A few basic Qs for converting the WRT54G to a repeater

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MorCowbell
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PostPosted: Sat May 07, 2022 2:09    Post subject: A few basic Qs for converting the WRT54G to a repeater Reply with quote
I am converting my WRT54G (v4) to a Repeater, and have upgraded the firmware.

• I used one of the 'mini' files which I read somewhere was advised. Now I see a 'micro' file might be better. Any thoughts?

I went through the gyrations, as I understood them, and see nothing I expect in my list of wireless APs. I only see ‘do-wrt_vap’, with no Internet access.

Within the DD-WRT Control Panel:

• Under Setup|Basic Settings, is Router Name the Primary Router Name?

• Under Network Setup, where do I get settings for Gateway (I’m using 10.0.2.2) and Local DNS (I’m using 75.75.75.75) ?

• Under Wireless|Basic Settings, Is Wireless Network Name (SSID) the repeater name to be displayed in the list of APs?

• Is adding a ‘Virtual Network' absolutely necessary to set up a repeater as I am attempting here?
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egc
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PostPosted: Sat May 07, 2022 5:22    Post subject: Reply with quote
The general Questions forum is not the right place to ask for router help, see the stickies in that forum

But no problem as I will transfer this thread to the appropriate forum Smile

See the forum guidelines with helpful pointers about how to research your router, where and what firmware to download, where and how to post and many other helpful tips:
https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=324087

The install guide has lots of information about what build to download.

You have upgraded your firmware, but with what (build number?)

Latest build is 48810 (not saying you should use that)

For a lot of things DDWRT has a wiki, if you search for DDWRT wiki repeater you will get to the wiki but to give you a head start see:
https://wiki.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Linking_Routers

https://wiki.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Wlan_Repeater
https://wiki.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Repeater_Bridge

_________________
Routers:Netgear R7000, R6400v1, R6400v2, EA6900 (XvortexCFE), E2000, E1200v1, WRT54GS v1.
Install guide R6400v2, R6700v3,XR300:https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=316399
Install guide R7800/XR500: https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=320614
Forum Guide Lines (important read):https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=324087
MorCowbell
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PostPosted: Sat May 07, 2022 5:59    Post subject: Reply with quote
Thanks you. I have made a lot of progress and now realize that I do, indeed, need to create a Virtual Interface in order for my Repeater to be displayed in the list of available neighborhood APs.

I really just need to know which flavor - mini or micro - is best for the WRT54G (v4) router? The difference between these is not discussed on the website. There must be a simple answer. The mini version (v24 mini generic) I used seems to be working OK.
egc
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PostPosted: Sat May 07, 2022 6:50    Post subject: Reply with quote
Micro is only for routers which cannot use the Mini build.

Micro is for 2 MB flash routers, Mini for 4 MB flash routers.

As far as I can tell you have a 4 MB flash router (see supported devices wiki and on the sticker at the bottom of the router maybe) but if you are already using a Mini build you should be having a 4 MB flash router, so stick with the Mini

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Routers:Netgear R7000, R6400v1, R6400v2, EA6900 (XvortexCFE), E2000, E1200v1, WRT54GS v1.
Install guide R6400v2, R6700v3,XR300:https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=316399
Install guide R7800/XR500: https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=320614
Forum Guide Lines (important read):https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=324087
kernel-panic69
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Location: Texas, USA

PostPosted: Sat May 07, 2022 13:43    Post subject: Reply with quote
WRT54G v4.x is 4MB flash; mini build will fit.
Wireless repeater does NOT require a VAP on this router.

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MorCowbell
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PostPosted: Sat May 07, 2022 19:24    Post subject: Reply with quote
Thank you EGC. I think you've convinced me that I chose the right file for flashing the WRT54G.

I have everything pretty well set up and can 'see' the Repeater I created via Virtual Interface. It has a very strong signal, which I like! For not, I have left it unsecured. Unfortunately, when I try to connect to it, it goes into "Obtaining IP address ..." indefinitely and can't connect. Vey disappointing since I'm sooooo close,

If you'd please indulge me, I am attaching a PowerPoint file that shows 4 screen shots of the key input windows. Maybe you can please review and let me know if you see something suspicious.

It's curios that when I changed it from AP to Repeater/Bridge, Connection Type changed from Auto. Config. DCHP to "Disabled'. Does this seem right?

On the Wireless Security Tab, I have pretty well matched the protocol with that on the main router (TP-Link), and simply pas the same 8-digit key in the field 'WPA Shared Key'. Right?

I really appreciate any help that's offered !!



Current DD-WRT Settings.ppt
 Description:
These are screen shots of the 4 main input windows.

Download
 Filename:  Current DD-WRT Settings.ppt
 Filesize:  909.5 KB
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MorCowbell
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Joined: 17 Nov 2020
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PostPosted: Sat May 07, 2022 23:27    Post subject: Reply with quote
Still can't connect to the Repeater.

Recall I wrote:
"It's curious that when I changed it from AP to Repeater/Bridge, Connection Type changed from Auto. Config. DCHP to "Disabled'. Does this seem right?"

Another huge problem is that, once I get the Control Panel set up (including setting a new IP address for the WRT54G) and exit by closing the tab (there is no graceful Exit or Logout pathway, unfortunately), I can't re-access the Control Panel !! I believe this is because the Connection Type is disabled !!! This is a huge problem. So far, I have had to reset the WRT54G and get in via 192.168.1.1 and start all over again! Uggghh!! Evil or Very Mad
kernel-panic69
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PostPosted: Sat May 07, 2022 23:44    Post subject: Reply with quote
MorCowbell wrote:
Recall I wrote:
"It's curious that when I changed it from AP to Repeater/Bridge, Connection Type changed from Auto. Config. DCHP to "Disabled'. Does this seem right?"

