Station Mode

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==Introduction== ==Introduction==
- +This mode is NOT for WIRED connections between two routers, like an Access Point. It is a wireless connection between two routers only.
-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. 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.
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With that in mind, here is how to configure it (all on the secondary router): With that in mind, here is how to configure it (all on the secondary router):
-# 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!+#Download a recommended build. DO NOT USE SP1! Check the forum for your model's chipset
-# Do a HARD reset on your router.+#*Broadcom routers: read the [http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=51486 Peacock thread]!
-# Connect a cable from your computer to the LAN port on your router.+#Do a HARD reset on your router.
-# Set your computer to a static IP address (e.g. 192.168.1.7)+#Connect a cable from your computer to the LAN port on your router.
-# Open a web browser and connect to 192.168.1.1 to view the DD-WRT GUI.+#Set your computer to a static IP address (e.g. 192.168.1.7)
-# 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.+#Open a web browser and connect to 192.168.1.1 to view the DD-WRT GUI.
-# 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.+#Set a username and password, if not asked for this, do a proper reset
-# Hit SAVE (not apply) +#Go to ''Wireless->Wireless Security'' and enter the ''Security Mode'' and other information same as Primary
-# NEXT go to the Wireless -> Basic Settings and change the Wireless Mode to Client. +#Hit SAVE (not apply)
-# 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+#Go to the ''Wireless->Basic Settings'' and change the ''Wireless Mode'' to "Client"
-# ''(Optional)'' Set the correct ack timing in meters. (Wireless Advanced tab or Advanced tickbox)+#Set the ''Wireless Network Name (SSID)'' to exactly match the primary router. '''Check spelling and case!''' #*''If multiple routers broadcast the same SSID, to connect to a specific one (i.e. the primary router, instead of the repeater), enable MAC Filtering on the Wireless Tab, and add the MAC Address of the correct Access Point. #*MAC Address can be found on the "Site Survey" page, linked from the ''Wireless'' tab in ''Status''
-# Hit SAVE (not apply)+#''(Optional)'' If available, in ''Wireless'' tab (or under ''Advanced''), set (or disable) the Ack Timing in meters
-# NEXT go to Setup -> Basic Setup and change Connection Type to Automatic Configuration - DHCP (most likely, but see NOTE below).+#Hit SAVE (not apply)
-# 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!).+#NEXT go to ''Setup->Basic Setup'' and change ''Connection Type'' to "Automatic Configuration - DHCP"
-# Set your gateway to the IP address of your client router e.g. 192.168.2.1+#*If the client router is externally managed (e.g. in a college dorm), go to ''Setup->Basic Setup'', set the WAN port protocol as needed for the AP (usually Static, DHCP, or PPPoE). This is the setting that is bonded to the Wifi interface. Fill in with info provided by your ISP if this AP is externally managed.
-# ''(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.+#*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.
-# ''(Recommended)'' Change your Time Zone and DST to match where you are.+#*The device should be in GATEWAY mode (not ROUTER), otherwise Masquerade/NAT does not happen.
-# ''(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).+#In ''Network Setup'' set the Local IP Address '''to a different subnet''' from the Primary (e.g. 192.168.2.1)
-# Hit SAVE (not apply)+#Set your gateway to the IP address of your client router e.g. 192.168.2.1
-# ''(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.+#''(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.
-# Hit Apply.+#''(Recommended)'' Change your Time Zone and DST to match where you are.
-# Set your computer back to auto IP and auto DNS if you like. You will get a DHCP address from the router.+#''(Optional)'' Set a "Server IP/Name" in ''Time Setting'' section for NTP (blank uses a hidden default server)
- +#Hit SAVE (not Apply)
-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).+#''(Optional)'' In ''Security->Firewall'', disable ''SPI Firewall'' if security between AP & Client is not needed
- +#Hit Apply, then set the computer back to auto IP and DNS if needed (replug the LAN cable if not working)
-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.+#The Client router should connect to the AP within a minute, otherwise unplug the router for 30 sec
 +#Once connected and working, configure as needed (e.g. Virtual Interface for wireless connection)
==Troubleshooting== ==Troubleshooting==
 +If the preceding instructions do not work, it is usually an encryption or password problem. Disable encryption on the primary router and retry the setup. Using proper encryption and the correct case-sensitive password is key. Do a reset and start over. Note: WPA2-AES (aka CCMP) ''is required for 802.11N (and newer) devices''.
-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.+==Links==
- +*[http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php?title=Client_Mode&oldid=34051 Client Mode wiki revision as of 08:13, 26 June 2010]
-==External Links==+*[http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/tutorials/article.php/3639271 Graphical representation] (external link)
-*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+
-[[Category:Wlan]]+[[Category:Wlan]][[Category:Basic tutorials]]
-[[Category:Basic tutorials]]+

Revision as of 14:32, 21 March 2018

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


Contents

Introduction

This mode is NOT for WIRED connections between two routers, like an Access Point. 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 a recommended build. DO NOT USE SP1! Check the forum for your model's chipset
  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. Set a username and password, if not asked for this, do a proper reset
  7. Go to Wireless->Wireless Security and enter the Security Mode and other information same as Primary
  8. Hit SAVE (not apply)
  9. Go to the Wireless->Basic Settings and change the Wireless Mode to "Client"
  10. Set the Wireless Network Name (SSID) to exactly match the primary router. Check spelling and case! #*If multiple routers broadcast the same SSID, to connect to a specific one (i.e. the primary router, instead of the repeater), enable MAC Filtering on the Wireless Tab, and add the MAC Address of the correct Access Point. #*MAC Address can be found on the "Site Survey" page, linked from the Wireless tab in Status
  11. (Optional) If available, in Wireless tab (or under Advanced), set (or disable) the Ack Timing in meters
  12. Hit SAVE (not apply)
  13. NEXT go to Setup->Basic Setup and change Connection Type to "Automatic Configuration - DHCP"
    • If the client router is externally managed (e.g. in a college dorm), go to Setup->Basic Setup, set the WAN port protocol as needed for the AP (usually Static, DHCP, or PPPoE). This is the setting that is bonded to the Wifi interface. Fill in with info provided by your ISP if this AP is externally managed.
    • 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.
    • The device should be in GATEWAY mode (not ROUTER), otherwise Masquerade/NAT does not happen.
  14. In Network Setup set the Local IP Address to a different subnet from the Primary (e.g. 192.168.2.1)
  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" in Time Setting section for NTP (blank uses a hidden default server)
  19. Hit SAVE (not Apply)
  20. (Optional) In Security->Firewall, disable SPI Firewall if security between AP & Client is not needed
  21. Hit Apply, then set the computer back to auto IP and DNS if needed (replug the LAN cable if not working)
  22. The Client router should connect to the AP within a minute, otherwise unplug the router for 30 sec
  23. Once connected and working, configure as needed (e.g. Virtual Interface for wireless connection)

Troubleshooting

If the preceding instructions do not work, it is usually an encryption or password problem. Disable encryption on the primary router and retry the setup. Using proper encryption and the correct case-sensitive password is key. Do a reset and start over. Note: WPA2-AES (aka CCMP) is required for 802.11N (and newer) devices.

Links