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Using G34 modem with WC4T network mesh

  • November 19, 2024
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I setup a G34 modem then later purchased a WC4T with 2 routers.  After multiple cycles through the setup process I have the Modem wired to one of the WC4T with the second WC4T connected with no ethernet cables.  All three have Wi-Fi enabled.  I wasn’t able to have the Surfboard Central app connected to the WC4T and the G34 Modem at the same time.  I don’t know if I would have been able to setup the system without a Computer to configure the G34 Modem and a Mobile device with the Surfboard app to configure the WC4T devices.

It was frustrating to have continued failed attempts to setup a WC4T before realizing how to remove the G34 from the Surfboard app to get the WC4T to connect successfully.  I then struggled connecting the second WC4T before only getting it to connect correctly without an ethernet cable attached.

Pass → G34 wired to WC4T wireless to WC4T
Fail → G34 wired to both WC4T

It took multiple days of trial and error to get to this setup.

Is this the optimal setup?  I’ve tried to put the G34 in Bridge Mode and nothing works.  If I try to add the G34 modem to the Surfboard Central app it uses the admin userID which I have already configured to my e-mail address.

Best answer by plemans

The G34 isn’t a mesh router and doesn’t integrate into the WC4T system. 

And you’’ve found the downfall of the app. 

What I’d do next time? 

Use the browser to setup the G34. And the app for the WC4T. The mesh system only uses the app for setup versus the G34 can use the browser. 

It should go G34---wired----->WC4T-----wireless---->WC4T

Make sure you put the wired in WC4T in access point mode so you aren’t in a double nat. 

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plemans
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  • plemansJuggernaut
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  • November 19, 2024

The G34 isn’t a mesh router and doesn’t integrate into the WC4T system. 

And you’’ve found the downfall of the app. 

What I’d do next time? 

Use the browser to setup the G34. And the app for the WC4T. The mesh system only uses the app for setup versus the G34 can use the browser. 

It should go G34---wired----->WC4T-----wireless---->WC4T

Make sure you put the wired in WC4T in access point mode so you aren’t in a double nat. 

Current setup: Netgear CM3000-->Netgear RBE973S-->2.5gig tp-link switch, Xfinity 2.4gig/350mbps
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  • desktop4everThe Many
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  • November 19, 2024

Thanks.  I'll search for the access point mode setting in the WC4T to avoid a double nat.  I have the Ethernet cable plugged into the WAN port on the WC4T.

I found a NOTE: at the bottom of this article.

Wired Backhaul Connection

The wired backhaul connection is supported after the Satellite is onboarded successfully over Wi-Fi connection. The Satellite must be onboarded first over the Wi-Fi connection, then connect an Ethernet cable to any Ethernet port on the Satellite and the other end of the Ethernet cable to a LAN Ethernet port of the main mAX router. 

https://arris.my.salesforce-sites.com/consumers/articles/General_FAQs/mAX-WC4T-Add-Additional-mAX-Satellite

The other topics I found here didn't guide me to the avoid connecting the Ethernet cable to the satellite WC4T until after successful onboarding over Wi-Fi only.  Later there is an option of connecting the satellite to the LAN port of the main mAX router.  I was connecting the satellite WC4T by Ethernet cable to the G34 modem which failed each time, but didn't guide me to the proper connection method.  The set-up wizard does a good job of avoiding improper connection, but didn't help me understand what I was doing wrong.

 

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  • desktop4everThe Many
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  • November 20, 2024

This is what I found when I did a trace route.

 

 

Please confirm this is a double nat because the first two items are local IPs of the SURFBOARD_mAX and my modem.

How do I put the WC4T into Access Point mode?  I found Bridge Mode mentioned in the General Settings help file, but it doesn't appear on the screen in the Surfboard Central app.

 

 

 

Bridge mode

Allows you to connect your mAX device as an access point to another network. Note: Some key mAX functionality and features, such as routing, will not be available. To enable Bridge Mode, there needs to be another router between your modem and your mAX unit.

 

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plemans
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  • plemansJuggernaut
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  • November 20, 2024

Sorry, each manufacturer calls it different. Your bridge mode in the original post is correct. 

https://arris.my.salesforce-sites.com/consumers/articles/General_FAQs/mAX-Routers-Bridge-Mode-Setup/?l=en_US&fs=RelatedArticle

 

 

Current setup: Netgear CM3000-->Netgear RBE973S-->2.5gig tp-link switch, Xfinity 2.4gig/350mbps
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  • desktop4everThe Many
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  • November 21, 2024

Bridge Mode isn't available for the WC4T.  To avoid the double nat I put the G34 modem in bridge mode and removed all Ethernet cables except the main WC4T connection.  I moved the necessary Ethernet connection to the LAN port of the WC4T.  A computer that was using the Ethernet connection of the modem is now on Wi-Fi with slightly slower performance, but most everything else is performing faster.

 

Thanks for the help ​@plemans

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