Station Mode

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-You are here: '''[[Main_Page|DD-WRT wiki mainpage]] / [[Linking_Routers|Linking Routers]] / Client Mode'''+'''''Wiki Path''''': [[Main_Page|DD-WRT Wiki Main]] / [[Tutorials]] / [[Linking Routers]] / '''Client Mode'''
---- ----
-Client mode wireless "retrieves" an internet connection (using the router's radio) from another router, and shares it to the LAN wired switch ports. When you have a wireless router connected to the internet in one location and you want to allow wired clients in a remote location access to the internet, one solution is [[Client Mode]]. (Also refer to [[Client Bridge]] and [[Repeater Bridge]].) 
-The host router is not required to be running DD-WRT firmware. The secondary [[Glossary#Router|router]] runs DD-WRT firmware and it is configured to run in Client mode. On the DD-WRT configuration page this mode is labeled simply "Client". The option is on the '''Wireless > Basic Settings''' page.+==Introduction==
-The secondary router (the client router) connects to main router (the host router) as though it were any other wireless client. It shares this connection through its wired switch ports, creating a new LAN; a new subnet. It appears as if the host router is directly connected to the client router's WAN port.+This mode is NOT for WIRED connections between two routers! It is a wireless connection between two routers only.
-The main router and secondary router (DD-WRT client mode) are on separate subnets. NAT is used between the routers. Thus, when port forwarding is needed it must be configured at both routers—not just on the main router. Devices connected to the secondary router are unable to use the DHCP server located on the host router. (An alternative must be used; either static IP assignment on the client or a DHCP server on the secondary router.) A client connected to the secondary router should use that router as its gateway and (most likely) its DNS server.+A router in Client Mode connects to another wireless Access Point (the host router). It uses its wireless connection as the WAN interface, and shares the internet connection only to the LAN ports. It is not seen as an access point by laptops or other computers scanning for AP's and does not accept wireless connections from client devices. The AP is not required to be running DD-WRT firmware.
-A router in [[Client Mode]] is not seen as an access point by laptops or other computers scanning for APs. The client mode router does not accept wireless connections from client devices. If you want to wirelessly "daisy-chain" routers in order to extend the range of your wireless network, you would use a repeater mode such as [[WDS Linked router network]] or [[Repeater Bridge]].+The main router and secondary router (DD-WRT client mode) are on separate subnets. NAT is used between the routers. Thus, when port forwarding is needed it must be configured at both routers — not just on the main (host) router.
 +
 +The router in Client Mode must use its own DHCP server to give out IP numbers, Gateway and DNS server to the devices connected to its LAN ports.
-To have computers connected to both routers (main and secondary) co-exist in the same subnet, set up DD-WRT as a [[Wireless Bridge]] or [[Repeater Bridge]]. Further explanation of bridging modes is in the [[Glossary]].+To have computers connected to both routers (main and secondary) and co-exist in the same subnet, set up DD-WRT as a [[Client Bridged|Client Bridge]], [[Repeater Bridge]] or use [[WDS_Linked_router_network|WDS]]. Further explanation of bridging modes is on the page [[Linking_Routers|Linking Routers]].
-=New info=+==Client Mode Setup==
 +The Router/AP that you are trying to connect to is the primary router. The Router you are configuring is the client router. You don't need to worry about the primary router as long as you set your client LAN IP address to a different subnet. What this means is, if the primary router has an IP of 192.168.'''A'''.x, you need to set the client router to an IP of 192.168.'''B'''.x. Most primary routers will be at 192.168.1.1, or 192.168.0.1. So, when you are configuring your client router, set it to 192.168.2.x.
-The information below this section is really overly complex. Once this new info is reviewed and checked for accuracy, the unnecessary info should be deleted.+With that in mind, here is how to configure it (all on the secondary router):
-The router that you are trying to connect to is the primary router. The router you are configuring is the client router. You don't need to worry about the primary router as long a s you set your client to a different subnet. What this means is, if the primary router has an IP of 192.168.A.X, you need to set the client router to an IP of 192.168.B.X. Most primary routers will be at 192.168.1.1, or 192.168.0.1. So, when you are configuring your client router, set it to 192.168.2.x.+# Download the '''current''' recommended build for your router. Check the forum for your chipset to find recommended builds and general information related to your hardware. If you are using a Broadcom based router, read the [http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=51486 peacock thread] prior to starting. DO NOT USE SP1!
- +
-With that in mind, here is how to configure it.+
- +
-# Download a recommended build for your router. DO NOT USE SP1. If you are using a broadcom router, read the peacock thread prior to starting. http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=51486 Use one of those recommended builds.+
# Do a HARD reset on your router. # Do a HARD reset on your router.
# Connect a cable from your computer to the LAN port on your router. # Connect a cable from your computer to the LAN port on your router.
-# Set your computer to a static IP address of 192.168.1.7+# Set your computer to a static IP address (e.g. 192.168.1.7)
-# Set your browser to 192.168.1.1 and open the dd-wrt webgui.+# Open a web browser and connect to 192.168.1.1 to view the DD-WRT GUI.
-# You should be asked to change your password and username. Carefully type these in. If you aren't asked for a password and username, do a hard reset, this time doing it properly! Hit change password.+# You should be asked to change your password and username. Carefully type these in. If you aren't asked for a password and username, do a hard reset, this time doing it properly! Hit change password.
-# Go FIRST to wireless, wireless security and enter the security type and key that matches your primary router.+# FIRST go to Wireless -> Wireless Security and enter the Security Mode and other key information that matches your primary router that you will be connecting to over wireless.
-# Hit SAVE, (or APPLY if you wish to) +# Hit SAVE (not apply)
-# Go to the wireless, basic settings page and change the wireless mode to Client. +# NEXT go to the Wireless -> Basic Settings and change the Wireless Mode to Client.
-# Your wireless network mode should be set to the same as the primary router.+# On that same tab set the Wireless Network Name (SSID) to exactly the same SSID as your primary router you will be connecting to over wireless. Make sure spelling and capitalization match. ''Note: If there are multiple routers broadcasting the same SSID, and you would like to connect to a specific one (IE, the primary router, instead of the repeater), enable MAC Filtering on the Wireless Tab, and add the MAC Address of the correct Access Point. The MAC Address can be found on the "Site Survey" page, linked from the "Wireless" Sub-tab of the "Status" Tab.'' - Conjur
-# Set the wireless channel to match your primary router channel+# ''(Optional)'' Set the correct ack timing in meters. (Wireless Advanced tab or Advanced tickbox)
-# Set the wireless network name to exactly the same as your primary router. Make sure spelling and capitalization match.+# Hit SAVE (not apply)
-# Set Ack timing to 0 unless you have a long distance (>300 meter) link+# NEXT go to Setup -> Basic Setup and change Connection Type to Automatic Configuration - DHCP (most likely, but see NOTE below).
-# Hit SAVE at the bottom.+# On that same tab in the Network Setup section set the Local IP Address to 192.168.2.1 (Your Client subnet '''MUST''' differ from the Primary Router subnet!).
