How to Configure a DD-WRT As a Wireless Ethernet Bridge
By Aaron Parson
Updated September 01, 2017
The DD-WRT custom router firmware allows your routers to perform complex functions not regularly available, including the "repeater bridge" mode. This mode connects a secondary router running DD-WRT wirelessly to the router connected to your modem, bridging your local network and allowing both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections to the Internet via the secondary router. This mode expands on the "client bridge" mode in old versions of DD-WRT, which only supported Ethernet connections on the secondary router.
Perform a hard reset on your secondary router if you've used it in another mode since installing DD-WRT. Run the hard reset by holding the reset button on the router for 30 seconds. Unplug the router while holding the button and wait another 30 seconds. Plug it back in while still holding the button and wait a final 30 seconds.
Plug a computer into an Ethernet port on the secondary router and use a Web browser to visit the address "192.168.1.1." You can also connect via Wi-Fi, but you will lose your connection after some steps and need to reconnect.
Log in to the router when prompted or, if you performed a reset, enter a new username and password.
Click the "Wireless" tab. Set the Wireless Mode to "Repeater Bridge." Change the Wireless Network Mode and Wireless Network Name (SSID) to match the same settings used on the primary router. If you do not know these or later settings, log in to your primary router and check them. Set the Network Configuration to "Bridged."
Press "Add" in the Virtual Interfaces section. Enter a network name for the secondary router that differs from the primary router. Enable Wireless SSID Broadcast and set Network Configuration to "Bridged." Click "Save."
Open the "Wireless Security" tab and set all options in both sections to match the security settings on your primary router. Press "Save."
Click the "Setup" tab. Change the Local IP Address to 192.168.1.2 and the Gateway and Local DNS to 192.168.1.1. Click "Save," then browse to the router's new address at 192.168.1.2 and log in.
Open the "Setup" tab and click "Advanced Routing." Change Operating Mode to "Router" and press "Save." Switch to the "Services" tab and disable DNSMasq. Press "Save" again.
Click the "Security" tab and uncheck every box on the page except "Filter Multicast." Press "Apply Settings" and reboot your router to finish setup.
Tips
If you have trouble connecting the secondary router to the primary router, you can attempt to set up the router automatically by clicking "Site Scan" on the Wireless page of the Status tab. Pick the primary router on the list and choose to connect to it.
References
Tips
- If you have trouble connecting the secondary router to the primary router, you can attempt to set up the router automatically by clicking "Site Scan" on the Wireless page of the Status tab. Pick the primary router on the list and choose to connect to it.
Writer Bio
Aaron Parson has been writing about electronics, software and games since 2006, contributing to several technology websites and working with NewsHour Productions. Parson holds a Bachelor of Arts from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash.