Bridge Type Router Series
Bridge Type Router Series
Bridge Type Router Series
Y ou can setup a wireless connection between two routers only so that it will link a wireless network to a wired
network allowing you to bridge two networks with different infrastructure. You can find wireless access points
products that offer either a "bridge" mode or a "repeater" mode. In this post I'm going to explain three popular open
source choices that can be used for setting up a wireless bridge.
Sample setup
Consider the following network diagram:
[1]
You connect to the Internet using standalone ADSL2 modem with 202.54.1.1 public IP address.
SSID set to nixcraft on wireless # 1 and an IP address set to 192.168.1.2. This router is located in downstairs and
connected to ADSL2 modem.
SSID set to nixcraft on wireless # 2 and an IP address set to 192.168.1.1. This router works in client bridge mode
and located in upstairs.
All computers and devices connected to wireless router #1 and #2 can share files and other resources with each
other.
[2]
Where,
This setup saves electricity and resources by removing standalone ADSL 2 modem.
You connect to the Internet using combo ADSL2 modem plus wireless router (AP) with 202.54.1.1 public IP
address. This router is called wireless #1 and SSID is set to nixcraft. This device has two IP address and it is
located in downstairs.
SSID set to nixcraft on wireless # 2 and an IP address set to 192.168.1.1. This router works in client bridge mode
and located in upstairs.
All computers and devices connected to wireless router #1 and #2 can share files and other resources with each
other.
1. DD-WRT : Linux-based alternative OpenSource firmware for wireless routers. It works for several routers, most
notably the Linksys. It works great with variety of wireless routers and embedded systems. This is recommend for
new users as it comes with easy to use web-gui.
2. Tomato : Another simple and easy to use replacement firmware for Linksys' WRT54G/GL/GS, Buffalo WHR-
G54S/WHR-HP-G54, Asus and other Broadcom-based routers. It features a new easy to use GUI, a new
bandwidth usage monitor, more advanced QOS and access restrictions, enables new wireless features such as
WDS and wireless client modes, raises the limits on maximum connections for P2P, allows you to run your custom
scripts or telnet/ssh in and do all sorts of things like re-program the SES/AOSS button, adds wireless site survey to
see your wifi neighbors, and more. This is recommend for new users as it comes with easy to use web-gui.
3. OpenWrt : OpenWrt is not just firmware but it is often described as a complete Linux distribution for embedded
devices. Instead of trying to create a single, static firmware, OpenWrt provides a fully writable filesystem with
package management. This frees you from the application selection and configuration provided by the vendor and
allows you to customize the device through the use of packages to suit any application. This firmware is
recommend for advanced users only.
4. DIY option - You can install Linux or FreeBSD/OpenBSD based operating systems and create a full WAP or just a
bridge. This option requires good understanding of Unix, networks and embedded devices.
I strongly recommend DD-wrt for new users and openwrt for advanced Linux users.
Hardware
I've used the following devices in last couple of years for personal usage:
You can find list of supported router hardware by visiting the following pages:
This is my ADSL 2 modem + wireless router (netgear N600) [6] that connects to my ISP. This is my primary router and it is
called wireless #1. Open a browser and type:
http://192.168.1.2
Fig.03: Netgear N600 (DGND3700) Static Lan IP Configuration For Wireless Bridge
1. Set the IP address of your router in dotted decimal notation to 192.168.1.2 (factory default: 192.168.0.1).
2. Also set IP subnet mask to 255.255.255.0. Your router will automatically calculate the subnet mask based on the
IP address that you assign. Unless you are implementing subnetting, use 255.255.255.0 as the subnet mask
(computed by the router).
[8]
Fig.04: Prepare Netgear N600 / DGND3700 For Wireless Client Bridge Mode
I'm assuming that you've already replaced your default firmware with DD-WRT/Tomato/Open-
WRT. In this example, I'm going to use tomato firmware.
[9]
[10]
[12]
You are done. Configure any other settings you wish at this point. To see current router status click on Status >
Overview:
Have any advice for better 3rd party firmware or software? Let's hear them in the comments.
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