Set up Eero, Deco, Nest or Orbi with a Virgin Media, BT or Sky hub without "Double NAT detected" warnings. Modem mode, bridge mode and settings explained.
You've bought a mesh system to fix the Wi-Fi, plugged it into your broadband hub and it works, mostly. But the app shows a warning such as "Double NAT detected", your Xbox or PlayStation reports "NAT Type: Strict" or "NAT Type: Moderate", smart devices can't be found, or your phone keeps hopping between two networks with similar names.
These are classic signs that the mesh and your provider's hub are both trying to be the router. This guide explains how to set up Eero, TP-Link Deco, Google Nest Wifi and Netgear Orbi properly alongside a Virgin Media, BT or Sky hub.
Quick answer
Only one device should be the router. With Virgin Media, put the hub into Modem mode and let the mesh do the routing. With BT and Sky hubs, which don't offer a simple modem mode, leave the hub as the router and switch the mesh into bridge or access point mode. Either way, turn off the hub's own Wi-Fi if it's still broadcasting.
Why This Happens
A router does two main jobs: it shares one internet connection between many devices (this is called NAT), and it hands out addresses to every device (DHCP). Mesh systems are routers too, so when you plug one into your provider's hub, both of them do both jobs.
That's "double NAT". Web browsing and streaming usually work fine, but you may see:
- Strict or moderate NAT on games consoles, causing problems with online play and voice chat.
- Smart home devices, printers and casting (Chromecast, AirPlay) not finding each other, because some devices are on the hub's network and some on the mesh's.
- Two Wi-Fi networks competing, so phones and laptops stick to the wrong one.
- Mesh features such as parental controls and device lists only seeing part of the house.
Option 1: Put the ISP Hub in Modem Mode
This is the cleanest setup. The hub becomes a simple modem, and your mesh system takes over all routing and Wi-Fi.
Virgin Media Hub 3, 4 and 5 support Modem mode:
- Connect to the hub and go to
192.168.0.1. Log in with the settings password on the hub sticker. - Look for Modem mode, usually under Advanced settings.
- Enable it and let the hub restart. Its Wi-Fi will switch off.
- Connect the main mesh unit to one of the hub's ethernet ports. Virgin Media's guidance specifies which port to use in modem mode, typically the first one, so check their help page for your hub model.
- Restart the main mesh unit and finish setup in its app.
In modem mode, the hub's settings page moves to 192.168.100.1. You'll need this address if you want to switch back to router mode later. Also note that if you have Virgin Media phone or TV services, check that nothing relies on the hub's Wi-Fi before switching.
Option 2: Put the Mesh in Bridge or Access Point Mode
BT Smart Hubs (including Smart Hub 2), EE Smart Hubs and Sky Hubs don't offer a simple, supported modem mode. The easiest and most reliable approach is to keep the hub as the router and turn the mesh into a Wi-Fi system only.
Look in your mesh app for these settings (wording varies with app updates):
- Eero: in the Eero app, go to Settings > Network settings > DHCP & NAT and choose Bridge.
- TP-Link Deco: in the Deco app, look for Operation Mode (often under More > Advanced) and choose Access Point.
- Netgear Orbi: in the web settings, look for Router/AP Mode under the advanced setup options, and choose AP Mode.
- Google Nest Wifi and Google Wifi: look in the Google Home app's network settings for an option such as bridge mode or network mode. Note that some features, such as device lists, stop working in bridge mode.
In bridge or access point mode, some mesh features such as parental controls, per-device stats and security add-ons may be disabled, because the ISP hub is now in charge. For most families that's a fair trade for a stable network.
Using a Third-Party Router on BT or Sky
It is possible to replace a BT or Sky hub with your own router or mesh, but it's more involved. On full fibre it's usually straightforward, while on phone line broadband (FTTC) you'll also need a compatible modem. Sky connections need specific login details from Sky before third-party kit will connect. If you're unsure, Option 2 is the safer choice.
Step 3: Turn Off the Hub's Wi-Fi
If you use Option 2, your ISP hub will still be broadcasting its own Wi-Fi. Two systems broadcasting in the same house compete with each other, and devices may cling to the weaker one.
- BT Smart Hub: log in at
192.168.1.254, go to Advanced Settings > Wireless and switch off the 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless networks. - Sky Hub: log in at
192.168.0.1and look in the Wireless settings for an option to turn the wireless radios off. - Virgin Media: modem mode turns the Wi-Fi off automatically.
Before switching anything off, give your mesh network the same name and password as your old Wi-Fi. Most phones, laptops and smart devices will then reconnect automatically and you won't need to set them all up again. Turn off the old Wi-Fi first, then rename the mesh, so the two never broadcast the same name at the same time.
Step 4: Check It's Working
- Open the mesh app. The double NAT warning should have gone (in Option 1) or the app should show bridge or AP mode (in Option 2).
- On a games console, run the network test. NAT type should be Open or Type 2.
- Check that casting to the TV and finding the printer works from a phone.
- Walk around the house with a phone and run a speed test in each room.
Placing the Mesh Units
The main unit sits next to the hub, connected with a cable. Additional units should go roughly halfway between the main unit and the areas with poor coverage, not in the dead spot itself. If you can connect satellites back to the main unit with ethernet cables, performance improves dramatically. Our guide to fixing Wi-Fi dead spots in a large house goes into placement in more detail.
When to Get Help
Getting a mesh system working cleanly with an ISP hub involves a few settings that are easy to get wrong, and the double NAT symptoms can be subtle. Our home Wi-Fi and networking service installs and configures mesh systems properly, including wired backhaul where possible. If your mesh is already in place, we can often check and correct the setup through remote support. Senri Home engineers visit across West and South West London seven days a week, 8am to 9pm. Book a visit or call or WhatsApp 07826 399715.
Related Reading
Common questions
Double NAT means two routers are both sharing your internet connection, one behind the other. Browsing usually works, but it can cause strict NAT on games consoles and stop devices finding each other, so it's best avoided.
Yes. The best approach is to put the Virgin Media hub into Modem mode and connect the main mesh unit to it, so the mesh handles all routing and Wi-Fi.
Not as a simple supported setting. The usual approach is to keep the BT hub as the router, put your mesh system into bridge or access point mode, and turn off the BT hub's own Wi-Fi.
Yes. If the hub keeps broadcasting, devices may connect to it instead of the mesh. Turn off the hub's Wi-Fi once the mesh is set up and working.
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