Orbi works with any standard cable or fiber internet connection, but a few major ISPs have quirks worth knowing about before you set it up alongside their equipment.

Xfinity (Comcast)

If you're using an Xfinity-provided gateway (combined modem/router), it's worth putting it into bridge mode so it stops acting as a second router alongside your Orbi, which avoids double NAT. This is usually done through the Xfinity app or the gateway's own admin page. If you have a separate modem-only device rather than a combined gateway, this isn't an issue since there's only one router — your Orbi.

Spectrum

Spectrum typically provides a modem rather than a combined gateway for most residential plans, which makes Orbi setup fairly straightforward — connect your Orbi router directly to the modem. If you were provided a combined unit instead, check whether Spectrum supports bridge mode for it, as availability varies by equipment model.

Verizon Fios

Fios is a bit different because it often uses a coax (MoCA) connection from the ONT to your router rather than a standard ethernet-only setup, and Fios TV service can sometimes rely on the Fios router specifically. If you use Fios TV, check whether you need to keep the Fios router active in some capacity — many households run their Fios router in bridge mode or coexistence mode specifically to keep TV service working while Orbi handles wifi.

General bridge mode steps

  1. Log into your ISP gateway's own admin page (not the Orbi app).
  2. Look for Bridge Mode, IP Passthrough, or similar under advanced settings.
  3. Enable it and allow the gateway to reboot.
  4. Confirm your Orbi picks up a public-facing IP address afterward.
Activation note: combined modem-router units usually need to complete their initial ISP activation before you switch them to bridge mode — do that first if you're setting up a brand new connection.

Frequently asked questions

Will bridge mode disconnect my ISP's phone or TV service?

It can, depending on the provider and your specific bundle — check with your ISP before enabling bridge mode if you rely on a bundled phone or TV service tied to that gateway.

Do I need bridge mode if I already have a separate modem, not a combo unit?

No — bridge mode is specifically for combined modem-router gateways. A standalone modem doesn't act as a router, so there's no double NAT to fix.