-# Check to make sure all the configurations, including the mode, saved and the mode is still client. If any changed, fix them, and save again.+# Set your gateway to the IP address of your client router e.g. 192.168.2.1
-# Goto Setup, basic setup and enter a router IP, Local IP address of 192.168.2.1. Leave subnet mask at 255.255.255.0.+# ''(Optional)'' Set Static DNS servers in the Network Address Server Settings section if your WAN type does not provide them or you want to use different ones than the AP provides.
-# Set the Gateway IP to your primary router. (Likely 192.168.1.1)+# ''(Recommended)'' Change your Time Zone and DST to match where you are.
-# Leave Local DNS blank+# ''(Optional)'' Set a Server IP/Name for in Time Setting section for NTP (it will use a hidden default server if you leave it blank).
-# Check Assign Wan port to a switch, if you wish to.+# Hit SAVE (not apply)
-# Change your timezone and DST to match where you are.+# ''(Optional)'' Go to Security -> Firewall and disable the SPI Firewall if you do not need to worry about security between the AP and Client router.
# Hit Apply. # Hit Apply.
-# Change your computer IP address to 192.168.2.7+# Set your computer back to auto IP and auto DNS if you like. You will get a DHCP address from the router.
-# Set your browser to 192.168.2.1 and login to your router+
-# Goto Security, Firewall. Under Block Wan Requests, uncheck everything but "Filter Multicast" (Leave Filter multicast checked).+
-# Hit Save+
-# Disable SPI Firewall+
-# Hit Apply.+
-# Set your computer back to auto IP and auto DNS.+
-You are done. Configure any other settings you wish at this point.+You are done and the Client router should connect to the AP within a minute or so. You may need to unplug the router for 17 seconds if the router doesn't reset. After you ensure that it does connect and work properly then you may configure any other settings you wish to (Virtual Interface for wireless connection for example).
-=Requirements=+NOTE: If the client router is externally managed, such as in a college dorm etc., you should Go to Setup -> Basic Setup and set the WAN port protocol to what you need for the AP (mostly static, dhcp or pppoe). This is the setting that is bonded to the Wifi interface. Fill in the needed info provided by your ISP if this AP is externally managed. Note: This is what a computer (wired or wireless) connected to the ROUTER would use to gain access to the network, not to be confused with the settings required to gain access to the WAN by the ROUTER. Also note that the device should be in GATEWAY MODE instead of ROUTER mode, otherwise Masquerade/NAT does not happen.
-# ROUTER refers to a linksys wrt54g with stock/original firmware. Any other should work as well. +
-# ROUTER internal ip = 192.168.1.1 +
-# ROUTER subnet mask = 255.255.255.0 +
-# ROUTER DNS Server 1 = aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd (replace by actual ip) +
-# ROUTER DNS Server 2 = aaa.bbb.ccc.eee (replace by actual ip) +
-# ROUTER has wireless enabled with SSID = SUBSTITUTE_YOUR_ROUTER_SSID +
-# ROUTER as security enabled using 64 bit WEP encryption with key = SUBSTITUTE_YOUR_ROUTER_WEP_KEY +
-# CLIENT refers to a router with dd-wrt firmware. <br>+
-# X > Y = Click on first level menu on the top labelled X and then click on submenu or tab labelled Y <br>+
-# A.B = Value of a field labelled B in the section labelled A on a page. Section names appear vertically on the left of the page with black background.+
- +
-=Preparation=+
-# Validate or obtain the above information about the ROUTER. As long as you have access to it one way or another it shouldn't be an issue, e.g. on windows, you can run a ipconfig /all command in the command prompt to obtain the info above. Whatever the values, please use those values instead of the above. +
-# Also figure out an ip address on the ROUTER that is outside the dynamic ip address assignment range. Most routers come pre-configured with dynamic ip assignments starting from *.*.*.100 or *.*.*.50 onwards. So a low ip like 192.168.1.2 should work in our scenario. This will be used to assign the ROUTER facing ip to the CLIENT later on. +
