Bell Modem Wi-Fi optimization

[PierreRanger]

I never use the bell optimisation on the router. I set things manually and have top speed on wifi

[PierreRanger]

Am never ever gonna pay every month fir pods.  They should sell them, not charge every month!!!!   Complete ripoff

[dks]

Thanks for your comment. The Plume pods are not sold by Bell, nor are they sold by the manufacturer, Plume. They can only be rented. If you see them for sale, don't buy them as you will not be able to activate the pods on the Bell network. 

[Vanadiel · Accepted solution]

I am a strong advocate of using a third party mesh network, since once you have it up and running you can always switch to another internet provider without loosing your WiFi setup or having to worry about reconfiguring all your WiFi devices.

In the day of IOT devices it's a blessing to have your WiFi completely independent from your internet modem. And it usually works equally if not better to the pods.

[Symple_Syrup]

What is missing from your response is what you actually use the get around the pods. Do you use Bell Fibe TV also? There is no way of putting the modem into bridge mode so how do you connect your "mesh network"?

thanks

[PierreRanger]

I use another router in bridge mode

[dks]

Thanks for your question. Bell modems use PPPoE passthrough. Bridge mode is not available in residential service. There is a lot of information out there on how to install a mesh network. 

[PierreRanger]

Maybe am not explaining this right (am french).   I plug a cable between the bell giga hub and another wifi 6e router.    I then tell the other router to extend the same wifi network.   Then I have top speed far away from the bell giga hub.  

[Vanadiel · Accepted solution]

Bell Fibe TV boxes can be either wired directly to the home hub using ethernet, or you can turn off WiFi in the home hub and connect them wirelessly to the home hub still as they use a hidden 5G network that cannot be disabled in the home hub but is there just to connect your Fibe TV box(es).

As for how to connect a third party mesh network you follow the manufacturer instructions that comes with the mesh network package. They are normally sold as a plug and play package, but you can purchase additional items should you need more coverage for example. Very similar to adding additional Bell pods.

There are a large number of mesh systems available, but just to list one out of the many: Netgear  

The setup for that one is simple and most if not all are designed in similar fashion.

Easy Set Up with Any Service Provider

Simple to plug Orbi into your modem and set it up with the Orbi app

Page 15 and onwards of the manual will explain the connections to make, including pictures to ensure it's as easy as possible to understand the connections you need to make.

It's honestly a lot easier than it sounds, and it's designed to be simple and straightforward.

[dks]

Thanks for the explanation. You are using PPPoE passthrough. Yes, it is simple to install. Glad you made it work. 

[WelshTerrier]

Good Day & Welcome to the Bell Community Forum

As an alternative, have you considered using a Gigabit Ethernet unmanaged switch?  Easy to install. No setup or configuration perse. This will provide you with additional flexibility & ports.

An Ethernet switch will allow you to connect multiple wired devices in a Local Area Network (LAN), such as computers, printers, and servers, allowing them to communicate efficiently and enabling them to access the internet by way of your Bell modem.

It is much cheaper to purchase than a router. All you need to do is to install a reasonably good quality brand name 1 GB unmanaged switch & a quality Cat 6 cable. Plug one end of the cable into the switch. Plug the other end of the cable into the back of the Bell modem.

Tout est fini!

Take care.

[PierreRanger]

That’s fine for things with rj45 jack.  But not for iphone or ipad

[WelshTerrier]

Good Day.

Thank you for your information. That is correct, assuming that is the purpose & reasoning behind your setup.

Most recent iPad & iPhone models, feature a USB-C port. You can use a Belkin USB-C to 2.5Gb Ethernet Adapter with an unmanaged switch. The adapter provides a wired connection to the switch and functions like any other network-connected device. The adapter is plug-and-play and does not require a special connection to your network; it simply provides a wired Ethernet port for your USB-C device.

Belkin Connect USB-C to 2.5 Gb Ethernet Adapter (INC012) FAQs

Belkin USB-C to 2.5Gb Ethernet Adapter - Apple (CA)

Just another option for your consideration

Take care.

[dks]

iPhone and iPad work flawlessly on wireless.