ISP supplied FTTC modem/router with bridge mode?

I'd like to know which, if any, ISP supplied FTTC modem/routers can be configured to work in bridge mode.

I have a Deco mesh router that I would like to continue to use when I switch ISP. I'm currently with Sky and their sr203 doesn't support bridge mode. I don't think the BT Homehub does either?

It would be helpful to know any that do. Thanks.

I was with JohnLewis broadband until recently.
The Zyxel modem/router they provide can be switched into bridge mode easily...and their authentication is PPPoE (pretty standard).

The issue you have with Sky is their use of DHCP Option 61, which a lot of routers won't support by default, even if you have a VDSL modem.

Edited by MilesR (Thu 18-Nov-21 14:07:47)

In reply to a post by MilesR:

The Zyxel modem/router they provide can be switched into bridge mode easily...and their authentication is PPPoE (pretty standard).

The issue you have with Sky is their use of DHCP Option 61, which a lot of routers won't support by default, even if you have a VDSL modem.

@MilesR. Thanks for that. I'm looking to move away from Sky so trying to figure out which ISPs' modem/routers would be easiest to configure with my existing Deco mesh router doing all the LAN routing.

No probs. I think providing you stay clear of Sky & "Now" broadband, you should find most of them will work with a VDSL modem & your Linksys Deco router.
If you need a VDSL modem, I'm happy to gift the Zyxel one they've left with me - if it will be of use.

I couldn't fault JohnLewis broadband - I only left because they didn't offer FTTP.
So if FTTC is your only option, I'd definitely consider giving them a try.
They also are one of the few who offer a 12 month contract as standard, so it's not like you're then tied in for 2 years.

@MilesR

Thanks for the kind offer of the modem. I have an old Openreach HG612 modem that ought to work fine with my Deco for PPPoE with an ISP other than Sky.

When I move away from Sky I could however use the new ISP-provided modem/router as modem bridged to my Deco M5, rather than my old OR kit if the ISP h/w is capable.

Trying to find which ISPs' kit can do this (RJ45 active WAN port) is difficult so I hope to get some idea here.

At the moment I think it's Sky=N, BT=N, PN=N, EE=N, Vodafone=N, TT=Y, Zen=Y. Not sure how accurate or up-to-date that info is nor any other ISPs.

If you have a working HG612 then any PPPoE based provider should be fine (BT included). Admittedly that does mean relying on those old white boxes that have a tendency to go wrong 🙂

I've still got one in the cupboard, but chose JohnLewis's Zyxel box for better reliability.

In reply to a post by Toxteth_OGrady:

Thanks for the kind offer of the modem. I have an old Openreach HG612 modem that ought to work fine with my Deco for PPPoE with an ISP other than Sky.

Once you have a modem, then the problem is software. Shame the Deco doesn't support the DHCP option, but other routers such as the ASUS range do.

You won't find many FTTC/vDSL ISPs that bother to provide such features as a bridge mode, because they are aiming at very low price. Luckily you can replace.

Does your Deco have to be the router, or can it run as a mesh access point, as the BT whole home system does this and plugs into an Ethernet port on the LAN side of ANY router.

Thank you for the advice so far, it's appreciated.

I'm happy that I can run my Deco mesh with an OR modem (or other e.g. Vigor 130). I could also change the Deco mesh to AP mode to use with any ISP's modem/router.

I am still however keen to find out which ISPs' routers have bridge mode, simply because I see that as the path of least resistance for my existing set up when I switch from Sky.

For a DSL connection, A&A could supply a Zyxel router which can be put in bridge mode, as mentioned on their website.

In reply to a post by Michael_Chare:

For a DSL connection, A&A could supply a Zyxel router which can be put in bridge mode, as mentioned on their website.

@Michael_Chare

Thanks

Cuckoo supply a modem/router that can be put into bridge mode

https://www.cuckoo.co/guide/using-your-own-router-ha...

Or if you can get a cheaper FTTC deal on another provider (say Plusnet) then you could put the savings towards a Draytek Vigor 130 or similar.

As an update to this, I've found out that the recently released Plusnet Hub 2 for home users allows bridge mode. The BT Smart Hub 2 (consumer version), that the PN Hub 2 is based on, doesn't support bridge mode. However the BT Business Smart Hub 2 does.

I got a new, very cheap BT Business SH2 off ebay so I can continue to use my Deco mesh as router, bridged to the SH2 as modem.

Edited by Toxteth_OGrady (Thu 03-Mar-22 17:39:59)