-# These steps assume that you are starting with a clean slate. So if you have messed around with the settings, undo it by restoring the defaults. Any settings not outlined in the steps are to remain at the default values! +
- +
-=Configuration=+
-==Router== +
-If you are not able to ping the ROUTER from a computer connected to the CLIENT, then you may have MAC address filtering enabled on the ROUTER and your security settings may be incorrect. For the former problem, make sure that you add the MAC address of the CLIENT as well as the MAC address of the computer connected to the CLIENT to the MAC filter list. In fact, the best thing to do right now is to temporarily turn off MAC address filtering. +
-*Do not use the MAC Address located on the bottom of the unit. Connect to the CLIENT, Goto '''Status'''>'''Router''' and use the MAC Address provided here.+
- +
- +
-Also, at this stage since the CLIENT and all devices/computers hooked up to it are on the 192.168.2.* subnet while your ROUTER is on the 192.168.1.* subnet, you will most likely not be able to ping the CLIENT or any computer connected to the CLIENT. In order to fix that, you need to setup a static route to the 192.168.2.* network so your ROUTER knows how to forward traffic to that network. +
-# Connect to the ROUTER's admin app, 192.168.1.1 typically +
-# Select Setup > Advanced Routing +
-# Set Advanced Routing.Operating Mode = Gateway +
-# Set Advanced Routing.Select Set Number = 1 +
-# Set Advanced Routing.Enter Route Name = BRIDGE (or any name you fancy) +
-# Set Advanced Routing.Destination LAN IP = 192.168.2.0 (the last octet must be 0 and the third octet must be the same as your CLIENT's local IP's third octet) +
-# Set Advanced Routing.Subnet Mask = 255.255.255.0 +
-# Set Advanced Routing.Default Gateway = 192.168.1.2 (same as your CLIENT's ROUTER facing IP, i.e. Client setup Step 3, #3 above) +
-# Set Advanced Routing.Interface = LAN & WLAN+
-# Click Save Settings button +
-# Click on Show Routing Table button and it should look something like: +
- +
-<pre>+
-Destination LAN IP, Subnet Mask, Gateway, Interface +
-YOUR_EXT_IP, 255.255.255.255, 0.0.0.0, WAN (Internet) +
-192.168.2.0, 255.255.255.0, 192.168.1.2, LAN & Wireless +
-192.168.1.0, 255.255.255.0, 0.0.0.0, LAN & Wireless +
-0.0.0.0, 0.0.0.0, YOUR_EXT_IP, WAN (Internet) +
-</pre>+
- +
-==Client==+
-===Step 1===+
-# Select Wireless > Basic Settings tab +
-# Set Wireless Network.Wireless Mode = Client +
-# Set Wireless Network.Wireless Network Mode = Mixed (or if all your cards and ROUTER support G, then set it to G-Only) +
-# Set Wireless Network.Wireless Network Name (SSID) = SUBSTITUTE_YOUR_ROUTER_SSID +
-# Click Save Setting button +
- +
-===Step 2===+
-The settings in this tab will vary depending on what security settings are configured on the ROUTER. Basically it is the same as you enter when connecting a laptop or any other wireless device with the ROUTER. I will use the example of WEP based encryption with a 64 bit hex key. If your ROUTER doesn't have any security settings, then this step can be skipped. +
-# Select Wireless > Security tab +
-# Set Wireless Security.Security Mode = WEP +
-# Set Wireless Security.Default Transmit Key = 1 (or which ever your ROUTER is configured to use) +
-# Set Wireless Security.WEP Encryption = 64 bits 10 hex digits +
-# Set Wireless Security.Passphrase = Leave blank if you manually entered your key when setting up router otherwise enter the passphrase and click generate +
-# Set Wireless Security.Key 1 = SUBSTITUTE_YOUR_ROUTER_WEP_KEY assuming you didnt enter a passphrase and hit generate in the previous step +
-# Repeat #6 for the rest of the keys to set them to what ever was configured on the ROUTER. +
-# Click Save Setting button +
- +
-===Step 3===+
-# Select Setup > Basic Setup tab +
-# Set Setup.Internet Connection Type = Static IP - page will now present additional space to enter these settings.+
-# Set Setup.Internet IP Address = 192.168.1.2 (or whatever ip address you identified in step 2 of preperation) +
-# Set Setup.Subnet Mask = 255.255.255.0 (same as assumption #3) +
-# Set Setup.Gateway = 192.168.1.1 (Same as assumption #2) +
-# Set Setup.Static DNS 1 = 192.168.1.1 (Same as assumption #2) +
-# Set Setup.Static DNS 2 = aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd (Same as assumption #4) +
