[VFx1u]

Hello,

After a number of searches about the network I want to set up, I can't find a solution.

I want to add a router (managing its own sub-network) connected wirelessly to an access point which is itself connected to the main router (if I connect the final router to the main one it works; but on the available access points I can't get access to the Internet).

Either what I want to implement is impossible, or more likely my settings are incorrect: in which case, could you please help me.

Rather than write a long, boring speech about the existing configuration, I'd rather give you a (nice) ‘drawing’.

Thank you very much.

Best regards,

[kernel-panic69]

Use Station (client) mode on the wireless radio connecting to the access point with WAN set to DHCP, not static IP. Of course, you're not showing us any screenshots of the bad configuration, so we can only guess.

[sanjonny]

I was doing something very similar which I am working on changing but if I am interpreting your drawing correctly, I can provide a few hints...and I'll tell you it can be done...ironically Im trying to do it backwards...having all my dhcp on one server going to the different subnets but a few suggestions that hung me up on what you are trying to do.

I would guess and im gonna be counter to kernel but I know why your aps are static, cause thats how i think of it too, but cause i have dhcp problems But if I understood better, I would have them be served also, i just am not that advanced. Lets call it beginner...me vs guru...pretty much everyone else on the site....including kernal..understanding.

Do you have routes in the primary to the new routers...and even possibly to the APs.
I have a very similar configuration to what you have right now with extensions of your left side going to mesh and that all works fine. and how are the aps set...gateway or routers...for my old situation (and many revs of firmware back) I had to have one of the ap, which was just a dumb router...set to gateway...the r7000, but had to have the other set to router, the 7800 i think. So it kinda matters what the devices are.

Especially just for testing you might want to make sure you have a route from your red router to the primary router even though its going thru a AP. I am guessing thats because of behind the scenes of how the punch thrus are done, which you can take a look at your routing table to see also.

But my guess is that your left side cant get to the primary for internet because the route might be blocked without setting the route. That is what I had an issue with.
And are you saying everything works on all the routers but only not on the APs?

Are the APs bridged or not? If not, which way are they going.. a few subnets info would help to figure that out.

But rest softly knowing that it can be done, im living proof...and then take your left side router and throw on a mesh and throw vlans over the top...I suspect you are very close but just need a bit more info....
Now take your drawing and have it all go thru one dhcp server....thats what Im trying to understand/go back in time to. And yes, the gurus can prob look at your config and counter all my advice...I just understand how a rookie looks at it or at least my rookieness

[kernel-panic69]

Current releases allow (or should allow) you to use DHCP client on wired APs on the LAN so you don't have to set an IP address manually. I still haven't investigated details on any caveats.

[VFx1u]

Hello,

Thank you very much for your suggestions and help (for information, I'm using a ‘year 2020’ version of DD-WRT, because my hardware is old, to say the least).

I'll be doing a few tests; firstly, I'll see if switching the router on the left to DHCP works, and then I'll see if I can get the traffic to transit to static (this will be more random, as I'm not an expert).

Thanks again.

Best regards,

[kernel-panic69]

Running 5-year-old firmware is not advisable, and no actual feedback on current firmware releases with serial logs, and other visual feedback is not conducive to the greater common good. The version you've relented to may not work for your use-case scenario.

[VFx1u]

[bozeto]

How are you connecting to your AP's?

[DWCruiser]

Barring the constraints of replacing existing hardware of your setup, and the physical layout of the premises, a single and sufficiently powerful router can certainly handle ALL the functions depicted in your diagram using VLAN and firewall features.

Many advantages form having a suitable router: Fewer devices to manage in terms of time spent in setting up, troubleshooting, configuration changes when necessary; More points of failures (electrical supply from power adapters).

KISS is the principle here. Good luck.