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Virgin media modem -> 5g SIM card modem, both in bridge mode

  • 15-10-2025 11:41AM
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,389 ✭✭✭


    My current set up is with BB from Virgin, their modem in bridge mode passing through to an Asus router which I've set up in a mesh with another Asus router elsewhere in the house to maximise coverage. All works well, all the many devices I have connect to that SSID and I've no problems, except the price. Virgin, at 70 euro a month is just too expensive so I decided to buy a 5G sim modem and see what kinds of speeds I got from that. Placed in same location I'm getting far slower than Virgin speeds but definitely within acceptable range so I am thinking I might go ahead with dropping Virgin.

    Question is, in theory should I just be able to put my 5G router into bridge mode (it supports it) and physically run an ethernet cable to my Asus router with things then essentially continuing as normal (albeit with less bandwidth)? I am hesitant to try it because I fear some weird network anomaly happening and I'm unable to get anything working again as it does currently. 5G modem wifi gets turned off, the SSID details are all maintained in my Asus routers so I feel like this should just work. But can it be that simple?



Comments

  • Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 12,454 Mod ✭✭✭✭dub45


    Did you try getting a deal from Virgin to stay with them?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,428 ✭✭✭smuggler.ie


    I am pretty sure asus have option to backup config - do it while in connection with VM.
    "Play" with 5G setup and if anything goes "wrong", restore to setup you had with VM.

    mobile BB speeds will depend on coverage/congestion/other factors. 5G router does not have to be in same place where VM is/was. Move to best coverage location, then connect to asus system by means possible/available



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 795 ✭✭✭NotShero


    Is there any other FTTP network available to you? If there was, then you should be able to get broadband for around €35pm in contract quite easily -

    https://www.comreg.ie/broadbandchecker/

    Just turning off WiFi on a 5G modem/router and connecting your own will cause double NAT, It mightn’t cause any issues for you but it’s not ideal so do place it into the “modem/passthrough mode”. The ASUS router can then be left in it’s router mode.

    You can try a different network if the speeds aren’t great with your current one, as long as it’s network unlocked.

    GoMo (Eir) - €14.99pm

    48 (Three) - €12.99pm

    Clear Mobile (Vodafone) - €12.99pm

    Post edited by NotShero on


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,389 ✭✭✭chabsey


    No, but anything they give me will be for max 1 year. Obviously that's better than nothing but after a year I'm back here again.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,389 ✭✭✭chabsey


    Nice one thanks, I'll definitely do that to avoid any issues on switching back if needed.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 3,200 ✭✭✭Glaceon


    I'm not aware of any of the mobile internet providers that offer a public IPv4 address, so bridging the router wouldn't work the same way as it does on Virgin. You'll have at least double NAT, if not triple.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,389 ✭✭✭chabsey


    Thanks, I'd never checked that BB availability site before and apparently I have up to 5gpbs with Virgin which presumably means FTTH. However, the only other option is with Sky and that's 35 euro a month but then ups to full price after a year. If there was a nice way of moving between providers like with heating / gas that would be brilliant.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 795 ✭✭✭NotShero


    Yeah there is. If you order Sky now, Virgin FTTP will be installed and you’ll be able to switch between Sky, Vodafone, Virgin Media and soon Digiweb using the Virgin FTTP connection.



  • Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 12,454 Mod ✭✭✭✭dub45


    I’ve got a deal off them each year, just ring them and threaten to cancel. And with extra fibre competition they should be more anxious than ever to hold onto customers.



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