-# Set Setup.Static DNS 3 = aaa.bbb.ccc.eee (Same as assumption #5) +
-# Set Setup.Router Name = BRIDGE (doesn't matter what you name it) +
-# Set Setup.Host Name = BRIDGE (doesn't matter what you name it) +
-# Set Setup.Domain Name = Blank (unless you have a reason to enter it) +
-# Set Setup.MTU = Auto +
-# Set Network Setup.Local IP Address = 192.168.2.2 (increment the 3rd octet of the Wireless Setup.Internet IP Address field by 1, e.g 192.168.1+1.2. So now 192.168.1.2 is your ROUTER facing IP and 192.168.2.2 is your CLIENT network facing IP. +
-# Set Network Setup.Subnet Mask = 255.255.255.0 (Same as assumption #3) +
-# Set Network Setup.Gateway = 192.168.2.2 (Same as #13 above) (see Troubleshooting note "Resolving DNS lookup Problems")+
-# Set Network Setup.Local DNS = 192.168.1.1 (Same as #6 above) (see Troubleshooting note "Resolving DNS lookup Problems")+
-# Set Network Setup.DHCP Server = Enabled (To let the CLIENT issue dynamic IPs to the devices hooked up to it) +
-# Set Network Setup.Starting IP Address = 192.168.2.100 (You may have to click on Save Settings button before you see 192.168.2 written in this field. If you do, make sure you connect back to the CLIENT using the ip address is #13 above) +
-# Set Network Setup.WINS = 0.0.0.0 +
-# Click on Save Settings button. Notice that after this configuration, your CLIENT bridge/router has a different IP address for administration. So if you are not automatically redirected to the new IP, you may have to connect to the administration web page by typing 192.168.2.2 yourself. Also note that at this stage, you may not be able to connect to the new IP unless you are using a computer hooked up to one of the LAN ports of the CLIENT itself. And you may need to temporarily setup your computer's TCP/IP config to use a static IP in the 192.168.2.* subnet.+
- +
-===Step 4===+
-These steps are temporary so that you don't run into any issues during setup. Once you have everything working, you can undo these settings one by one as long as your setup keeps working. Theoretically speaking, you shouldn't need to because your internal network is protected by the firewall of your ROUTER from the internet anyway. But if you are security conscious then you may want to undo these. +
-# Select Security > Firewall +
-# Set Firewall.Firewall Protection = Disabled +
-# Set Firewall.Block Anonymous Internet Requests = unchecked +
-# Click Save Settings button +
- +
-At this point, you should be able to Click on Status > Wireless tab and see that you are connected to the ROUTER. You should also be able to hook up a device or computer to one of the four LAN ports of the CLIENT and notice that it obtains a dynamic IP like 192.168.2.100 or some number greater than 100. You should also be able to ping your ROUTER, i.e. ping 192.168.1.1. You should also be able to ping the internet, e.g. ping www.yahoo.com. If you are not successful, then retry after restarting the device/computer connected to the CLIENT. You may want to reboot the CLIENT and ROUTER as well.+
==Troubleshooting== ==Troubleshooting==
-===Moving from previous configuration=== 
-If you are moving from a previously configured WDS setting to Client Mode Wireless, it is '''Extremely Important''' to note that if the MAC address of CLIENT was in the WDS configuration for ROUTER, and is marked as "disabled", it will fail, regardless of how well you set up CLIENT. 
- 
-Also, make sure the WDS settings are completely clear in CLIENT as well. 
- 
-As an example, if ROUTER and CLIENT were both WDS nodes, and their MAC addresses were in the WDS settings for each other, this setup will '''FAIL''' unless you remove the MAC address of CLIENT from ROUTER's WDS configuration. Just disabling it will not be enough. 
- 
-===Old firmware=== 
-If you still can't connect wirelessly to your wireless access point router in CLIENT MODE and your access point has an early firmware version more than 1 year old, you may have to upgrade the accesss point's firmware. 
- 
-===Port forwarding to the client subnet=== 
