Will my wireless-ac router be bottlenecked by the wireless-n modem it is connected to?

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BEARaj87

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Oct 4, 2012
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I just purchased a new wireless-ac router. My internet provider's (Shaw) directions say I need to set my WIFI modem to bridge mode and connect it to my new router with an ethernet cable. The WIFI modem provided by my internet provider is a Cisco DPC 3825 which I believe is wireless-n.

I know that wireless-ac is faster/better, but will my potential speed gains be eliminated if I am still connected to a wireless-n modem?

Thanks very much!
 
Solution
Solandri
If you're connecting your new router to the Cisco modem with an ethernet cable, then the Cisco's wifi capabilities are irrelevant. Communications from your new router to the Cisco modem will be over the cable, not wifi.

In fact, unless you want a second wifi network which bypasses your new router, you should disable the Cisco's wifi (setting it to bridge mode may do just that). The only reason I can think of for keeping it on is if you want to have a guest wifi network which can't access any of the computers or devices behind your new router.
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Solandri

Solandri

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Jan 4, 2012
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If you're connecting your new router to the Cisco modem with an ethernet cable, then the Cisco's wifi capabilities are irrelevant. Communications from your new router to the Cisco modem will be over the cable, not wifi.

In fact, unless you want a second wifi network which bypasses your new router, you should disable the Cisco's wifi (setting it to bridge mode may do just that). The only reason I can think of for keeping it on is if you want to have a guest wifi network which can't access any of the computers or devices behind your new router.
 
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bill001g

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Aug 9, 2012
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When you put the unit in bridge mode most times it disables the wifi, it makes the device into a modem only and disable all the router features.

Don't get your hopes up too much that it will be a lot faster. Most times people are limited by the internet connection well before the wireless limits them. 802.11ac also is not always faster and better. It only runs on the 5g band which is much more easily blocked by materials in your house. It greatly depends on how your house is built. You may actually get better signal on the 2.4g band which 802.11ac does not use.
 
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