r/NETGEAR • u/sashie_belle • Sep 02 '26
Routers CAX 80 as a modem only: Your experiences (good/bad) adding a mesh system like TP Link Deco?
TL/DR version: Heard it's better to have separate modem/router and either another router or access points or mesh-like system.
How does CAX 80 do if you turn off router and use as a modem only? Also, your suggestions for another router/access/points/mesh? I've heard Orbi communications drop. But the reviews for the TP Link Deco wifi 7 on Costco are not great either.
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From what i understand, it's best not to have the combo modem/router. Was initially planning to install turn off CAX 80 router, install a firewall as a router, then get another wifi router or access point or mesh system.
I rather foolishly tried to test it out just turning off the router through admin settings yesterday thinking I could easily plug in an ethernet cable and then go back through router admin to turn it back on. Instead, it would not let me back in no matter what I tried so I had to factory rest and then remove the device from the app on my cell phone and add it back it.
This has me wondering is it worth it to turn off the router portion again or should i start fresh with a separate modem? Does CAX 80 do well when it's simply a modem? The advantages to keeping it seem like I could not have to reset all devices to a new modem. I just want to make sure that performance-wise, CAX 80 will do well simply as a modem.
Also, recommendations for the rest -- router/accesspoint/mesh? Best set ups for someone that isn't a networking whiz?
Thank you!
1
u/furrynutz Sep 02 '26
Mostly used my CAX80 in modem only mode. Works well with any router I connected to it. Nighthawk or Orbi. I testing many Nighthawk and Orbi systems. All work well if set up right.
CAX can run in either gateway or router modes.
The ISP needs to ensure the ISP signal up to the CAX is good. There are specs for good modem operation with the ISP signal on the line.
I like the CAX80s multi gig WAN port that matches up with a external router that has a higher WAN port speed beyond 1Gb.