Zyxel GM4100 Bridge vs. Double-NAT mit Swisscom Router

hu0me · Apr 23, 2024

Zyxel GM4100 Bridge vs. Double-NAT mit Swisscom Router

Hi

I’m currently using double NAT with a Swisscom router and my OpenWrt router. The WLAN and the entire setup was done with OpenWrt.

I’m thinking about buying a Zyxel GM4100 bridge instead of the Swisscom router. I guess the Zyxel GM4100 Bridge uses less power?

What are the advantages of Zyxel GM4100 Bridge vs. my setup?

The only thing I can think of is the lower power consumption.

The Zyxel GM4100 Bridge costs around 140 CHF.

Thank you very much and have a wonderful day

POGO 1104 · Apr 23, 2024

@hu0me wrote:
What are the advantages of Zyxel GM4100 Bridge vs. my setup?

All I can think of is the lower power consumption.

-no double NAT

Regarding power consumption:

You will probably never amortize/compensate for the minimally lower energy consumption compared to the purchase price of the Zyxel part and its “gray energy” during production/transport/recycling etc….

hu0me · Apr 23, 2024

Thanks for your answer.

What exactly is the problem with double NAT?

In OpenWrt community forums they are also not enthusiastic about double NAT, but it works for me without any problems. I don’t understand the fundamental problem with Double-NAT.

Can you provide more details?
You are right about power consumption as the bridge is expensive.

POGO 1104 · Apr 23, 2024

@hu0me wrote:

….What exactly is the problem with double NAT?

More administration/configuration effort (one-off)
Possibly some performance losses

If it works for you (and you seem to know how to configure it), I would leave it like that.