[RT-AC88U] Simple question about disabling device from cable co and adding this unit

[mrprice]

I have several devices using my internet connection so I am attempting to minimize my downtime.
I am not the newest at doing firmware upgrades, etc, and have setup many routers, but for myself I usually enjoy making things last so my biggest foray has been with the old WRT54G v1.1 which I had DD-WRT on and enjoyed playing with it for years.

Now that my soho has grown to need a much better router, I actually wanted to move as much load off the cableone provided Arris DG860. It is an "all in one" device provided by them for 8 bucks a month. I wish I'd just ordered the newest surfboard or whatever the best stand alone cable modem is with this new router and had it provisioned, but I didn't and I'm now about 14 hours in to trying to make this setup work.

I feel like my mistake(s) were in how I setup my WAN on the 88U. I thought I could set it at DHCP and it would see the information from the Arris "cable modem" portion of the all in one device. It never would unless I manually entered the IP the arris showed from the cable co. Seeing I am actually DHCP from the cable co (even though I've had the same IP for years) I expected to still use a DHCP configuration. Using static if there is an new IP pushed I assume I would have to update it on the 88U manually?

I could not change the IP of the Arris device. I have previously tried to do this to avoid changing my static addresses when I installed the Arris, but it wants 192.168.0.1, not .1.0, not 1.1, not 0.2, but only .0.1
So fine, I gave the 88U a LAN IP of 192.168.0.2, disabled the wireless on the Arris, disabled the DHCP server on the Arris and then connected the Arris LAN port 1 to the wan port of the 88U and tried to access, but nothing. I rebooted and nothing. Must be other settings I needed to change.

This will turn into a wall of text no one will read if I keep going with everything I tried. I would very much appreciate if someone can point me to a thread, document, video, or anything which will help with moving all functionality to my 88U except the basic cable modem in the all in one Arris DG860.
I will answer any questions, post any pictures, etc, and sincerely, thank you.
My goal was to have as seamless as possible changeover without having huge downtime for the devices on my network as those = money lost every second they cannot connect. (I am looking to have failover / load balancing WAN setup very quickly)

At this point, I reset the 88U to factory defaults. I am running the 12-31-15 alpha firmware as I am interested in testing MU-MIMO at some point, but if someone thinks I should roll back to something more stable or install a merlin version I am all ears. I have no issues with changing firmware, etc,. I think my issues are knowing what NAT should be on both, and being more familiar with the newer offerings of the 88u in terms of features and settings.

Thanks Again!

 

[mrprice]

Did I post in the wrong section, not the kind of thing people get involved with, or is it normally slow around here for responses to this kind of scenario?

Thanks!

 

[nicastro78]

On the Arris modem you want to see if there is a bridge mode. If there is you want to turn it on. This will bypass the NAT and DHCP server built into it. It will also pass along the public IP to the RT-AC88U allow the WAN to auto configure then in the lan setup of the 88u you can setup the starting ip range of the 88u @ .1.1


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[mrprice]

On the Arris modem you want to see if there is a bridge mode. If there is you want to turn it on. This will bypass the NAT and DHCP server built into it. It will also pass along the public IP to the RT-AC88U allow the WAN to auto configure then in the lan setup of the 88u you can setup the starting ip range of the 88u @ .1.1
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Thanks, there is a bridged mode.

I tried disabling everything manually, but there is a bridge mode. I'll have to see if it actually disabled the server. My DNS stopped working as well.

Can you tell me if I always use the Arris DG860 cable modem / Wireless Router combo device IP address of 192.168.0.1 as the gateway? Or, do I use the new router IP of 192.168.0.2?

I also found this about using an IP in the DMZ:

"""Generai

• If the ISP modem has a built in router, it's best to bridge the modem. Having 2 routers on the same line can cause connection problems: Link>Double NAT and How NAT Works. Call the ISP and ask to see if the ISP modem can be bridged. To tell if the modem is bridged or not, look at the routers web page, Status/Device Info/Wan Section, if there is a 192.168.0.# address in the WAN IP address field, then the modem is not bridged. If the modem can't be bridged then see if the modem has a DMZ option and input the IP address the router gets from the modem and put that into the modems DMZ. Also check the routers DHCP IP address maybe conflicting with the ISP modems IP address of 192.168.0.1. Check to see if this is the same on the ISP modem, and if modem can't be bridged, change the DIR router to 192.168.1.1 or .0.254.
  Example of a D-Link router configured for PPPoE with ISP Modem bridged: PPPoE Configuration on a Router"""""

http://forums.dlink.com/index.php?topic=50682.0

My router is Asus. Obviously the quote is relative to the issue with Arris devices and bridge mode.

