Set Wireless Router as Access Point
Due to the bad performance of my ZTE MF608 modem+wifi router to transmit wifi signal, I planned to use my wireless router, TP-LINK TL-WR543G as an access point. I was using this router before for my PPPoE "caller" for telkom speedy, but now speedy is no more here T___T. I miss its unlimited high-speed internet. :(
Ok, back to main topic, I've actually faced the same problem with speedy. But the solution is different, because with speedy I can use their ADSL+router as an ADSL bridge, so the available router is just the wireless router. But with this modem, I can't do that. So, again, I have to google it.
There are a lot of tutorials and articles out there about turning a wireless router into a wireless access point. From all of those articles, a lot say that wireless router is cheapter than an AP, so many people prefer to buy it.
The main thing in setting a wireless router as an access point is not to have double DHCP servers, avoid double NAT, and to use wireless router's LAN port instead of the WAN one. Ok, here is the step by step instruction, and I'll use my TP LINK as an example:
- First, decide which DHCP server you want to use, the one in your modem router or the one in the wireless router. I myself choose the second one, because my wireless router(I'll mention as AP from now on) DHCP manager has more features such as address reservation and DHCP client list. It's just a matter of preference, after all.
- Now, log in to AP's web-based manager. You just have to plug a cable into your computer and plug the other end into the LAN port of the AP, or just connect to the wireless, if you've configured it before(this is the case for me). Usually, the address if http://192.168.1.1 or similar. If you're not sure, just open cmd, type ipconfig /all, and see the 'Default Gateway'. Usually it is the login address.
- If you choose your modem's DHCP server, you have to turn the AP's DHCP server off. Usually there is a menu for DHCP, either in advanced setting or LAN setting. Just disable it. However, if you choose the AP's DHCP, configure the IP range. Usually it's just 192.168.0.100 - 192.168.0.199
- Then, change the AP's local IP address. I found it on the LAN option on my AP. Change it to be on the same subnet as the modem, but outside the DHCP range. Suppose the modem's IP is 192.168.2.1 and the DHCP range is from 192.168.1.100 to 192.168.1.199, then change the AP to 192.168.2.10 or similar. Usually the AP will reboot itself.
- Now, for the WAN setting. Choose static IP, and fill the IP address with one you'll never use, but outside your subnet. For example just use 10.10.99.100. The important thing is to set the Primary DNS to your modem's IP.
- Next, if you use your AP as the DHCP server, you have to log in to your modem's manager, then turn off its DHCP server.
- Finish! Just connect your modem and your AP with a cable. Remember to plug both the ends to LAN port. Never, ever, use the WAN port.
It should be done now. Test your connection by pinging your modem(e.g. 192.168.2.1), your AP(e.g. 192.168.2.10), and a website(e.g. www.google.com). If they all "answer" you, then you're ready to browse the web again!
Sorry if this writing is a bit messed up. That's enough for now. See ya next time!
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