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

chabsey · 15-10-2025 10:41AM #1

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?

dub45 · 15-10-2025 09:10PM

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

smuggler.ie · 15-10-2025 09:49PM

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

NotShero · 15-10-2025 11:25PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058426731/virgin-media-modem-5g-sim-card-modem-both-in-bridge-mode

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

chabsey · 16-10-2025 11:17AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123909050#Comment_123909050

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.

chabsey · 16-10-2025 11:18AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123909130#Comment_123909130

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

Glaceon · 16-10-2025 11:19AM

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.

chabsey · 16-10-2025 12:24PM

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.

NotShero · 16-10-2025 12:46PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123910315#Comment_123910315

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.

dub45 · 16-10-2025 10:18PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123910136#Comment_123910136

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.

chabsey · 06-11-2025 09:47AM

To follow up here in case anyone else is interested in doing this. Putting the 5G modem into bridge mode didn't seem to work so I just plugged it directly into my router and left the wifi network broadcasting. So far this has worked brilliantly, all devices are functioning fine, I'm getting a very consistent 100+ mb (200+ regularly as well). Virgin cancelled and I'm saving nearly 50 euro a month now. Nice.

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

Comments