Understanding router and modem operation modes in modern networking is key to optimizing your network. Bridge Mode is one such mode, especially useful for advanced users integrating devices into existing networks. This article explains Bridge Mode and its significance and provides setup instructions for Zyxel LTE devices, including the LTE3301-Q222, LTE3202, LTE7410, and LTE3316.
What is Bridge Mode?
Bridge Mode disables the Network Address Translation (NAT) feature, making your device a simple bridge that passes traffic between your ISP and network without modification. This is useful when using your Zyxel LTE device with another router that handles IP distribution (DHCP), NAT, and firewall functions.
End-of-Life Product Notice: We regret to inform you that almost all products of "Zyxel LTE Routers", have reached the end of their useful life. As a result, technical support for this device may be limited. Please remember that any manipulation or use of an already end-of-life device is entirely at your own risk. You can find a list of obsolete devices at the link below, including their retirement and end-of-support dates. This page also provides the latest updated version for your device: End of Life
Note: When bridge mode is enabled, only the host connecting to the LAN 1 port can access the web GUI. In addition, the LAN1 host has to configure a static IP address matching the LTE3202's LAN subnet in order to access the web GUI. For example, if the LTE3202's LAN subnet is 192.168.1.1/24, the LAN1 host can have the IP address "192.168.1.22" to access the LTE3302. Each Zyxel LTE device has its own specific procedure for enabling Bridge Mode. Below, we will outline the steps for configuring this mode on the LTE3301-Q222, LTE3202, LTE7410, and LTE3316.
Zyxel LTE3202: Configure Bridge Mode
To enable Bridge Mode on the Zyxel LTE3202, follow these steps:
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Access the Web Interface: Log in to the device's web interface using your browser. The default IP address is usually
192.168.1.1, and the default credentials areadminfor both username and password.
Network Setting > Broadband > Add or Edit New WAN Interface
- Activate Bridge Mode: Check the option for Bridge Mode.
- Save and Reboot: After enabling Bridge Mode, save the changes and reboot the device if necessary. This will place the LTE3202 into Bridge Mode, allowing your primary router to take over network management.
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Save and Reboot: After enabling Bridge Mode, save the changes and reboot the device if necessary. This will place the LTE3202 into Bridge Mode, allowing your primary router to manage the network
Zyxel LTE3301-Q222: Configure Bridge Mode
To enable Bridge Mode on the Zyxel LTE3301-Q222, follow these steps:
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Access the Web Interface: Log in to the device's web interface using your browser. The default IP address is usually
192.168.1.1, and the default credentials areadminfor both username and password.
Go to Configuration > Network > WAN > Management WAN > Modify
- Enable Bridge Mode: Within the 3G/4G information section, you’ll find the "Bridge" option.
- Select it to enable the feature.
- Click "Apply"
- Wait for about 30 seconds. The IP address leased by the ISP will be forwarded to the device that connects first to the LTE3301-Q222 LAN.
- For other devices that are accessing the LTE3301 web GUI, a static IP address has to be configured. For example based on default settings, a LAN PC can configure 192.168.1.35 as its IP address in order to access the LTE3301 web GUI.
- Test the result: Connect two devices to the LTE3301-Q222 LAN at a different time. Only the first connected device to the LTE3301-Q222 LAN can receive the IP address leased by the ISP.
Zyxel LTE7410: Configure Bridge Mode
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Access the Web Interface: Log in to the device's web interface using your browser. The default IP address is usually
192.168.1.1, and the default credentials areadminfor both username and password.
Go to Network Setting > Broadband > Internet Connection > LteWan_1 > Modify
- None: The bridge mode is disabled. The IP address from the ISP is used by the LTE7410 instead of its LAN device.
- Fixed: Only the device with the specified MAC address can receive the IP address from the ISP. Other devices without specified MAC addresses cannot receive the IP address from the ISP.
- Dynamic: The first device that connects to the LTE7410 LAN will receive the IP address from the ISP.
Reboot the device after your configuration is complete to activate the new settings.
Zyxel LTE3316: Configure Bridge Mode
Access the Web Interface: Log in to the device's web interface using your browser. The default IP address is usually 192.168.1.1, and the default credentials are admin for both username and password.
Go to Configuration > Network > WAN > WAN Management > WAN-1 > Action
- Enable Bridge Mode on the bottom of the page
Here you have two possibilities:
- with Fixed MAC: only your specified MAC gets the WAN IP from the ISP
- without Fixed MAC: only your first connected device will get the WAN IP from the ISP
Test the result: Check if your device got the bridged IP. If it was correctly configured, it will have the WAN IP from the ISP.
Just a heads-up: Zyxel LTE devices have reached the end of their support period. We understand this might be inconvenient, so to help you out, please visit our forum or explore the 4G/ LTE section in our knowledge base for all the details. You can also find a list of outdated devices and their support timelines at the link below.
Thanks so much for your understanding and patience!