What is wireless bridge mode and how do I set it up on my NETGEAR router? (2024)

A wireless bridge router connects to your main router over WiFi to extend your home network. When you connect Ethernet devices to awireless bridge router, the main router and bridge router communicate wirelessly at the fastest WiFi speed supported by both devices, and that speed is extended to your Ethernet devices on the bridge router.

You might want to set up a second router in wireless bridge mode if you use devices that only have an Ethernet connection, but those devices are too far away from your main router to connect Ethernet cables. A wireless bridge router might also be helpful if you use devices with old WiFi standards that are much slower than your router, and you want them to operate faster than they would over WiFi.

To set up wireless bridge mode on your NETGEAR router:

1. Make a note of the WiFi settings of the other router to which this router will connect.
   You need to know the SSID, WiFi security mode, wireless password, and operating frequency (either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
2. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network of the router that will run in bridge mode.
3. Typehttp://www.routerlogin.net.
   A login screen displays.
4. Enter the router user name and password.
   The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.
   The BASIC Home pagedisplays.
5. Click ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless Bridge.
   The Wireless Bridge page displays.
6. Selectthe Enable Bridge Mode checkbox.
7. Click the Setup Bridge Mode Wireless Settings button.
8. Enter the settings of the other router:
   1. Select the wireless network frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz)
   2. In the Name (SSID) field, enter the wireless network name (SSID).
   3. In the Security Option section, select the WiFi security mode of the other router.
   4. If prompted, type the passphrase (the WiFi password that you use to connect with WiFi to the router).
9. Click Apply.
   The settings for the other router are saved and the Advanced Wireless Settings page displays.
10. Click Applyon the Advanced Wireless Settings page.
    Your settings are saved.