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Connect the ISP modem or gateway’s Ethernet port to your router’s WAN/Internet port, then set the router’s WAN connection type to match your ISP. If the ISP device is also a router, you may need bridge mode or IP passthrough to avoid two routing layers. The exact port, credentials, and settings depend on your ISP, service, and equipment model.
Before you connect anything
Find the model number of the ISP-supplied box and determine whether it is a modem only or a combined modem-router gateway. A modem-only device generally passes the connection to your router; a gateway also routes traffic and may provide Wi-Fi. Check your ISP’s instructions for your specific model and account, or ask support which WAN type, credentials, VLAN settings, static-IP details, and gateway mode—if any—are required.
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Also confirm that your plan and access technology allow a third-party router. For example, EE says suitability depends on the plan and service type; support for third-party equipment may be limited. See EE’s guidance on using your own router.
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Connect the ISP equipment to your router
- Follow the ISP’s instructions about powering down or restarting its equipment before changing connections.
- Run an Ethernet cable from the ISP modem’s Ethernet port—or the gateway port specified by the ISP—to the owned router’s WAN/Internet port. Do not use one of the router’s LAN ports for the incoming connection. AT&T’s DSL example shows a modem Ethernet port connected to the router’s WAN/Internet port. Read AT&T’s connection instructions.
- Connect a computer or phone to the owned router, by Wi-Fi or Ethernet, to open its setup interface.
- Configure the router’s internet/WAN connection type as specified by the ISP, save the setting, and restart equipment if instructed.
Choose the WAN connection type your ISP requires
Router setup screens commonly offer DHCP or dynamic IP, PPPoE, and static IP. These are not interchangeable choices: use the one your ISP specifies for your service.
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| WAN type | What to enter or expect | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| DHCP / dynamic IP | The router requests its WAN configuration automatically. Linksys describes DHCP as obtaining the IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS details from the ISP or modem. | Use when your ISP says the connection is automatic or DHCP. |
| PPPoE | Enter the ISP-issued username and password. AT&T’s instructions describe this requirement for its DSL context. | Use only when the ISP requires PPPoE; do not assume another provider uses the same credentials or process. |
| Static IP | Enter the IP address and related values supplied for your account. Linksys lists static IP as a connection option; a universal set of values or procedure is not established. | Use only if your ISP has assigned a static IP and provided the required settings. |
Linksys explains its router internet connection options. The labels and screens vary by router model.
If the ISP box is also a router
Leaving both the gateway and your router in routing mode can create double NAT. If you want the owned router to handle routing, check whether the gateway supports bridge mode or IP passthrough, then follow the instructions for that exact model. Providers use these terms and implement them differently, so do not assume a setting or port from one device applies to another.
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IP passthrough on a Verizon Internet Gateway
Verizon’s instructions use a designated LAN2 port for the downstream router after passthrough is enabled. Verizon states: “Enabling IP passthrough causes the IP address assigned by the network to hand off to the device connected to the LAN2 port.” Its guide also says the gateway’s Wi-Fi is switched off while passthrough is enabled. Follow its model-specific setup and restart steps. See Verizon’s IP passthrough / bridge mode instructions.
Passthrough on a NETGEAR C7100V
NETGEAR says its C7100V passthrough/bridge behavior disables NAT so a downstream router obtains a WAN IP address and handles routing. This describes that model’s behavior, not a universal setting for all gateways. Consult NETGEAR’s C7100V support documentation.
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Bridge mode on a DSL modem-router
TP-Link recommends bridge mode in its cited DSL modem-router setup to avoid conflicts and double NAT. It also notes that ISP-specific VLAN configuration may matter for internet, IPTV, or VoIP. Ask the ISP whether VLAN settings belong on the gateway or your router; never copy a VLAN ID from another provider’s example. Read TP-Link’s double NAT guidance.
If the gateway has no supported bridge or passthrough mode—or you want to keep it routing—ask the ISP and router manufacturer which arrangement they support. Keeping both devices routing may leave double NAT in place.
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Check that the connection works
- Check the Ethernet cable is firmly connected to the ISP-specified port and the router’s WAN/Internet port.
- Verify the WAN type, PPPoE credentials, and any provider-supplied static-IP or VLAN details.
- Check whether the ISP requires a gateway restart, a specific sequence, or a support-side change.
- Look at the owned router’s internet/WAN status, then test a device connected to that router.
- If the ISP connection works only when its gateway is routing, restore the previous configuration and ask support about supported third-party-router setups.
Support policies are provider-specific. AT&T’s cited DSL article says its technical support supports only AT&T routers; that boundary should not be assumed to apply to other ISPs. Check AT&T’s DSL support guidance.
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