Bridge Mode Issue – Router Not Receiving IP from Modem (Motorola MG7700 + TP-Link Deco)

Hi, I’m trying to reconfigure my home network and could use some assistance.

I have a Motorola MG7700 cable modem/router (software version 7700-5.7.1.21) and I am attempting to place it into bridge mode so I can use a **TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro mesh system as my primary router and Wi-Fi network.

Here’s what I’ve done so far:

• Reset the MG7700 to factory defaults

• Verified that it receives a valid public IPv4 address when operating in normal (router) mode

• Set up the Deco system successfully in router mode (double NAT), where it receives a private IP (192.168.x.x) and internet works

• Enabled MAC address cloning on the Deco (using the client MAC)

• Enabled “Primary Network Bridged” on the MG7700

• Performed multiple full power cycles (modem first, then router)

However, once the MG7700 is placed into bridge mode:

• The modem no longer shows a valid IPv4 address (---.---.---.---)

• The Deco does not receive a public IP (WAN IP remains blank or 0.0.0.0)

• The Deco indicates no internet connection (red status light)

• Wi-Fi clients connect but report no internet access

It appears that the Deco is not being assigned an IP address from the ISP when the modem is in bridge mode.

Could you please advise:

• Whether there are any provisioning or MAC address binding issues on your end

• Whether the modem needs to be reprovisioned after switching to bridge mode

• Whether you recommend releasing/renewing the DHCP lease or clearing any cached MAC addresses

• If there are any compatibility issues with the MG7700 in bridge mode on my service

I’d appreciate any guidance on how to ensure the Deco router can properly obtain a public IP address through the modem in bridge mode.

Thank you for your help.