Convert Billion 8800 NLR2 to bridge mode

[robinc]

A forthcoming house move to an address that doesn't have FTTP yet (or probably ever) has revealed a bit of a problem. The market for ADSL/VDSL Modem Routers seems to have collapsed. Most of what is around is vintage 2021/22.

My venerable Billion 8800 NLR2 is going strong, but the wifi has always been a bit weak.
The TP Link VX230V is the only offering from iDnet.

So I'm thinking that my best option will be to convert the Billion to Bridge mode and then bolt on something more exciting from the ASUS range to handle wifi and mesh.

I'll get the TP Link from iDnet anyway as it can also run Bridge and so would provide a bit of future proofing.

The Billion manual is a bit thin on this, I have found a useful thread on the Billion forum https://www.forum.billion.uk.com/viewtopic.php?t=18276 which seems to get there in the end. Just wondering if anyone here has done something similar and/or has any observations please?

[Postal]

A forthcoming house move to an address that doesn't have FTTP yet (or probably ever) has revealed a bit of a problem. The market for ADSL/VDSL Modem Routers seems to have collapsed. Most of what is around is vintage 2021/22.

My venerable Billion 8800 NLR2 is going strong, but the wifi has always been a bit weak.
The TP Link VX230V is the only offering from iDnet.

So I'm thinking that my best option will be to convert the Billion to Bridge mode and then bolt on something more exciting from the ASUS range to handle wifi and mesh.

I'll get the TP Link from iDnet anyway as it can also run Bridge and so would provide a bit of future proofing.

The Billion manual is a bit thin on this, I have found a useful thread on the Billion forum https://www.forum.billion.uk.com/viewtopic.php?t=18276 which seems to get there in the end. Just wondering if anyone here has done something similar and/or has any observations please?

Because of all the security implications I'd be a bit wary about using something which has not had a firmware update for so many years as my main access to the internet.  I had to resurrect my old 8800NL last week as my current router died but I've taken it back out of the system now I have a newer modem/router (Zyxel DX3301 TO).  I use a Tenda Nova mesh (as IDNet used to supply - don't know whether they still do) with the Billion acting as the router while it was in circuit and having its WiFi turned off.  It all worked fine including a mesh link to my garage 30m. from the house.

If you want to run the Billion in bridge mode I think you go to Configuration then Ethernet and Disable the DHCP server.