Skytrak + Network Connect Issues with Xfinity Modem/-Router

[jbridge]

As a first time poster, I figured I'd start with an answer/solution rather than a question/problem. Apologies if this is covered in another post, though I couldn't find the solution after searching this forum.

Symptom:

• Skytrak + would not properly connect through my network (Xfinity modem-router)
• Light readouts are: Power solid red, WiFi solid yellow, Shot readiness solid red. Not connected through PC App and no red laser

Problem:

• Skyktrak + has a default and unchangeable native IP address of 10.0.0.1
• Most consumer Xfinity modem-router units have an IP address of 10.0.0.1xx
• No 2 units on the same network can have the same IP address without problems communicating
• The Xfinity modem-router may be changeable, but I was not able to figure that out and good luch getting technical support from Xfinity

Solution:

• Install mesh network (my choice was TP-Link P9, 3 nodes with Ethernet and Powerline backhaul capabilities for $199
• Mesh networks have their own native and reconfigurable IP address (I haven't found one yet with a Skytrak + incompatible 10.0.0.1)
• Ensure that you put the Xfinity modem-router in bridge mode to effectively "turn off" the Xfinity router functionality (which will confuse your devices) while preserving the Xfinity modem functionality (needed for internet access).

I am an absolute computer tech dummy (starting with no knowledge of the basics around modems, routers, WiFi, LAN networks, IP addresses etc.). This was do-able for a a tech dummy, the only challenging part was putting the Xfinity router into bridge mode (I had a friend help me log onto my Xfinity router to execute this since I couldn't find out to do this within the mesh network App, , though now that I know this can be done, it's pretty straightforward).

Hope this helps prevent or resolve some of the frustrations I encountered!