What are the pros and cons of using my own Orbi 770 in AP mode versus Router mode with PPPoE passthrough with the GigaHub?

[RetiredCharmeur]

I recently upgraded to Bell Gigabit Fibe 3.0 and own the Orbi 770 WiFi 7 Mesh system. Currently, I have the GigaHub set to pseudo “Bridge Mode” and my Orbi is configured as the primary router using PPPoE credentials. The Orbi 770 supports 2.5 Gbps, and when directly connected, I’m getting speeds of around 2350 Mbps, which is close to the maximum speed of my unit, accounting for overhead.

I’m considering an alternative setup: switching the Orbi to Access Point mode and placing a 10 Gbps switch in front of it. This would allow my main computer (connected to the switch) to utilize the full 3.2 Gbps speed, while the Orbi would continue to deliver around 2350 Mbps by ethernet and/or excellent Wi-Fi speed to other wireless devices everywhere in the house.

Beyond the feature differences between the Orbi router and the GigaHub, I’m curious about any potential issues with this setup in terms of speed, connectivity, or limitations. Has anyone tried both configurations for an extended period? Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences!

[dks]

I can't think of significant limitations your change would cause. If your main computer has a 10Gb network card or jack, it should work. I see TP-Link 10GB unmanaged switches are selling on Amazon for under $400 on Black Friday/Cyber Monday promotion. 

[Vanadiel · Accepted solution]

Would depend on the bridge mode used. Since the switch will be before the router and on the WAN side of the router, you will not have direct routing between the switch and the rest of the network.

Your WiFi will also be on a different LAN network range than your PC, and that can cause issues for printer and other types of access.

You will also establish 2 Public IP's that way, which can cause issue on it's own.

That being said, you can give it a try and see how it works out. As long as you are prepared for issues.

[RetiredCharmeur]

If I opt for the Orbi on  AP mode setup, the GigaHub’s “bridge mode” is no longer enabled. Only the Wi-Fi on the GigaHub will be turned off.
The switch connects to the router, my main computer and the ORBI (set to AP mode) are then connected to the switch.  

As a new Bell customer, I am interested in understanding the performance and long-term stability of the GigaHub with an AP compared to bypassing its router and using your own router with PPPOE passthrough. I started with the PPPOE/bridged  and it limits the possible maximum performance on my Mac (w/10gb) connected  to the Orbi 2.5gb port. All other devices will obviously still  be limited to the Orbi’s maximum speed of 2.5gbps even if I  set the Orbi as the AP.