How to Setup Repeater Bridge Using OpenWrt on GL Mini Routers

Wednesday, May 25, 2016 by alzhao

Repeater Bridge Mode

A repeater bridge, is a combination of repeater and dumb AP. The mini router only acts as a relay and connect all your devices to your main router. It doesn’t act as a gateway and DHCP server. This mode is generally used to amplify your signal distances.

There are two methods to build such a mode. One is WDS (which is built into wireless drivers) and the other is software relayd.

WDS

WDS mode has been built in the default firmware. The user interface is shown as below. You just need to choose your main SSID to bridge first, then type your password and choose WDS. You’d better to choose a LAN IP to access the mini router later. If you don’t input your LAN IP, it will use DHCP to get an IP from the main router.

Two important things to note:

  1. Your main router has to support WDS, otherwise you will get a fail result. Also, your will not get access to the mini router again before you do a factory reset. Consult the manual of your main router to check if WDS is supported or not.
  2. If you want to set the LAN IP, ensure you knows the subnet of your main router. Simply speaking, if your main router’s IP is 192.168.1.1, then you also need to use an IP 192.168.1.x. This “x” should not be a number that has already been used by other devices in the network.

Repeater WDS

Relayd

However, not all devices support WDS, then you have to use software relayd to implement such a network. This could be a little difficult. Don’t worry, I have made a detailed guide for you.

The pictures are a bit out-of-date and may not be as same as shown in the newest firmware. The idea is that you have to build a WISP repeater mode, and then use relayd to bridge the two networks. Check the link below to get the docs.

Using relayd to build repeater bridge mode when WDS is not available

About GL.iNet

GL.iNet builds network hardware and software solutions that bring affordable and secure network connectivity to families and businesses all over the world. We work with a wide range of industries, solving everyday internet problems in offices, and providing complex networking solutions such as smart buildings and IoT Networks. At GL.iNet, We believe all successful businesses build upon a strong and secure foundation, which is why our highest priority is perfecting network security and reliability for our partners.