Yes, because a repeater bridge is on the same subnet and there is no WAN interface to be used.

MorCowbell wrote:
Another huge problem is that, once I get the Control Panel set up (including setting a new IP address for the WRT54G) and exit by closing the tab (there is no graceful Exit or Logout pathway, unfortunately), I can't re-access the Control Panel !! I believe this is because the Connection Type is disabled !!! This is a huge problem. So far, I have had to reset the WRT54G and get in via 192.168.1.1 and start all over again! Uggghh!! Evil or Very Mad
Both PC and router have to be on the same subnet; did you set a static IP on the PC to the correct subnet? Did you try accessing router at the new IP address?

P.S. WLAN Repeater is what you were looking for to begin with, not RB.

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egc
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PostPosted: Sun May 08, 2022 10:23    Post subject: Reply with quote
I think Gateway and Local DNS have to be set to the primary router.

After you set up the router you have to reboot your PC to get access again, if that is not working set a static IP address on your PC.

For wireless security use only WPA2-PSK/CCMP-128 AES
Do not use WPA-PSK

For security mode of the VAP I also recommend WPA2-PSK/CCMP-128 AES

First set the same security mode on the Primary router, and while you are at it use an SSID name without spaces and ' and other non alphanumeric characters just ciphers and letters.

_________________
Routers:Netgear R7000, R6400v1, R6400v2, EA6900 (XvortexCFE), E2000, E1200v1, WRT54GS v1.
Install guide R6400v2, R6700v3,XR300:https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=316399
Install guide R7800/XR500: https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=320614
Forum Guide Lines (important read):https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=324087
MorCowbell
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Joined: 17 Nov 2020
Posts: 31

PostPosted: Sun May 08, 2022 21:17    Post subject: Reply with quote
Thanks a lot for your response Kernel-Panic69. Firstly, you’re right – I began this post with a desire to create only a Repeater. I added “Bridge” later as I wanted this capability in the WRT54G.

You mentioned setting a static IP on the PC (laptop, actually). No, I didn’t. I had seen that somewhere and ignored it at my peril. That was likely the access problem. However, I went in and, for TCPIPv4 made these settings (see attached).

When I tried to load 192.168.1.220 to access the DD-WRT Control Panel, it’s still hung up (won’t load the Control Panel). What the deuce?


Thanks also EGC. On the Primary, I changed the SSID from “Tommy’s TP-LINK” to ”Tommys_TP-LINK”

• My TP-LINK btw is Model TC-W7960 (nominally 300Mbs). Its security is set to:
WPS-WPA2 Personal; Version WPA2-PSK; Encryption AES

• I set it this thus on the Repeater:
WPA2-PSK/WPA-PSK; WPA Algorithm COMP-128 (AES)

Does this not seem compatible?



Where do you set the SSID (name) that appears for the new Repeater you created?? According to this wiki: https://wiki.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Repeater_Bridge
It’s to be set under Setup -> Basic Setup tab: Change the Router Name (e.g. "DD-RB1")
That field is under “Optional Settings”. If this is the place to make this important setting, why would it be “optional”? I had (wrongly?) assumed it was set under Virtual Interfaces under Wireless | Basic Settings. But the above wiki says that in this place,
Wireless Network Name(SSID): Same as Primary SSID (in my case, Tommys_TP-LINK).
Unfortunately, this is not at all clear from the GUI. A margin note would be very helpful.

Not matching the Wireless Network Name (SSID) to the Primary may be the problem here!



Static IP settings.ppt
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 Filename:  Static IP settings.ppt
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kernel-panic69
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PostPosted: Sun May 08, 2022 21:36    Post subject: Reply with quote
Is your TP-Link on 192.68.1.x subnet? The default IP for that one is 192.168.1.1, but if it was provided by your ISP, they may have changed that.
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MorCowbell
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PostPosted: Mon May 09, 2022 1:58    Post subject: Reply with quote
Yes. To access the TP-LINK, I go to 192.168.1.1

Same as the WRT54G before I flashed it and now changed its address to 192.168.1.220
MorCowbell
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PostPosted: Mon May 09, 2022 3:56    Post subject: Reply with quote
If I could get in, I think I could solve this problem. But I can’t get in, even with static IP address!

The SSID thing is confusing. The wiki I posted above says that in the Virtual Interface area, it is to match the Primary SSID.

This wiki says they should be different:
https://wiki.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Repeater_Bridge


SSIDs
Under "Wireless -> Basic Settings", you must use only the primary router's SSID for the physical interface to connect wireless clients and create a new SSID for the virtual interface. You will be able to tell which you are connected to as the two ssids MUST be different. (The only way to have one seamless network with the same ssid is to use WDS which almost always requires routers to support WDS AND have at least the same chipsets)
MorCowbell
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Joined: 17 Nov 2020
Posts: 31

PostPosted: Tue May 10, 2022 4:55    Post subject: Reply with quote
Help. Is there anyone who can help me? I'm locked out of the Control Panel. I reset the local IP address and cannot get in, even with a static IP address set on the laptop. This is really aggravating. I explained this above.
MorCowbell
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Joined: 17 Nov 2020
Posts: 31

PostPosted: Tue May 10, 2022 18:27    Post subject: Reply with quote
OK ... now that I'm back in and can edit the Control Panel, here's what I have:

I still cannot connect to the Repeater/Bridge. By naming its SSID (in the Virtual Interface area) the same as the primary router (TP-LINK), it - of course - shows up as the name of the Primary router, to which I can connect.

Why does the repeater/Bridge device continuously search for the IP address? What could be wrong?
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