 

[nicastro78]

Once the Arris modem is in bridge mode you can setup the Asus router normally. The Arris gateway at that point will act just like a standard cable modem. The Asus router will be assigned Cableones public IP address and DNS servers on the WAN port


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[mrprice]

Once the Arris modem is in bridge mode you can setup the Asus router normally. The Arris gateway at that point will act just like a standard cable modem. The Asus router will be assigned Cableones public IP address and DNS servers on the WAN port
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Keeping the IP addresses separated? Or, make the Asus the 192.168.0.1
And the gateway is then the Asus, which IP?
I should have experimented in a different setting which didn't involve machines others are using, but I want to make the switch-over quick and thank you very much for your help.

 

[nicastro78]

Once the Arris is in bridge mode it will no longer have a 192.168.x.x address. The only device with a 192.168.x.x address will be coming from your 88u router. You can use the Asus default of 192.168.1.1 or you can set it to whatever private address you want in the LAN settings in the router.

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[mrprice]

Keeping the IP addresses separated? Or, make the Asus the 192.168.0.1
And the gateway is then the Asus, which IP?
I should have experimented in a different setting which didn't involve machines others are using, but I want to make the switch-over quick and thank you very much for your help.

I'm sure most people posting here are much more experienced at performing this particular task. Using the Arris as a cable modem only by setting it up as bridged was "just that simple" if I had used more patience during my first attempt. I do understand that there is a bit of machine learning which goes on when installing new physical routes, but it would be nice if anyone has an approximate time to wait they could recommend.

To explain, I'd previously set the Arris to Bridge mode, turned off its DHCP server and wireless network, and cleanly rebooted by removing power and the cable coax connection for about 5 minutes with the IP set at 192.168.0.1 (I was unable to get the Arris to function on any other IP, but it is possible I did not wait long enough, regardless it is functioning as 0.1 and I plan to replace it as soon as I have a chance to find the best cable modem I can purchase which is supported by Cable One. If you have a suggestion for the best possible device available to purchase today that is as future-proof as possible, Maybe Doccis 3.1x?)

As I booted the Arris I also started up the Asus RT-AC88U. It's using 192.168.0.2, with the WAN setup as automatic. (Cable One uses DHCP) Under LAN-DHCP the Gateway is set at 192.168.0.2 and the DNS is set at the same DNS the cable company provides to the Arris device which is seen on the Arris's Status page.

I had to change a couple of things on all of the wired devices with static IP addresses (Which there are approximately 21 - 25 in use all the time), I had to change those to use 192.168.0.2
The Gateway and DNS both use that IP at the moment, but I am pretty sure I can use other DNS IP addresses, IE the Google 8.8.8.8 and / or 8.8.4.4.

The key to the puzzle in this little experience was giving the Arris, Asus, and my clients time to learn where they were now being instructed to go. After having everything setup correctly for 15 minutes or so, as I started rebooting clients everything started working properly. The 15 minutes wait is what I did not do until that point. I'd previously had everything set the exact same way, cables going to the same places, etc. I experience some of this with every switch I install, most devices, routers, modems, etc. It just seems like it takes a bit of time to "learn".

I am checking each setting in the router for security and will then move to speed and finally features. I will keep reading here int he forum, but if anyone wants to point out something I can do better, or if there is an issue with having the router's IP in the DMZ, etc please let me know your thoughts.

First, Thanks for the replies I did receive. Even the smallest comment can help someone when it is late and you've been banging at something for many hours.

Second, I want to pickup two of the absolutely best clients I can use on two laptops for my kids. Neither has USB3, but that can change quickly so as I put money into clients I would still want to get the best technology available today. Especially where it may take advantage of anything Asus offers in the 88U. I assumed Asus would make the best thing to work with their routers by taking advantage of specific technology but so far The AC56 seems to be their best USB device and isn't USB3, or does it lead the pack in wireless clients. The PCI version looks nice, but maybe I am missing something. I would appreciate recommendations, and any experiences you have or can point me to in this search.

Finally, I am making new cables today to go from the 88U to the cable modem, and various other devices. Is there a minimum or maximum length amount you would stick with for your most important devices? I understand the CAT6 specifications, wish I'd purchased shielded CAT6 rather than the 1000' box of standard but it is what I have. I plan to mount the 88U on the wall at about the height of the top of a doorway. Height is supposed to equal better range, right?

Thanks Again!

 

[mrprice]

Once the Arris is in bridge mode it will no longer have a 192.168.x.x address. The only device with a 192.168.x.x address will be coming from your 88u router. You can use the Asus default of 192.168.1.1 or you can set it to whatever private address you want in the LAN settings in the router.

