Ideas Needed Please - Nighthawk X4 - Comcast

ajredaelli

Prominent
Mar 4, 2017
16
0
510
So I am a Comcast customer. I have their wifi modem/router. I also have another wifi router (Linksys-E1000). Just like many of you, we have Roku, Hulu, Netflix, etc. We also have Arlo cameras, a Ring door bell, cell phones, a couple of tablets, XBox, etc. We buy the highest speed package from Comcast, as I am also an online instructor, so good reliable and fast signal is very important to me (not sure about the reliable part with Comcast!) :)

I am having a tough time getting service to the back of our modest 1700 sq ft home. Currently I also have a TP Link signal extender to feed the Roku and tablets when in the back of the house. I am getting ready to receive the Nighthawk X4 - which may be an overkill, but it seems like a good unit. I am particularly concerned about the Ring doorbell and the Arlo cameras having a solid signal.

Since, I have learned that it may not be a good idea to have more than one router. It was suggested to me that I setup the X4 on Bridge mode, and to connect the Comcast Modem/Router to the main computer. Not sure if that is the best to take advantage of the many qualities of the X4.

I have a few questions about this change.

1. What is the true advantage of bridging?
2. Which unit should I setup on bridge mode. My main concern is that I don't want to lose the X4 capabilities, such as the fast processor, dual bands, networking capabilities, etc.
3. Should I deactivate my Linksys Wi-Fi router?
4. Am I better off plugin my Ethernet to the Nighthawk or to the Comcast unit?

Basically - to those of you who are gurus on this, how would you set up what I have?

I would appreciate any ideas on how to manage this. The X4 was only $10 more than the Nighthawk AC1900, so I figured, why not buy the unit with the better processor, more antennas, etc.

Thank you all.

Aldo
 
Solution
I would use the new device as an access point, and use distinct SSIDs to give you more wireless bandwidth. Simply do an LAN to LAN connection with an Ethernet cable. It is preferable that the AP is in the area where your wireless is poor.

Moreover, any high bandwidth devices that can be used on Ethernet rather than wireless will help.

RealBeast

Titan
Moderator
I would use the new device as an access point, and use distinct SSIDs to give you more wireless bandwidth. Simply do an LAN to LAN connection with an Ethernet cable. It is preferable that the AP is in the area where your wireless is poor.

Moreover, any high bandwidth devices that can be used on Ethernet rather than wireless will help.
 
Solution

ajredaelli

Prominent
Mar 4, 2017
16
0
510
Thanks - not sure exactly what you mean by using distinct SSIDs. Also, what is the difference between setting up an Access Point versus using the rounter as a bridge. Thanks again!
 

ajredaelli

Prominent
Mar 4, 2017
16
0
510
Just to clarify, since my was post was weak - the bridge allows other devices to connect to the router via Wi FI. An access point does too and it will also connect to the network (to the Comcast Modem/Router) using Ethernet, correct? Comcast as bridge and X4 as AP?