Should You Replace Your ISP Router? Bridge Mode Explained
Your provider’s box is usually a modem and a router in one. Here is when to add your own, and how bridge mode works.
You do not have to replace your ISP router, but adding your own gives you more control. The NSA suggests connecting a personally owned router to the ISP’s modem or gateway to maximize control over your network. The usual way is to put the ISP gateway in bridge mode, so it only acts as a modem.
Gateway vs router
A modem connects your home to the provider’s network. A router connects your devices to that modem.
Many providers rent you a gateway that does both, as Xfinity describes its wireless gateway. "ISP router" usually means the router half.
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Why use your own router?
Control. The NSA says to consider a personally owned router connected to the ISP-provided modem or router, to maximize control over routing and wireless features.
That control lets you do what the NSA asks: automatic updates, WPA3, separate primary, guest and IoT networks, remote administration and UPnP off, and replacement when support ends.
Reasons to keep the ISP router
- Updates may be handled for you. The FTC suggests asking your provider whether it sends automatic updates.
- One support line for the whole setup.
- Provider features keep working. Xfinity says bridge mode blocks network management in its app, its WiFi Extenders and CyberSecure.
Check your gateway’s grade first. We cover Xfinity, AT&T, Verizon, Spectrum, Cox and others.
What is bridge mode?
Bridge mode turns off the gateway’s routing but keeps its modem working. Your own router does the routing, Wi-Fi and firewall.
Xfinity’s support page says:
- Bridge mode disables the gateway’s router functions and its private Wi-Fi network.
- Only one device can connect to the gateway.
- It does not disable the Xfinity WiFi Home Hotspot, which is a separate setting.
Other providers have similar settings. Check their support pages.
Set up your own router
- Check your provider’s instructions for using your own router.
- Log in to the gateway. On Xfinity it is 10.0.0.1, username admin, with the default password on the sticker.
- Turn on bridge mode and confirm the warning. The gateway may restart.
- Connect your router’s internet (WAN) port to an Ethernet port on the gateway.
- Secure the new router with our 10-minute checklist.
Your own router means your own updates. Pick one with automatic updates, as the NSA recommends, and replace it when the maker stops supporting it.
How do you decide?
Add your own router if your gateway grades poorly or cannot run separate guest and smart home networks. Otherwise, lock down the gateway you have. Either way, check your router’s grade first.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the model, not who supplied it. The FTC suggests asking your provider about automatic updates. Look up your gateway on ismyroutersafe.com to see its grade and known flaws.
On Xfinity gateways, yes. Xfinity says bridge mode turns off the private Wi-Fi network, but not the separate Xfinity WiFi Home Hotspot feature.
Yes. In bridge mode, the gateway still does the modem job while your router handles everything inside your home.
For Xfinity, you can use the app to manage your account, but not your network. Other providers may differ.
The NSA’s 2023 home network guidance says to consider a personally owned router connected to the ISP-provided modem or router, to maximize control over routing and wireless features.
Sources
Dates show when each source was published or when we checked it.
- NSA Cybersecurity Information Sheet: Best Practices for Securing Your Home Network (February 22, 2023)
- Xfinity Support: Use Bridge Mode on your wireless gateway (checked October 7, 2026)
- FTC Consumer Advice: How To Secure Your Home Wi-Fi Network (December 2022, checked October 7, 2026)
- CISA: Home Network Security (February 1, 2021, last revised March 23, 2023)
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