Bridge mode turns off the routing in your provider’s modem so your own router handles the network. Use it when you want your own router for port forwarding, VPN or camera access; skip it if your provider’s TV or phone service depends on the gateway, and use access point mode instead. Without it, two routers in a row create double NAT, which breaks port forwarding and can show a strict NAT type on consoles. The protocol overhead of the workarounds is small: about 5 Mbps on a 1 Gbps plan (calculated).
PCBy the Pixl Canada install team. Calculated October 27, 2026. 7 min read.
- Bridge mode, access point mode and pass-through compared
- What each choice breaks, by service
- Notes for Rogers, Bell and Telus gateways
- A safe order of steps and how to revert
- Most homes do not need bridge mode. Turning off the gateway’s WiFi and adding your own access point or mesh in access point mode avoids double NAT and keeps provider services working.
- Bridge mode helps when you need to forward ports, run a VPN server or reach a camera recorder from outside.
- Some Canadian gateways have no true bridge mode and offer pass-through or DMZ settings instead. Confirm the options for your exact model.
- Provider TV and phone service may depend on the gateway. Check before you change anything.
You own a router or mesh system and are deciding how to connect it to your provider’s modem or fibre gateway.
Your internet is supplied by a building or landlord. You usually cannot change that equipment.
What are the ways to connect your own router to a provider gateway?
| Setup | How it works | Typical use | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| A. Gateway as router, WiFi off, your mesh or access point in AP mode | One router (the gateway); your units add WiFi only | Homes with provider TV or phone; simplest | Less control over firewall and ports |
| B. Gateway in bridge mode, your router does the routing | Gateway passes the public address to your router | Port forwarding, VPN, remote access to a recorder | May disable provider services; steps vary by model |
| C. Pass-through or DMZ to your router | Gateway forwards traffic to your router and may still run its own network | Gateways with no true bridge mode | Partial double NAT possible; extra credentials may be needed |
| D. Both routers active (double NAT) | Router behind a router | Not recommended | Port forwarding and some games, VPNs and camera apps fail |
Setup A is the usual answer for a home that only wants better WiFi. See access points vs mesh WiFi.
What does each choice break?
| Service | A. AP mode | B. Bridge | D. Double NAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provider TV | Normally unaffected | May be affected, especially if the TV box uses the gateway’s WiFi | Can be affected |
| Provider home phone | Normally unaffected | May stop; check | May be affected |
| Port forwarding to a recorder or server | Done on the gateway | Done on your router | Fails unless set on both |
| Console NAT type, VPN, remote apps | Usually fine | Usually fine | Often poor |
| Provider app and WiFi tools | Gateway features stay | Usually stop for WiFi | Stay for the gateway only |
| Support calls | Provider can see the gateway | Provider may ask you to revert | Provider may ask you to revert |
Cameras with a recorder that you check from outside the house are the most common reason to want bridge mode. A local recorder can also be reached through the manufacturer’s app without any port forwarding. See cloud storage vs local NVR.
What do Canadian providers allow?
Gateways change often, so check the provider’s current support page for your exact model. These notes are a starting point, not a procedure.
| Provider | What to know |
|---|---|
| Rogers | Rogers publishes a support article for turning bridge mode on or off on its Ignite WiFi gateway. It warns that devices on the gateway’s WiFi, including some Ignite TV boxes, can lose service when bridging. |
| Bell | Some Bell hubs do not offer a true bridge mode. Owners often use pass-through or Advanced DMZ settings instead, and may need login details from the provider. Confirm with Bell for your hub. |
| Telus | Telus has published bridge-mode steps for specific gateway models. Confirm your model is on its list before you change anything. |
| Other providers | Cogeco, Eastlink, SaskTel and others differ by model and region. Ask the provider whether your gateway can bridge. |
Does a workaround slow the connection?
Pass-through setups that use PPPoE add 8 bytes to every packet. On a 1,500-byte link, TCP goodput is (1,500 − 40) ÷ 1,538 = 94.9 percent without it and (1,492 − 40) ÷ 1,538 = 94.4 percent with it, where 1,538 bytes includes Ethernet framing. On a 1 Gbps plan that is about 949 Mbps against 944 Mbps, a loss of roughly 5 Mbps. If speeds fall far below that after a change, the cause is usually the router’s processing power, not the protocol. Check the router’s datasheet for PPPoE or WAN throughput.
| Link | Goodput |
|---|---|
| Standard Ethernet, MTU 1,500 | 949 Mbps |
| PPPoE, MTU 1,492 | 944 Mbps |
| Difference | About 5 Mbps |
One address trap matters more: if the gateway uses 192.168.1.x and your router also uses 192.168.1.x, devices can lose connectivity. Give your router a different range, such as 192.168.50.x, whenever two routers are active.
In what order should you make the change?
- Photograph the gateway label for the model. Do not photograph passwords or share them.
- Check the provider’s support page for that model and for your TV and phone services.
- Save your settings and note the gateway’s reset method so you can revert.
- Plan 30 to 60 minutes offline, away from work calls and cameras you rely on.
- Change one thing, test internet, TV, phone and remote access, then continue.
- If anything fails, revert to the previous setup and call the provider.
Pixl sets up your router or mesh behind the provider’s gateway, in access point mode or bridge mode where the provider allows it, and reconnects your TVs, cameras and smart devices. Some gateway changes need the provider’s support to enable. Pixl gives a fixed quote from photos before booking, and you pay after the job.
Bridge mode: frequently asked questions
What is bridge mode?
A gateway setting that turns off its routing so another router handles the network. It is also called modem mode or IP pass-through.
What is double NAT?
Two routers in a row, each translating addresses. It breaks port forwarding and can cause a strict NAT type on consoles and trouble with some VPNs and camera apps.
Should I put my modem in bridge mode?
Only if you need your own router to control ports or the firewall. Otherwise turn off the gateway’s WiFi and add a mesh or access point in access point mode.
Will bridge mode break my TV service?
It can, if the TV box depends on the gateway or its WiFi. Check your provider’s guidance for the TV service first.
Does bridge mode make my internet faster?
Not by itself. It can help if the gateway’s own routing was the limit, but plan speed is set by your provider.
Can Pixl put my modem in bridge mode?
Pixl sets up your router or mesh and can configure it in bridge or access point mode where the provider’s gateway allows. Some models need the provider to enable it.
What if I need to undo it?
Reset the gateway using its reset method or the provider’s steps, and it returns to router mode. Note the method before you change anything.
Not sure how to connect your router?
Send a photo of the gateway label and your router. You pay after the job.
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Sources and method. Goodput = (MTU − 40 bytes of IP and TCP headers) ÷ (MTU + 38 bytes of Ethernet framing) × 1,000 Mbps, calculated in Python: MTU 1,500 gives 949.3 Mbps, MTU 1,492 gives 944.1 Mbps. Provider notes are based on each provider’s published support material and community reports; gateway models and firmware change, so confirm with the provider. Check your product’s datasheet.
About Pixl Canada. Pixl Canada is an installation company based in Edmonton, Alberta, serving cities across Canada with TV mounting, security cameras, appliance installation and smart home setup. Call or text (587) 899-7495. Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm and Sunday 9am to 7pm.