Setting up the Linksys EA8100 to Bridge Mode

This article will guide you on how to set up your Linksys EA8100 Max-Stream™ Dual-Band WiFi 5 Router to bridge mode.  You can set the router to bridge mode for any of the following:
 
  • When your internet service provider (ISP) requires it.
  • When you want to use the router as an additional access point.
  • When you need to disable the router functionalities to work with third-party devices.
  • When you need to solve Network Address Translation (NAT) issues.  This happens when a modem router or gateway encounters an IP address conflict with the Linksys EA8100 or experiences a strict NAT setting which is not ideal for online gaming.

Before you begin, make sure that:
 
  • You have two ethernet cables:  one to connect from your computer to any of the LAN ethernet ports at the back of the Linksys router and the other to connect the modem router to the internet port of the Linksys router.
  • You have an active internet connection with your existing modem router.

NOTE:  Contact your ISP for assistance on internet connection issues when directly connected to the modem router.

While the router is set to bridge mode, some of its features will be disabled.  The router will not have the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server functionality.  Also, the built-in firewall and NAT features will be disabled.  To set up the Linksys EA8100 to bridge mode, follow the steps below.

Step 1: 
Connect an ethernet cable from your computer to any of the LAN ethernet ports (1-4) at the back of the Linksys EA8100.  Do not connect anything to the WAN or internet port for now.

Step 2: 
Plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet and into the Linksys router.  Make sure that the router’s Power light is solid before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3:
Launch your web browser and enter “myrouter.local” or the router's IP address which is 192.168.10.1 in the address bar then press [Enter].  If you have modified it, use the new IP address instead.

Step 4: 
Enter the router's administrative password (default is admin) and click Sign in.

QUICK TIP:  If you have changed your router's admin password, enter the new password instead.  In case you have forgotten your router password, click here to learn how to retrieve it.
 
Step 5:
Click Connectivity.
 
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Step 6: 
Select the Internet Settings tab and click Edit.
 
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Step 7: 
From the drop-down menu, set the Connection Type to Bridge Mode.
 
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Step 8: 
Set the IP Address configuration for your router.
 
  • Obtain an IPv4 address automatically – Select this if you want the modem router to provide the IP address for your Linksys EA8100.
     
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  • Specify an IPv4 address – Select this if you want to use a fixed IP address for your Linksys router.  To do so, enter the information for your Internet IPv4 address, Subnet mask, Default gateway, and DNS entries.  This information is provided by your ISP and can be found on the modem router settings.
     
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Step 9: 
Click Ok or Apply to save the changes.
 
Step 10: 
On the Warning screen, click Yes.
 
Step 11: 
Connect the modem router to the internet port of the Linksys EA8100.  

Step 12: 
Once your router detects that there is internet access, it will give you an Internet Restored prompt.  Click Yes.
 
IMPORTANT:  If you do not have internet access after connecting the modem router to the Linksys EA8100, powercycle the router for 30 seconds and restart your computer.

Step 13:
You will be redirected to the Linksys Smart WiFi sign in page.  Enter your login credentials and click Sign in.  If you do not have a Linksys server account, click on Click here.  For instructions on how to create, activate, and associate a Linksys server account, click here.

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