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Interesting, because the devices I had with gateway set at .1 would not connect when I had the 88u set at .1
It was only when I changed the 88u to .2 and both the wired and non-wired clients to a gateway of .2 that things worked. It is possible I changed something else at that time, but I do not show such in my notes. I will keep this in mind during my next maintenance visit with the Asus and try going back to a .1 as I prefer using that with my router.
Well, when I replace the Arris device with a true cable modem is that cable modem going to use an IP? If so, I would want it at .1 so I'd leave the 88u set at 2 anyway I think, unless there is a reason not to do so?

Thanks for your reply. If you have a moment and can comment on my last reply to this thread it would be great. Your advice is very helpful.

 

[nicastro78]

I'm sure most people posting here are much more experienced at performing this particular task. Using the Arris as a cable modem only by setting it up as bridged was "just that simple" if I had used more patience during my first attempt. I do understand that there is a bit of machine learning which goes on when installing new physical routes, but it would be nice if anyone has an approximate time to wait they could recommend.

To explain, I'd previously set the Arris to Bridge mode, turned off its DHCP server and wireless network, and cleanly rebooted by removing power and the cable coax connection for about 5 minutes with the IP set at 192.168.0.1 (I was unable to get the Arris to function on any other IP, but it is possible I did not wait long enough, regardless it is functioning as 0.1 and I plan to replace it as soon as I have a chance to find the best cable modem I can purchase which is supported by Cable One. If you have a suggestion for the best possible device available to purchase today that is as future-proof as possible, Maybe Doccis 3.1x?)

As I booted the Arris I also started up the Asus RT-AC88U. It's using 192.168.0.2, with the WAN setup as automatic. (Cable One uses DHCP) Under LAN-DHCP the Gateway is set at 192.168.0.2 and the DNS is set at the same DNS the cable company provides to the Arris device which is seen on the Arris's Status page.

I had to change a couple of things on all of the wired devices with static IP addresses (Which there are approximately 21 - 25 in use all the time), I had to change those to use 192.168.0.2
The Gateway and DNS both use that IP at the moment, but I am pretty sure I can use other DNS IP addresses, IE the Google 8.8.8.8 and / or 8.8.4.4.

The key to the puzzle in this little experience was giving the Arris, Asus, and my clients time to learn where they were now being instructed to go. After having everything setup correctly for 15 minutes or so, as I started rebooting clients everything started working properly. The 15 minutes wait is what I did not do until that point. I'd previously had everything set the exact same way, cables going to the same places, etc. I experience some of this with every switch I install, most devices, routers, modems, etc. It just seems like it takes a bit of time to "learn".

I am checking each setting in the router for security and will then move to speed and finally features. I will keep reading here int he forum, but if anyone wants to point out something I can do better, or if there is an issue with having the router's IP in the DMZ, etc please let me know your thoughts.

First, Thanks for the replies I did receive. Even the smallest comment can help someone when it is late and you've been banging at something for many hours.

Second, I want to pickup two of the absolutely best clients I can use on two laptops for my kids. Neither has USB3, but that can change quickly so as I put money into clients I would still want to get the best technology available today. Especially where it may take advantage of anything Asus offers in the 88U. I assumed Asus would make the best thing to work with their routers by taking advantage of specific technology but so far The AC56 seems to be their best USB device and isn't USB3, or does it lead the pack in wireless clients. The PCI version looks nice, but maybe I am missing something. I would appreciate recommendations, and any experiences you have or can point me to in this search.

Finally, I am making new cables today to go from the 88U to the cable modem, and various other devices. Is there a minimum or maximum length amount you would stick with for your most important devices? I understand the CAT6 specifications, wish I'd purchased shielded CAT6 rather than the 1000' box of standard but it is what I have. I plan to mount the 88U on the wall at about the height of the top of a doorway. Height is supposed to equal better range, right?

Thanks Again!

In response to the best modem you can use and future proof... Well I am using the Arris SB6190 with Cableone. It is not on there official list of supported but it works just fine. Also Cableone is rolling out Gigaone service this year and their requirement for this is a Docsis 3.0 cable modem capable of 32x8 channel bonding. The SB6190 is exactly this requirement. I don't believe that Cableone will be supporting Docsis 3.1 anytime soon. Also currently there is no Docsis 3.1 devices available for sale.

I don't currently have any recommendations for USB. My iMac has a 2x2 AC device in it.

I am glad to here that you were able to get the current Arris modem to work in bridge mode.


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