Posted: Sun Sep 27, 2020 0:04 Post subject: Problem with Client Bridge (and WDS)
Hi all,
i went nuts today trying to set up router connections.
They are all whr hp g300n.
The network looks like this (imagine it like a pyramid laying on the ground)
top layer: linux firewal
middle layer: 2x whr hp g300n, connected via cable to the firewall switch. they run fine as access points
bottom layer 1x whr hp g300n, that unit is in the garage as the middle layer routers dont reach far enough for my phone to pick up the signal
version used on all units is: DD-WRT v3.0-r44187 std (08/13/20)
originally i tried WDS, using the wiki configuration page. but no luck. so thought i try something easy and go with client bridge.
but here is my problem
the unit in the garage switches connection between the 2 middle layer routers approx every 60 seconds. signal seems to be finish with about 30-35% percent on 1 of the middle layer routers (thats the one i want it to connect to).
what am i doing wrong? how can i "lock" the clint bridge to one specific router?
any input is greatly appreciated.
p.s. wds didnt cut it. i went though the wiki entry for that and set 1 as wds station, the other as wds ap, then entered the WDS mac addresses but the wds station kept connecting to the other access point (in simple AP mode). not the designated wds ap. fudge muffins. _________________ 2x Buffalo WHR-HP-G300N in AP
2x Buffalo WHR-HP-G300N in WDS (not working atm)
1x Buffalo WHR-HP-G300N in Wireless Client-Bridge (not working atm)
1x Buffalo WHR-HP-G300N in Reserve (still looking for that on ebay)
security: wpa 2 personal with AES
mode is ng-mixed
channel width is dynamic
tx power is at default 20
oh add on quesiton:
is it normal on atheros devices that the MAC adress is the same on wan, lan and ath0 (via status router page). on my old broadcom units the mac was different for each. _________________ 2x Buffalo WHR-HP-G300N in AP
2x Buffalo WHR-HP-G300N in WDS (not working atm)
1x Buffalo WHR-HP-G300N in Wireless Client-Bridge (not working atm)
1x Buffalo WHR-HP-G300N in Reserve (still looking for that on ebay)
I was never able to make WDS work on R7800s. It connects only if the signal is strong, but I have to live with about 40% quality and routers just wouldn't connect. They should, but the don't.
Client Bridge works even with low signals.
For Client Bridge, if you have multiple routers and want to avoid one client connect to the other (instead of main station), use MAC filtering and on each client to filter out the other client(s).
Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2020 2:43 Post subject: Virtual APs
The other way would be to use a virtual AP (different SSID and password) on the correct middle router. Then have the Client bridge connect to the virtual AP. _________________ Before asking a question on the forums, update dd-wrt: Where do I download firmware? I suggest reading it all.
QCA Best WiFi Settings
Some dd-wrt wiki pages are up to date, others are not. PM me if you find an old one.
Atheros:
Netgear R7800 x3 - WDS AP / station, gateway, QoS
TP-Link Archer C7 v2 x2 - WDS Station
TP-Link TL-WDR3600 v1 - WDS Station
TP-Link 841nd v8 - NU
D-Link 615 C1/E3/I1 x 7 - 1 WDS station
D-Link 825 B1 - NU
D-Link 862L A1 x2 - WDS Station
Netgear WNDR3700v2 - NU
UBNT loco M2 x2 - airOS
Broadcom
Linksys EA6400 - Gateway, QoS
Asus N66U - AP
Netgear WNDR3700v3 - not used
MediaTek
UBNT EdgeRouter X - switch
I was never able to make WDS work on R7800s. It connects only if the signal is strong
Hmmm, that's interesting. I'm using WDS between an R7800 (WDS AP) and a Linksys EA8500 (WDS Station). All our home theatre equipment is connected with eth to the EA8500 which then uses the 5 GHz band to connect to the R7800 which is also our main router.
The signal quality stays at 72% and the other values are:
I don't think the % value matters it is signal that matters. I have seen WDS connections with a -90db signal, maintain a connection. I will admit it was a slow connection, 6MB/s or something either direction.
For long distance links, get a Ubiquiti nanostation. I use the Loco M2. There is even DD-WRT firmware for them but it requires the paid version of DD-WRT (20 euros per activation). It wasn't worth it for me. My devices are ~750ft apart, almost perfect line of sight, little to no vegetation or obstacles (except a trailer). They maintain a 81MB/s connection in both directions, used to be a perfect 150MB/s before the trailer. I then have another DD-WRT router create a new wireless network at the outlying area. _________________ Before asking a question on the forums, update dd-wrt: Where do I download firmware? I suggest reading it all.
QCA Best WiFi Settings
Some dd-wrt wiki pages are up to date, others are not. PM me if you find an old one.
Atheros:
Netgear R7800 x3 - WDS AP / station, gateway, QoS
TP-Link Archer C7 v2 x2 - WDS Station
TP-Link TL-WDR3600 v1 - WDS Station
TP-Link 841nd v8 - NU
D-Link 615 C1/E3/I1 x 7 - 1 WDS station
D-Link 825 B1 - NU
D-Link 862L A1 x2 - WDS Station
Netgear WNDR3700v2 - NU
UBNT loco M2 x2 - airOS
Broadcom
Linksys EA6400 - Gateway, QoS
Asus N66U - AP
Netgear WNDR3700v3 - not used
MediaTek
UBNT EdgeRouter X - switch