-''When port forwarding is needed, it will need to be configured at both routers, not just the host router'' - this is not my experience (v23sp2). The only way I could get port forwarding to work both internally and externally was to configure it only on the host router ''and'' running the following command: 
- 
-:iptables -t nat -R POSTROUTING 3 -s 192.168.0.0/16 -d 192.168.0.0/16 -j MASQUERADE 
- 
-Without this iptables command, it would only work externally. I got this tip in the forums, but received no real explanation as to why it was needed. 
- 
-===Resolving DNS lookup Problems=== 
-The above instructions didn't work for me as far as routing my traffic off of the client router. In other words, I could continue to hit the DD-WRT router and even ping the remote router (at 192.168.1.1) but I couldn't ping any external addresses. I had to make the following changes in the Setup > Basic Setup tab: 
- 
- 
-Wireless Setup.Disable STP (not sure if this is actually necessary, but my working config has it disabled) 
- 
-'''Step 3.15''' Network Setup.Gateway = 192.168.1.1 (Same as assumption #2) 
-***CONFIRMED to work on a WRT54G v3 Apr 6, 2009 *** 
- 
-'''Step 3.16''' Network Setup.Local DNS = 192.168.1.1 (Same as assumption #2) 
- 
- 
-As soon as I made these changes everything worked. 
- 
-Note that this setup enables Xbox 360 to retrieve a DHCP address and access Live servers (other DD-WRT setups for "bridging" don't seem to work as they fail in relaying DHCP and DNS servers). 
- 
-You shouldn't have to make the changes suggested in the next section, "Destination Host Unreachable", if you stick to the main steps and the tweaks listed here. 
- 
-==="Destination Host Unreachable" when pinging internet hosts=== 
-I followed the exact setup steps here, using a Linksys WRT54G v8 router with DD-WRT v24 RC-4 Micro. After setting up, when I had a computer just connected to the CLIENT, I could successfully ping and connect to the ROUTER and the CLIENT, and could get DNS resolution for internet addresses (e.g. www.yahoo.com), but trying to ping them from a windows command line would give "Destination Host Unreachable" from the CLIENT. 
- 
-After a lot of trial and error, the fix that worked for me was to disable all the VLAN's on the CLIENT (setup > VLANs > uncheck all the checkboxes in Row VLAN 0 (which had 1/2/3/4 checked) and VLAN 1 (which had W checked). This immediately fixed the problem. Note this caused me to lose the ability to connect to the box and required a reset to recover. 
- 
-I am not a routing or DD-WRT expert by any means, so if doing this has some gruesome side effect, please note it here! I saw in the forums that several other people experienced the same symptom, but saw no posted solutions anywhere for it. Hopefully this helps some people. 
-I had a similar problem when trying to get any kind of encryption to work (worked fine without). I would lose the ability to ping my primary router, though I could "join" the site. I'm working with a D-Link DI-624 primary router provided by Verizon (FIOS), and a WRT54G as a client. Note the D-Link is modified so you can't update the firmware. I FINALLY got WEP encryption working after setting Wireless>Advanced Settings>CTS Protection Mode from Disable to Auto (this was the setting on the primary router). Still couldn't get WPA-PSK working though.+If following the instructions does not seem to work, in 90% of the cases, it is a problem with encryption. Disable encryption on the primary router and try the setup again to see if this is the case. Using proper encryption and following the instructions WILL work, so if it doesn't you need to re-examine the instructions and see what you have done incorrectly. Do a hard reset and start over.
-=External Links=+==External Links==
-http://forum.bsr-clan.de/ftopic694.html Old forum discussion on topic<br>+*http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php?title=Client_Mode&oldid=34051 - Old wiki instructions.
-http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/tutorials/article.php/3639271 graphical representation+*http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/tutorials/article.php/3639271 graphical representation
-[[Category:English documentation]]+[[Category:Wlan]]
[[Category:Basic tutorials]] [[Category:Basic tutorials]]

