Question: Should I use bridge mode or routing mode on DSL or Cable modem?

Should I use bridge mode or routing mode on DSL or Cable modem? Somebody asked me this question recently. Well, you can use either of these depends on your need. Let’s talk about the function of each mode.

Bridge mode will enable modem to work as a bridge, which will allow it to be connected to router or computer (need to configure dialer) for accessing Internet. Once bridge mode is enabled on modem, you then need to configure username/password (provided by ISP), IP, DHCP and other network settings on router or configure dialer in Microsoft Windows in order to access Internet. If you have a router and wanna set up a home network, you must use this bridge mode on modem.

If you enable routing mode (PPPoE/PPPoA) on modem, then this modem works as simple router too, and you need to configure username/password (provided by ISP), IP, DHCP and other network settings on this device too. The computer that is connected to this modem will be able to access Internet automatically when you power on computer and modem, you don’t need to configure dialer on computer because modem does the dial-up job.