Setting older routers as access point and a WDS bridge

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Setting older routers as access point and a WDS bridge

This thread has been locked for further replies. You can start a new thread to share your ideas or ask questions.
Setting older routers as access point and a WDS bridge
Setting older routers as access point and a WDS bridge
2022-06-22 19:58:42
Model: Archer C6  
Hardware Version: V2
Firmware Version: 1.3.6 Build 20201208 rel.52296(4555)

I'm too unexperienced to setup my network how I want.

 

Currently I have 3 TP-Link routers: main Archer C6, router set up as access point connected from main router via ethernet cable TD-W8970 and TL-WR841N that I want to setup as WDS bridge from TD-W8970. 

 

My problems:

I can't put TD-W8970 on the same subnet so I could manage it from my PC. My C6 is on 192.168.0.1 and 8970 is on 192.168.1.1.

Setup on TD-W8970:

  • operation mode: wireless router
  • WAN static IP: 192.168.0.2 gateway 192.168.0.1.
  • LAN IP: 192.168.1.1 (can't change it to 192.168.0.2, error 5003)
  • DHCP enabled (doesn't work without DHCP as it's on different subnet so it needs it's own DHCP?).

 

I have to connect to the router directly from my phone on WiFi to be able to manage it.

 

After that I want to WDS bridge to the W8970 with WR841N, with all the devices being on the same subnet. What do I need to change to be able to create my desired setup?

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Re:Setting older routers as access point and a WDS bridge
2022-06-23 00:31:57 - last edited 2022-06-23 20:17:05

  @HansWegerzynste 

 

To configure TD-W8970 as an access point (there's no dedicated AP mode in this device) you'll need to do the following:

Set the TD-W8970 in ' DSL Modem Router Mode '.

Set its LAN IP address to 192.168.0.2 and disable its DHCP server. (These settings are in Network => LAN Settings menu).

Then connect TD-W8970 to your C6 via one of its LAN ports - (Case 2) in this guide.

Try connecting a device to TD-W8970 wireless SSID and check if you have an Internet access.

If you have Internet access skip the next two steps.

If you don't, then instead disabling TD-W8970 DHCP server, select 'DHCP Relay' and set the C6 IP address - 192.168.0.1 in Remote Server Address field.

Again, try connecting a device to TD-W8970 wireless SSID and check if you have an Internet access.

If everything's OK you can continue to configuring WR841N as a range extender to TD-W8970.

Depending on WR841N HW version the available options are:

1. Configure WR841N WDS feature (older HW releases).

2. Configure WR841N in Range Extender mode (newer HW releases).

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Re:Setting older routers as access point and a WDS bridge
2022-06-23 18:37:42 - last edited 2022-06-23 18:38:28

  @terziyski 

 

So what I was doing is making a new internet connection with my current connection by using a wireless router mode? I think.

 

But even then by trying to switch mode to 3G or ADSL mode, I still can't change the ip setting to be on the same subnet, error 5003. It shouldn't matter if I use LAN3 or LAN4/WAN right?

 

I'm doing everything with my phone connected via WiFi, not sure if that changes things.

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Re:Setting older routers as access point and a WDS bridge
2022-06-23 19:17:30

  @HansWegerzynste 

 

Yes, that was what you were doing in 'Wireless Router Mode' - this introduces a double NAT in your network (once from C6 and another from TD-W8970).

Set the TD-W8970 in ' DSL Modem Router Mode ' - this way the TD-W8970 WAN port won't gen any IP address which will conflict with its LAN IP address 192.168.0.2.

In 'DSL Modem Router Mode ' you can use any of the TD-W8970 4 LAN ports.

These settings are tedious if you're using a phone to configure - better use a computer connected to the router's LAN port (that includes WR841N too).

If this was helpful click once on the arrow pointing upward. If this solves your issue, click once the star to mark it as a "Recommended Solution".
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