Connecting mesh systems to existing modem/router on Cox

I have (own) a Netgear CG4500BD, N type dual band combo unit. I recently upgraded to 100 MB/s speed, but my coverage is not ideal. I am thinking about adding a mesh system. BGR does not think highly of the Cox Panoramic system. I am considering it, but also considering just trying to add a Google mesh system. I have several questions. 

1. Can I just plug the LAN cable for the new router into the LAN output from the combo unit? If so, do I have to put the unit in bridge mode? I cannot find a place in the controls to do that, and people have been saying Cox blocked that capability. 

2. The combo unit is an N unit, dual band. If I get the unit into bridge mode, and the new router supports AC, would I get AC function? 

3. I have one piece of equipment, a Ring Chime Pro, that requires 2.4 MHz. Using a mesh system, whether Panoramic or Google, will I still have access to a 2.4 band?  

Thanks for any input or prior experiences.