DD-WRT Router Setup Guide

Here's a detailed DD-WRT Router Setup Guide for configuring DD-WRT as an Access Point:

Preparation:

1. DD-WRT Router: Ensure the router has DD-WRT firmware installed.
2. Ethernet Cable: Have an Ethernet cable ready to connect your main router to the DD-WRT router.

Steps to Set Up DD-WRT as an Access Point:

1. Reset the Router:

   • Reset the router to factory settings to avoid conflicts with previous configurations.
   • To reset: Press and hold the reset button for about 10 seconds until the router restarts.

2. Access DD-WRT:

   • Connect your computer or laptop to the DD-WRT router using an Ethernet cable.
   • Open a web browser and enter the router's default IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) to access the DD-WRT configuration page.

3. Log In:

   • Enter the default username and password (typically admin for both). If you have previously changed the login credentials, use those instead.

4. Configure the Router IP:

   • Go to Setup > Basic Setup.
   • Under Router IP, change the Local IP Address to a unique address within your network but different from your main router. For example, if your main router is 192.168.1.1, change it to 192.168.1.2.
   • Disable the DHCP Server under the Network Setup section by selecting Disable.
   • Save and reboot the router.

5. Configure Wireless Settings:

   • Go to Wireless > Basic Settings.
   • Set Wireless Mode to AP (Access Point).
   • Set the SSID (network name) as desired; it can match or differ from your main router's SSID.
   • Save the settings.

6. Set Up Wireless Security:

   • Go to Wireless > Wireless Security.
   • Select the same security type as your main router (e.g., WPA2 Personal) and use the same password if you want a unified network.
   • Save the settings.

7. Disable the Firewall:

   • Go to Security > Firewall.
   • Uncheck SPI Firewall to disable it.
   • Save and reboot the router.

8. Connect DD-WRT Router to Main Router:

   • Use an Ethernet cable to connect the LAN port on the main router to a LAN port on the DD-WRT router. Do not use the WAN port on the DD-WRT router.

9. Test the Connection:

   • Connect a device (laptop/smartphone) to the Wi-Fi network broadcast by the DD-WRT router.
   • Ensure that the device receives an IP address from the main router and that the internet connection is working.

Conclusion:

By following these steps, your DD-WRT router should function as an access point, extending your network's coverage without conflicts with the main router.