Connecting 2 Routers

[Frederique]

Hi everyone,

 

Before the question, the setup:

 

Internet Supplier Router ---> Multiple Deco X75, around the house, working great.
 

Because I upgraded the bandwith, I asked my internet supplier if I could use my own (Wifi 6E) router, and they said yes, so I ordered my router.

Now they tell me I can only use that router, if I connect it to their router, but isn't that gonna nullify the abilities of my own router?

I already have an extended range network through the deco's so no benefits there.

Should I install my router connected to theirs, or just their router?

[Eigenvektor]

With many ISPs you can only get internet connectivity if you're using their modem/router. So whatever network devices you have need to come after that. However, if your ISP supports it, you may be able to supply your own modem.

 

Whether it's worth it to run your own router after the ISPs router depends on your needs and their router's capabilities. E.g. if it only offers Wi-Fi 5 but you need Wi-Fi 6E it may be worth it. If it already can do anything you need, likely not.

[FloRolf]

Well your new router probably doesn't have modem function and that's what you need theirs for. 

You can probably put the ISP Router in "modem mode" so it does pretty much nothing except feed the internet to your router and yours does all the other stuff.

 

Or in case your new router does have modem functionality you can theoretically skip the ISP router completely. 

[Donut417]

3 hours ago, Frederique said:

Hi everyone,

 

Before the question, the setup:

 

Internet Supplier Router ---> Multiple Deco X75, around the house, working great.
 

Because I upgraded the bandwith, I asked my internet supplier if I could use my own (Wifi 6E) router, and they said yes, so I ordered my router.

Now they tell me I can only use that router, if I connect it to their router, but isn't that gonna nullify the abilities of my own router?

I already have an extended range network through the deco's so no benefits there.

Should I install my router connected to theirs, or just their router?

Connecting two routers together is generally a bad idea. A router has two main jobs that can cause issues with multiple. 1) It performs NAT, which allows you to use one IP address supplied by the ISP for multiple devices. 2) It acts as a hardware firewall. Multiple layers of NAT can cause issues for some software and services, especially online games. It also makes port forwarding harder as well. 

 

Now what the ISP gave you is most likely not a router, but a gateway. A gateway has a modem or media converter with a router. Modems are generally used by DSL and Cable providers and Media converters are used for Fiber. Most ISP's standardized on a all in one box to make tech support easier. As far as changing that box out, that depends on the laws and regulations of your nation or the polices of the ISP. In the US for example cable companies have to allow customer owned modems or gateways. 

 

Now if you cant replace the ISP box you can check to see if it supports bridge mode. This turns off the router parts and essential just makes it a modem. Then you can plug what ever router you want in it. If it does not support bridge mode then you can use WiFi 6E router as a Wireless Access Point. In AP mode most functions with the exception of the Wireless parts of the router are disabled and it just acts as a wireless radio.