Wireless routers bridge another router, usually to expand wireless network coverage or enhance signal strength. The following are detailed bridging steps: 1. Preparation work
1. Equipment preparation: Ensure that there are two routers that support wireless bridging function, and prepare a phone or computer for configuring the router.
2. Location selection: Place the primary router in the home activity center (such as the living room), and place the secondary router in a signal blind spot or a location where signal expansion is needed. 2、 Set up the main router
1. Connect to the network: Use a computer or mobile phone to connect to the WiFi of the main router to ensure normal internet access.
2. Login to the management backend: Open the browser, enter the management address of the main router (such as tplogin.cn or 192, 168, 1, 1, etc., refer to the label on the back of the router for specific addresses), enter the login password to enter the management backend.
3. Set wireless parameters: In "Wireless Settings" ->"Basic Settings", set the WiFi name (SSID) and channel. The channel should be selected with a fixed value to avoid selecting automatic and prevent WDS function instability. In "Wireless Settings" ->"Wireless Security Settings", set the WiFi password and encryption method. We recommend using WPA/WPA2 encryption method for greater security and stable bridging.
4. Enable DHCP Server: In "DHCP Server" ->"DHCP Server Settings", ensure that the DHCP server is enabled. 3、 Set up a secondary router
1. Connect to the secondary router: Use a computer or mobile phone to connect to the WiFi of the secondary router, or use a network cable to connect to the LAN port of the secondary router.
2. Login to the management backend: Similarly, open the browser, enter the management address of the secondary router, and enter the login password to enter the management backend.
3. Modify LAN port IP address: In "Network Parameters" ->"LAN Port Settings", modify the LAN port IP address of the secondary router to ensure that it is in the same network segment as the IP address of the primary router but does not conflict. For example, if the IP address of the primary router is 192, 168, 1, 1, then the IP address of the secondary router can be set to 192, 168, 1, 2.
4. Set wireless parameters: In "Wireless Settings" ->"Basic Settings", set the same WiFi name (SSID) and channel as the main router. In "Wireless Settings" ->"Wireless Security Settings", set the same WiFi password and encryption method as the main router.
5. Enable WDS function: Find the "WDS" or "Wireless Bridge" function in the wireless settings of the secondary router and enable it.
6. Scan and connect to the main router: In the WDS settings interface, click the "Scan" button, find the WiFi name of the main router, and click the "Connect" button. In the connection interface, enter the WiFi password of the main router and save the settings.
7. Turn off the DHCP server (some tutorials suggest turning it on, but to avoid IP address conflicts, it is usually recommended to turn it off): In "DHCP Server" ->"DHCP Server Settings", turn off the DHCP server of the secondary router. If the secondary router is used as an independent network node and requires IP address allocation, the DHCP server can be left on, but it is necessary to ensure that the allocated IP address does not conflict with the primary router. 4、 Verify if the bridging is successful
1. Restart the router: After completing all settings, restart the primary and secondary routers.
2. Test connection: Use your phone or computer to connect to WiFi and try to connect to the internet within the extended signal range. If it can connect and access the internet normally, it indicates that the bridging is successful. 5、 Precautions
1. Avoid loops: Before setting up the primary and secondary routers for WDS bridging, do not use Ethernet cables to connect the two routers to avoid forming loops and causing broadcast storms.
2. Signal strength: To ensure successful bridging and stable operation, the signal strength of the secondary router scanning the primary router should be greater than 20dB. If the strength is insufficient, reduce obstacles or adjust the position of the router.
3. Firmware update: During the bridging process, if there are any issues, you can check if the router's firmware needs to be updated. Sometimes firmware updates can solve some compatibility issues.
By following the above steps, you can successfully bridge one wireless router to another, thereby expanding wireless network coverage or enhancing signal strength.