you reuse the same SSID and wireless password without enabling bridge mode on one of the routers, both will broadcast the same network name. Devices will constantly switch between signals, causing instability and dropped connections.

Bridge mode vs. router mode: What are the differences?

When a router is in router mode, it manages key control functions of your network. It assigns IP addresses, handles NAT, manages security settings, and routes traffic between different networks, such as your LAN and the internet. This is the typical setup for most corporate and home networks.

Enabling bridge mode disables NAT, DHCP, and firewall functions, preventing the secondary router from managing network traffic. Instead, it acts as a passthrough, forwarding data to the primary router without interference.

When should I use Wi-Fi in bridge mode?

Most people never need bridge mode, but if your network is giving you trouble, it may be exactly what you need. Consider it if:

• You’re connecting a second router to your home or office network.
• You want to pair your ISP-supplied router with a third-party router.
• You experience connectivity issues in online gaming or remote access.
• You need to use port forwarding or Universal Plug and Play (UPnP).
• You want to avoid CGNAT conflicts.

If you're not experiencing connection issues or network conflicts, there's no need for bridge mode.

Is bridge mode safe to use? 

The bridging process disables NAT, which means your devices rely on your primary router's security settings. While this isn't inherently dangerous, a lack of proper network configuration may create some security risks, such as:

• Increased vulnerability. NAT helps shield your devices by hiding them behind a private network. With NAT disabled, your devices may be more exposed to threats.
• Easier tracking. Without NAT, all network activity is more easily linked to individual devices, making tracking by websites, advertisers, or even hackers simpler.
• Disabled security settings. Bridge mode may automatically disable firewalls, parental controls, or MAC address filtering.

How to stay safe while using bridge mode

If you're using bridge mode, take extra steps to secure your network:

• Use a VPN on a router. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and masks your public IP, adding a layer of privacy even without NAT.
• Keep your firmware updated. Security vulnerabilities get patched regularly, so always update your router to the latest firmware.
• Use strong passwords. Secure your Wi-Fi, router login, and connected devices with strong passwords to prevent unauthorized access.
• Enable firewalls and intrusion prevention. If your primary router has firewall or intrusion prevention settings, make sure they're turned on to compensate for the lack of NAT protection.