Vodafone Gigabox - VDSL2 In Bridge Mode

RighteousLemon

Hi all,

I've been scouring through various Vodafone "bridge mode" forums, but I'm struggling to find a definitive answer for my specific situation. What I'm aiming for is to retain my Gigabox (Modem-Router combo) as the modem only that's connected to Vodafone's network but put it into bridge mode and pass that connection onto my own router running OpnSense. Is this feasible? And if so, could you guide me through the necessary steps?

I've attempted this already, but after rebooting the Gigabox, it enters a perpetual "connecting to internet" state where the internet light flashes without stabilizing. Although my OpnSense router receives a private IP from the Gigabox, attempts to ping google.com fail at the Gigabox.

Just to clarify, I'm keen to avoid double NATing, and my primary reason for keeping the Gigabox as the modem passthrough device is to have a backup in case of adverse weather conditions causing issues on the line + I do not have a VDSL2 connection on my OpnSense device.

My setup is FTTC (Fiber to the Cabinet).

I hope this is clear, if not let me know and thanks in advance.

Glaceon

What's your WAN configuration on the OpnSense box? If you're getting a private IP then it sounds like it's on DHCP. It should be PPPoE, with the following credentials:

Username: vodafone@vodafone.ie

Password: broadband

RighteousLemon

Hi,

I apologize for the delayed response; I've been travelling and am only getting back to this now.

Yes, I've configured PPPoE with the credentials you mentioned, and it seems to be working. However, I'm concerned that I'm still experiencing double NAT. Although I have a public IP address on the WAN interface, the gateway is 10.8.18.1, which is the Vodafone router with a private address.

If Vodafone supports full bridge mode, then double NAT shouldn't occur, correct?

Thanks.

Glaceon

That's normal with Vodafone, I got that even on their SIRO service where there's no third party router involved at all. I've attached a screenshot of a similar setup (IP redacted of course).

RighteousLemon

Okay, thank you for confirming. I did some further testing during lunch today and set up UPnP, which yielded positive results. I'm no longer experiencing strict or moderate NAT as well. I think the private IP just threw me off