CPE510 v1.1 problem as bridge or repeater mode

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CPE510 v1.1 problem as bridge or repeater mode

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CPE510 v1.1 problem as bridge or repeater mode
CPE510 v1.1 problem as bridge or repeater mode
2018-02-20 17:07:56
Model :

Hardware Version :

Firmware Version :

ISP :

Hello all, I have two CPE510 v1.1 that work fine. One is configured as AP and the second one as a client.
Recently I tryed to configure the second one as a bridge, so It can still act as a client for keep it connected to the first CPE510 and as an AP, so other clients can connect to this second antenna.


The problem is that when in bridge mode, the client and the AP don't work at the same time! if I disable the AP, then the client can connect to the remote AP, but when I enable the AP part, the client immediately stop the connection and can't find a lot of stations via the survey function...


Same issue in repeater mode, wich is the same of bridge mode but with same SSID of the remote AP.


I tryed everything I can, even updating to a recent firmware (2.1.6 20170908 rel. 45233) the issue keeps, it's like if an AP interface and Client interface can't coexist on the same phisical CPE, but why add a bridge mode if it doesn't work?


Anyone have an hint? :(
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#1
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Re:CPE510 v1.1 problem as bridge or repeater mode
2018-02-20 19:10:59

turisystem wrote


The problem is that when in bridge mode, the client and the AP don't work at the same time! if I disable the AP, then the client can connect to the remote AP, but when I enable the AP part, the client immediately stop the connection and can't find a lot of stations via the survey function...


Works for me, but bridge and repeater modes are worse anyway for directional links due to the hidden node problem. Furthermore, the antenna beam width of CPE510 is 45°, so it is not as much as useful for client devices around. You should consider using an EAP110-Outdoor or EAP225-Outdoor connected to the remote CPE working in client mode.

I tryed everything I can, even updating to a recent firmware (2.1.6 20170908 rel. 45233) the issue keeps, it's like if an AP interface and Client interface can't coexist on the same phisical CPE, but why add a bridge mode if it doesn't work?


Latest firmware is 2.1.11. Bridge/repeater modes work, but after configuring you have to wait some time (up to 10-15 minutes) until the CPEs do re-sync. Also make sure you set distance to " Auto" and use only channels legal in your country (set region properly).
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#2
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Re:CPE510 v1.1 problem as bridge or repeater mode
2018-02-20 21:29:11
Thanks for your reply!

So, it works for you...Maybe I have to wait 10/15 minutes as you said. I didn't wait all this time...

Onestly, I haven't find the firmware you talked about on TP-Link official site. Anyway, I guess the firmware is not the problem.


Thanks also for your suggestions, but I need exactly to keep this configuration, because I have to connect another CPE510 that is located 2 Km far away, exactly on the same line of sight of the actual client; that's why I need that this client can act also as an AP.


Oh, of course I'm using the legal settings of my country and distance setting is set on auto.
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Re:CPE510 v1.1 problem as bridge or repeater mode
2018-02-20 23:40:00

turisystem wrote

Onestly, I haven't find the firmware you talked about on TP-Link official site. Anyway, I guess the firmware is not the problem.


You're welcome. As for latest firmware see this thread: http://forum.tp-link.com/showthread.php?104188-CPE210-510-new-firmware-2.1.11-released-today-(includes-KRACK-fix)

Thanks also for your suggestions, but I need exactly to keep this configuration, because I have to connect another CPE510 that is located 2 Km far away, exactly on the same line of sight of the actual client; that's why I need that this client can act also as an AP.


I see. However, there could be hidden node problems in such a setup. You can (partly) overcome this if using RTS/CTS, but throughput will drop.
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Re:CPE510 v1.1 problem as bridge or repeater mode
2018-02-21 03:20:50
Again, many thanks for your precious suggestions and informations.

First I will perform a firmware upgrade, at least I'll get KRACK bug fixed. Then I'll Try again in bridge mode.

As a last resource, I'll buy another CPE510 unit and mount it on the same pole of the actual client. Luckily, as the client is a v1.1, I still can rely on LAN1 port for connect another unit.
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#5
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Re:CPE510 v1.1 problem as bridge or repeater mode
2018-02-21 03:28:31

turisystem wrote


As a last resource, I'll buy another CPE510 unit and mount it on the same pole of the actual client. Luckily, as the client is a v1.1, I still can rely on LAN1 port for connect another unit.


Take a look at EAP110-Outdoor, it would distribute the WiFi signal at 360°, which could be better coverage for your client depending on where the AP is mounted. If that's no choice, a CPE210 would offer a 65° antenna beam width, which extends the covered area more than a 1/3 compared to the CPE510 (but beware of using it in overcrowded areas).
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#6
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Re:CPE510 v1.1 problem as bridge or repeater mode
2018-02-21 17:13:15
Thank you again for the informations, but I have to build exclusively PTP connection over a long distance.
I made a (very bad) scheme to explain what I have to do:





As you can see, start point is #1 (AP), communicate to point #2 (client), over a little distance;
now I have to link the new site #3 to site #2, because they are facing each other and, surprisily, all three sites are on the exactly line of horizontal sight!

That's why #2 have to act as a bridge, otherwise I have to add another AP antenna on site #2. I guess in this case I have no problem of hidden nodes. I've already made some tryes and the link is working fine, except that the bridge feature is not working on my device.
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#7
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Re:CPE510 v1.1 problem as bridge or repeater mode
2018-02-23 09:23:04
This is a good network topology - distributing WiFi locally using standard APs.

However, you could configure #2 as an AP, #1 and #3 as clients and use MAXtream to get rid of the hidden node problem (site #1 is hidden from site #3).

I always configure this CPE as an AP which should feed one than more neighbor, while leaf sites will be clients no matter where the DSL router sits. Of course, this is possible only if the CPEs are not routing (as in AP client router mode).
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#8
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Re:CPE510 v1.1 problem as bridge or repeater mode
2018-02-23 20:38:03
Great hints...
Anyway, I've already tried to configure #2 as an AP - #1 and #3 as a client, but in this way internet is offline on both #1 and #3 clients. It was my first tought, but I thinked it was just a wrong configuration. That's why I tryed the bridge setting on #2.
But now, talking with you, it's clear that I'm doing something wrong.
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#9
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Re:CPE510 v1.1 problem as bridge or repeater mode
2018-02-24 00:22:32
AP/client roles are only needed to establish a wireless link. Once the link is in place, it looks like a full-duplex bridge to higher layers.

Make sure AP isolation is unchecked and set the default gateway on the client devices correctly to point to the main router.
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#10
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Re:CPE510 v1.1 problem as bridge or repeater mode
2018-02-24 02:39:01
Eh, What I was know is exactly what you said: AP/client is only for the WiFi link, no affect for the other connection layers.
But if #1 is configured as a client, on my configuration internet is not working on the remote devices, even if AP isolation is disabled and the gateway/DNS is configured corretly on every APs, and point to the main router.


I really don't know what is wrong, but your advices push me to try again. If I will succeed, I'll let you know.


Again, many thanks for your help.
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#11
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