[SOLVED] Convert LAN to wireless network using TL-WR841N router

[alrosh]

Hi,
I want to convert a LAN connection into wireless using access point mode in the router I have (TL-WR841N).
I tried to do it using the simple steps in the router guideline but didn't work (no internet).

The dorm I lived in provides us with the following: IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, DNS server.
And without those changes, I can't connect to the internet.

So, do I have to edit specific settings in my router to make this works?

 

[kanewolf]

Hi,
I want to convert a LAN connection into wireless using access point mode in the router I have (TL-WR841N).
I tried to do it using the simple steps in the router guideline but didn't work (no internet).

The dorm I lived in provides us with the following: IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, DNS server.
And without those changes, I can't connect to the internet.

So, do I have to edit specific settings in my router to make this works?

The only way you can specify settings like that is by using an ethernet router in router mode not access point mode. You could set static IP parameters in the WAN on the router. That router is going to be terrible in a dorm. It is 2.4Ghz only. It will have so much interference that you won't get any WIFI performance.

You may also be violating your housing agreement. Setting up a "rogue" WIFI source is a security risk to the dorm network. Personal WIFI is often prohibited.

 

[alrosh]

The only way you can specify settings like that is by using an ethernet router in router mode not access point mode. You could set static IP parameters in the WAN on the router. That router is going to be terrible in a dorm. It is 2.4Ghz only. It will have so much interference that you won't get any WIFI performance.

You may also be violating your housing agreement. Setting up a "rogue" WIFI source is a security risk to the dorm network. Personal WIFI is often prohibited.

It's a temporary solution until I can get a USB to LAN converter since my LAN socket in the laptop gone forever.
I'll check the router mode but I didn't exactly understand why could be terrible in a dorm?
It will be secured with a password and for personal use only.
Also, the dorm itself provides the students with ethernet cable only, no WIFI around.
What could interference with?

 

[kanewolf]

It's a temporary solution until I can get a USB to LAN converter since my LAN socket in the laptop gone forever.
I'll check the router mode but I didn't exactly understand why could be terrible in a dorm?
It will be secured with a password and for personal use only.
Also, the dorm itself provides the students with ethernet cable only, no WIFI around.
What could interference with?

Every other student doing exactly what you are doing. Saying "I want WIFI, so I am going to put in my own"....

 

[eldridgep2]

You might be able to get it to work if you put the router back into router mode, configure the WAN connection to get it's connection via DHCP and then set up DHCP on your router for a completely different IP range so if the college uses 192.168.0.x for example you get your router to allocate 10.10.10.x and connect like that. Your router would be a limiting factor on both wired speed and wireless speed though.

As Kanewolf rightly says though it's likely against the rules and if you Amazon a USB to LAN converter you'd get it next day so is it worth the hassle?

 

[alrosh]

You might be able to get it to work if you put the router back into router mode, configure the WAN connection to get it's connection via DHCP and then set up DHCP on your router for a completely different IP range so if the college uses 192.168.0.x for example you get your router to allocate 10.10.10.x and connect like that. Your router would be a limiting factor on both wired speed and wireless speed though.

I set it up as "kanewolf" said, made the router with static IP and the configuration I have but do I have also to change my IP address on laptop or no need?

As Kanewolf rightly says though it's likely against the rules and if you Amazon a USB to LAN converter you'd get it next day so is it worth the hassle?

I agree it's wrong anyway, but the converter will arrive after Easter Monday, and staying in lockdown without an internet connection for these days is a damn nightmare for me.

 

[bill001g]

The wan and lan subnet must be different. If the default network used on the lan by your router is not the same range as the IP the college want you to use on the wan then it will run fine. Your router will assign IP to your laptop. Just change the laptop to use DHCP. You likely already did that to configure the router in the first place. The router will then translate the IP it gave your PC to the one you assigned on the wan port manually. In general a college network does not use the 192.168.x.x ranges of IP but you need to verify they do not conflict.

If it is only a couple days I suspect you can get away with it. What you might want to do is only run 1 wifi radio...ie the 2.4 or 5g one depending on which you are using. If the router has the option try to reduce the radio power since it sounds like you are using your pc next to the router. This will reduce the chances of interfering with someone else.

 

[alrosh]

The wan and lan subnet must be different. If the default network used on the lan by your router is not the same range as the IP the college want you to use on the wan then it will run fine. Your router will assign IP to your laptop. Just change the laptop to use DHCP. You likely already did that to configure the router in the first place. The router will then translate the IP it gave your PC to the one you assigned on the wan port manually. In general a college network does not use the 192.168.x.x ranges of IP but you need to verify they do not conflict.

If it is only a couple days I suspect you can get away with it. What you might want to do is only run 1 wifi radio...ie the 2.4 or 5g one depending on which you are using. If the router has the option try to reduce the radio power since it sounds like you are using your pc next to the router. This will reduce the chances of interfering with someone else.

I looked for that option that reduces the radio power and all I found this one:

Shall I change the transmit power option or you mean a different option?

 

[kanewolf]

Yes, turn down the transmit power.

 

[bill001g]

Yes set the power to some other value the lowest that will actually function for you. I suspect it will work on the lowest setting since you are in the same room. Someone using a wifi scanner would not see it as easy, maybe if you are really lucky it barely leaves your room.