Using WAN port with an old router as an AP

[mrbrunes]

Hi

All the guides about setting up an old router as an wifi AP recommend using the LAN port for the router's LAN connection and not connecting the WAN port. The issue is that by doing this that the router itself can't connect to the internet as it uses the the internet/wan port for this.
Anyone know how to solve this?

 

[RememberThe5th]

Which router not all are modable and for modding router you need ethernet port to upload code.

 

[nigelivey]

If on the second router you have disabled DHCP and the firewall there really is nothing to stop it connecting as its become a switch with no routing so there is no need to use the WAN port which would create a separate network.

 

[nigelivey]

Which router not all are modable and for modding router you need ethernet port to upload code.

What are you talking about?

 

[RememberThe5th]

"All the guides about setting up an old router as an wifi AP recommend using the LAN port for the router's LAN connection"
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-turn-an-old-wi-fi-router-into-an-access-point/

I tought you were looking to "Mod" the router.

 

[RealBeast]

Hi

All the guides about setting up an old router as an wifi AP recommend using the LAN port for the router's LAN connection and not connecting the WAN port. The issue is that by doing this that the router itself can't connect to the internet as it uses the the internet/wan port for this.
Anyone know how to solve this?

No, incorrect. If you use the WAN port you will create a second subnet, which is okay if properly configured and you want privacy from the rest of your network.

To use a router as an AP: attach from main router to AP router LAN to LAN with a cable or pair of PL adapters, turn DHCP off on the AP router (that is all handled by the main router), set address of AP router as an address in the network range but outside the main router DHCP range (to avoid conflicts), give the AP router a gateway IP and DNS address equal to that of the main router (so like 192.168.0.1 or whatever).

You can use the three free LAN ports on the AP router for wired connection as they simply act as a switch and will not interfere with the wireless AP function.

Insure that the AP router has a different set of wireless channels used than the main router to avoid interference. You can use the same or different SSID and passkey -- I use different SSID because client devices are stupid (lacking 802.11 r, k, v) which the router won't have.

The AP will be invisible to devices and the main router will do all the routing work. Very simple and always works.

 

[mrbrunes]

Thanks, I've done virtually all of that except I can't see any way to "give the AP router a gateway IP and DNS address" except via the internet WAN port. The latter has to be a separate network from the LAN and so it can't connect to the main router (which is connected via the LAN). This is the issue.
So currently the AP is connected to the main router via the LAN and wifi clients can connect to the internet Ok (as they have their default router assigned by the main router's DHCP), but the AP itself can't route to the internet (for NTP requests etc.).
(In case it makes any difference the AP is a TPLink Archer C9 router)

 

[nigelivey]

Thanks, I've done virtually all of that except I can't see any way to "give the AP router a gateway IP and DNS address" except via the internet WAN port. The latter has to be a separate network from the LAN and so it can't connect to the main router (which is connected via the LAN). This is the issue.
So currently the AP is connected to the main router via the LAN and wifi clients can connect to the internet Ok (as they have their default router assigned by the main router's DHCP), but the AP itself can't route to the internet (for NTP requests etc.).
(In case it makes any difference the AP is a TPLink Archer C9 router)

If you have connected LAN to LAN you shouldnt need to give it gateway or dns etc as the unit is now a switch and WAP, both of which are only Layer 2, it only requires an IP address for management of the device (change SSID etc).

 

[RealBeast]

HERE are step by step instructions from TPLink.

And yes, while not required, it is a good idea to be able to reconnect with it over the network and make changes without resetting. The TPLink instructions include that simple step though.