diff --git a/content/posts/ddwrt-as-a-wireless-client-bridge.md b/content/posts/ddwrt-as-a-wireless-client-bridge.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2d50336 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/posts/ddwrt-as-a-wireless-client-bridge.md @@ -0,0 +1,66 @@ ++++ +title = 'DD-WRT as a Wireless Client Bridge' +date = 2024-09-16T18:55:11+03:00 +draft = false ++++ +If you live in a house where extending a simple networking cable would require a lot of work, you might find yourself buying something like a network printer and not being able to connect it to the network due to it not supporting wifi. These situations suck, but thankfully, there's a solution, the Wireless Client Bridge. + +## Okay, what the hell is that? +A Wireless Client Bridge is a device that helps your computer/laptop/smart fridge connect to the internet when a direct wired connection to your main router wouldn't be possible. + +### Pros: +* No need to spend ages googling your wifi drivers +* Better connections, as most commercial routers have better antennas than most commercial computers. + +### Cons: +* It's another appliance that you need to maintain and power. + +Here's a handy diagram of what we'll be doing today: +![a diagram](/pictures/router/diagram.png) + +## 1. Setting up DD-WRT +It should be obvious that you must install DD-WRT on a compatible router. I decided for this setup to go with the old but reliable TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND. But you may be asking yourself, why use DD-WRT? Well, DD-WRT is simpler than alternatives like OpenWRT. That's it. + +## 2. Initial setup +After flashing DD-WRT, you should go to the setup tab, and fill in the following: +* **Connection Type**: Disabled +* **Router Name**: Can be changed to anything +* **Local IP Address**: You need to select an IP address that is not already in use on your network. For example, I chose 192.168.1.2. If your network uses a different address range, such as 192.168.0.x or 10.10.1.x, you'll need to pick an IP from that range, like 192.168.0.2 or 10.10.1.2. +* **Gateway**: You must input the IP of your main router +* **Assign WAN Port to Switch**: Enable +* **DHCP Server**: Disable + +Your settings should look something like this +![](/pictures/router/Screenshot_20240915_191952.png) + +## 3. Disabling the firewall +This can be done via Security > Firewall +* **SPI Firewall**: Disable + +Now you may be thinking why you'd disable the firewall. Well, that is handled by your main router. + +![](/pictures/router/Screenshot_20240915_193026.png) + +## 4. Connecting to the wireless network: +Go to Wireless > Basic Settings and fill in the following: +* **Wireless Mode**: Client Bridge (Routed) +* **Default GW Mode**: Manual +* **Gateway**: The IP of your main router. Mine's 192.168.1.1 +* **Wireless Network Mode**: Mixed +* **Wireless Network Name (SSID)**: Your SSID. I redacted mine. + +![](/pictures/router/Screenshot_20240915_192022.png) + +Now go to the Wireless Security tab and chose the following (these are the most common settings found on most routers): +* **Security Mode**: WPA +* **Network Authentication**: WPA2 Personal +* **WPA Shared Key**: your password + +![](/pictures/router/Screenshot_20240915_192203.png) + +Now you can check if you configured the wireless stuff correctly by going to the Status > Wireless tab and reviewing the stuff there. + +## 5. Profit +Now you can finally apply all the changes. You'll have to change to 192.168.1.2 or whatever IP you chose in step 1 for the router. + +I am still a DD-WRT novice, so if I missed anything, or something doesn't work properly, please let me know. \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/static/pictures/router/Screenshot_20240915_191952.png b/static/pictures/router/Screenshot_20240915_191952.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ef1596e Binary files /dev/null and b/static/pictures/router/Screenshot_20240915_191952.png differ diff --git a/static/pictures/router/Screenshot_20240915_192022.png b/static/pictures/router/Screenshot_20240915_192022.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..081892c Binary files /dev/null and b/static/pictures/router/Screenshot_20240915_192022.png differ diff --git a/static/pictures/router/Screenshot_20240915_192203.png b/static/pictures/router/Screenshot_20240915_192203.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..91706fe Binary files /dev/null and b/static/pictures/router/Screenshot_20240915_192203.png differ diff --git a/static/pictures/router/Screenshot_20240915_192356.png b/static/pictures/router/Screenshot_20240915_192356.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..322ab5b Binary files /dev/null and b/static/pictures/router/Screenshot_20240915_192356.png differ diff --git a/static/pictures/router/Screenshot_20240915_193026.png b/static/pictures/router/Screenshot_20240915_193026.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9280688 Binary files /dev/null and b/static/pictures/router/Screenshot_20240915_193026.png differ diff --git a/static/pictures/router/diagram.png b/static/pictures/router/diagram.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8d49186 Binary files /dev/null and b/static/pictures/router/diagram.png differ