Configuring a Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router to Bridge mode with Verizon FiOS

This article will help you configure a Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router to Bridge mode for your existing network.  This configuration type is only applicable if:

  • You have an existing modem/router from your existing Verizon FiOS modem/router
  • You want to use the router as an additional access point on an existing network
  • You want to extend your network (additional LAN ports to your network)

Once the router is set to Bridge mode, some of its features will be disabled.  The router will not have the DHCP server functionality while the built-in firewall and NAT features will no longer take effect.

IMPORTANT:  Before configuring your router to Bridge mode, make sure you have the following:

  • An active Internet connection with your Verizon FiOS modem/router
  • A router with Linksys Smart Wi-Fi web interface

To set up the router to Bridge mode, follow the steps below.

Step 1:
Connect an Ethernet cable from your computer to any of the numbered ports (1-4) at the back of the Linksys router.  Do not connect anything to the Internet port for now.

 

Step 2:
Plug the power adapter to an electrical outlet and into the Linksys router.

 

Step 3:
Launch your web browser and enter “192.168.1.1" or “myrouter.local” in the Address bar.  Press [Enter].

 

Step 4:
You will be prompted to access the router.  Enter the router's administrative password (default is “admin”) and click Sign In.

NOTE:  If you have changed your router 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.

Step 6:
Click the Internet Settings tab and click Edit.

Step 7:
Set the Type of Internet Connection to Bridge Mode.

Step 8:
Set the IP Address configuration for your router.

There are two (2) IP Address configurations for your router:

1. Obtain an IPv4 address automatically – Select this if you want your Verizon FiOS modem/router to provide an IP address for your Linksys router.

2. Specify and IPv4 address (Recommended) – Select this if you want to specify a Static IP address.  To do so, enter the information for your Internet IPv4 address, Subnet mask, Default gateway, and DNS entries.  This information is provided by Verizon or can be found on your Verizon FiOS modem/router settings.

 

Step 9:
Click the  button located at the lower-right corner of the page.

Step 10:
On the Warning screen, click Yes.

Your router is now set to Bridge Mode.

Step 11:
Connect the modem/router (gateway) to the Internet Port of the Linksys router.

Step 12:
Once your router detects that there is Internet access, it will give you an Internet Restored prompt.  Click Yes.
 


 

NOTE:  If you do not have Internet Access after connecting the modem/router (gateway) to the Linksys router, powercycle the router for 30 seconds and reboot your computer.

Step 13:
You will be redirected to the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Sign In page.  If you already created a Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Account, enter your login credentials on the Email Address and Password fields and click Sign In.

NOTE:  If you do not have a Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Account, click on Create Account.  For step-by-step instructions on how to create, activate and associate an account with the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi, click here.

Please note that accessing the interface of your Linksys router in Bridge mode can only be done locally (from behind the router either wired or wireless).


 

Once you have logged back into your router, you can now proceed with securing your wireless network.  For instructions, click here.

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