Revision as of 16:51, 19 February 2018

Wiki Path: DD-WRT Wiki Main / Tutorials / Linking Routers / Client Mode


Contents

Introduction

This mode is NOT for WIRED connections between two routers! It is a wireless connection between two routers only.

A router in Client Mode connects to another wireless Access Point (the host router). It uses its wireless connection as the WAN interface, and shares the internet connection only to the LAN ports. It is not seen as an access point by laptops or other computers scanning for AP's and does not accept wireless connections from client devices. The AP is not required to be running DD-WRT firmware.

The main router and secondary router (DD-WRT client mode) are on separate subnets. NAT is used between the routers. Thus, when port forwarding is needed it must be configured at both routers — not just on the main (host) router.

The router in Client Mode must use its own DHCP server to give out IP numbers, Gateway and DNS server to the devices connected to its LAN ports.

To have computers connected to both routers (main and secondary) and co-exist in the same subnet, set up DD-WRT as a Client Bridge, Repeater Bridge or use WDS. Further explanation of bridging modes is on the page Linking Routers.

Client Mode Setup

The Router/AP that you are trying to connect to is the primary router. The Router you are configuring is the client router. You don't need to worry about the primary router as long as you set your client LAN IP address to a different subnet. What this means is, if the primary router has an IP of 192.168.A.x, you need to set the client router to an IP of 192.168.B.x. Most primary routers will be at 192.168.1.1, or 192.168.0.1. So, when you are configuring your client router, set it to 192.168.2.x.

With that in mind, here is how to configure it (all on the secondary router):

  1. Download the current recommended build for your router. Check the forum for your chipset to find recommended builds and general information related to your hardware. If you are using a Broadcom based router, read the peacock thread prior to starting. DO NOT USE SP1!
  2. Do a HARD reset on your router.
  3. Connect a cable from your computer to the LAN port on your router.
  4. Set your computer to a static IP address (e.g. 192.168.1.7)
  5. Open a web browser and connect to 192.168.1.1 to view the DD-WRT GUI.
  6. You should be asked to change your password and username. Carefully type these in. If you aren't asked for a password and username, do a hard reset, this time doing it properly! Hit change password.
  7. FIRST go to Wireless -> Wireless Security and enter the Security Mode and other key information that matches your primary router that you will be connecting to over wireless.
  8. Hit SAVE (not apply)
  9. NEXT go to the Wireless -> Basic Settings and change the Wireless Mode to Client.
  10. On that same tab set the Wireless Network Name (SSID) to exactly the same SSID as your primary router you will be connecting to over wireless. Make sure spelling and capitalization match. Note: If there are multiple routers broadcasting the same SSID, and you would like to connect to a specific one (IE, the primary router, instead of the repeater), enable MAC Filtering on the Wireless Tab, and add the MAC Address of the correct Access Point. The MAC Address can be found on the "Site Survey" page, linked from the "Wireless" Sub-tab of the "Status" Tab. - Conjur
  11. (Optional) Set the correct ack timing in meters. (Wireless Advanced tab or Advanced tickbox)
  12. Hit SAVE (not apply)
  13. NEXT go to Setup -> Basic Setup and change Connection Type to Automatic Configuration - DHCP (most likely, but see NOTE below).
  14. On that same tab in the Network Setup section set the Local IP Address to 192.168.2.1 (Your Client subnet MUST differ from the Primary Router subnet!).
  15. Set your gateway to the IP address of your client router e.g. 192.168.2.1
  16. (Optional) Set Static DNS servers in the Network Address Server Settings section if your WAN type does not provide them or you want to use different ones than the AP provides.
  17. (Recommended) Change your Time Zone and DST to match where you are.
  18. (Optional) Set a Server IP/Name for in Time Setting section for NTP (it will use a hidden default server if you leave it blank).
  19. Hit SAVE (not apply)
  20. (Optional) Go to Security -> Firewall and disable the SPI Firewall if you do not need to worry about security between the AP and Client router.
  21. Hit Apply.
  22. Set your computer back to auto IP and auto DNS if you like. You will get a DHCP address from the router.

You are done and the Client router should connect to the AP within a minute or so. You may need to unplug the router for 17 seconds if the router doesn't reset. After you ensure that it does connect and work properly then you may configure any other settings you wish to (Virtual Interface for wireless connection for example).

NOTE: If the client router is externally managed, such as in a college dorm etc., you should Go to Setup -> Basic Setup and set the WAN port protocol to what you need for the AP (mostly static, dhcp or pppoe). This is the setting that is bonded to the Wifi interface. Fill in the needed info provided by your ISP if this AP is externally managed. Note: This is what a computer (wired or wireless) connected to the ROUTER would use to gain access to the network, not to be confused with the settings required to gain access to the WAN by the ROUTER. Also note that the device should be in GATEWAY MODE instead of ROUTER mode, otherwise Masquerade/NAT does not happen.

Troubleshooting

If following the instructions does not seem to work, in 90% of the cases, it is a problem with encryption. Disable encryption on the primary router and try the setup again to see if this is the case. Using proper encryption and following the instructions WILL work, so if it doesn't you need to re-examine the instructions and see what you have done incorrectly. Do a hard reset and start over.

External Links