Extending Your Viasat Wi-Fi Coverage

Why do I need a standalone router

Your plan comes with the Viasat Wi-Fi enabled modem that includes built in Wi-Fi capability. Adding a separate standalone Wi-Fi system will allow for the best performance for multiple devices connecting wirelessly to your network.

What type of router should I get?

Although not required to use your Viasat service, it’s highly recommended that you purchase a standalone Wi-Fi router if your home is one-level and up to 1000 square feet. If you have a larger or multi-level home, we strongly suggest a mesh Wi-Fi system.

What’s the difference between a mesh Wi-Fi system and a standalone Wi-Fi router?

A standalone router can provide good coverage in homes with smaller square footage and a one-story layout, like apartments or smaller houses.

Because a mesh Wi-Fi system utilizes multiple Wi-Fi extenders, it’s a good option for larger homes with multiple stories or a wide, spread-out floorplan. The coverage works like a series of dots all interconnected to one another, hence the name “mesh.” The signal can stay stronger because it doesn’t have to travel as far between extenders. By placing additional extenders, you can extend Wi-Fi coverage where you need it.

You can purchase a Wi-Fi router or mesh Wi-Fi system through popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart, or Best Buy.

To help ensure that reliable speeds reach your entire home, we highly recommend an external standalone Wi-Fi solution for best performance.

Router Checklist

We recommend reviewing the following features and specifications before you buy a router:

✓	WiFi Technology: we recommend a router with WiFi-6 or newer
✓	Frequency bands: Most routers offer dual-band or triple-band frequencies
✓	Coverage: Square footage covered by the router (does it cover an area big enough for your house?)
✓	Number of devices the router can support (remember, "connected home" devices like thermostats, appliances, etc.
✓	House layout: one floor vs. multiple stories

**If I buy a Mesh Wi-Fi system, how many extenders do I need?

A quick guideline to follow for how many Wi-Fi extenders you need: Most often two Wi-Fi pods will be enough for homes between 1,500 and 3,000 sq. ft. You may add more if your home is larger (3,000 sq. ft. or more) or if you have a multi-level home including a basement, three or more floors, or four rooms or more and dead zones.

How to install your router

You must put your Viasat modem in bridge mode when connecting your own Wi-Fi router. Bridge mode is a networking feature that allows your Wi-Fi router to connect directly to Viasat’s Internet data interface and ‘talk’ directly to the satellite.

To set up bridge mode:

Click here for a printable version

Step 1:

Connect your computer to the Viasat modem via either a wired ethernet connection or the modem's Wi-Fi network name and password.

Step 2:

If you are on the Viasat Wi-Fi Gateway modem, click on the button below

If you are on the Surfbeam 2+ modem, click on the button below

Step 3:

Click the Sign In button

Step 4:

Select Advanced and then scroll to the Bridge Mode Status area.

Step 5:

Select Enabled for turning on bridge mode and click Save Changes (NOTE: If your browser shows an Auto-Detect mode enabled, then first select Disable and Save Changes, then wait for modem reboot and then proceed to Enable bridge mode and Save Changes.)

Step 6:

Wait for modem to reboot and come back online each time you change a configuration and Save Changes.

Step 7:

Once your Viasat modem is in bridge mode, follow the manufacturer instructions for setting up your stand-alone router or mesh Wi-Fi system.

We're here to help!

If you have installation questions about your Wi-Fi router, you can search the brand of your router and look for installation and troubleshooting tips. If you are experiencing problems with setting up bridge mode or issues with your Viasat modem, please call us at 855-463-9333.