To begin with, the router itself, which you want to make an access point, is an access point, only more functional. It runs a DHCP server that distributes IP, there is most likely a firewall, and, roughly speaking, builds routes between connected devices, so it is a router. So, in order to turn a router into an access point, it is enough to disable some functions in it, and connect it via cable to another router, or to a modem.
In a separate article, I already wrote what an access point is, and how it differs from a router. You can read it if you're interested. There I promised in detail, using the example of different routers, to show the settings that need to be performed to use the router as a Wi-Fi access point.
Let's use an example to find out for what purposes such an operating mode can be suitable. Let's say you have a modem or router on the ground floor, or at one end of the house. Which may or may not be distributing Wi-Fi, it doesn't matter. So, at the other end of the house, or on another floor, we need to put an access point to distribute Wi-Fi. In this case, the connection between the router and the access point will be via a network cable.
If we put an access point on the other end, then the main router will distribute the IP addresses, and the devices will be on the same network, which is often very important. Also, the access point mode can be useful for distributing Wi-Fi from a modem, in which there is no such possibility. In fact, there are many applications. Otherwise, the access points would simply not be sold as separate devices. Since there would be no point in them.
Please note that most routers can work in other modes, which may suit you better:
- Repeater mode - suitable if your goal is simply to expand an existing Wi-Fi network with one more router. On our website there are instructions for setting up the repeater mode on ASUS routers, we also set up the repeater mode on Zyxel Keenetic devices, and on a Netis router. After setup, there will be one Wi-Fi network, just strengthened. Internet via cable from the "repeater" will also be available.
- Wireless Bridge WDS Mode - this is almost the same as the access point mode, but here the connection between the routers is not via a cable, but via a Wi-Fi network. In more detail, on setting up such a connection, I wrote in the article: setting up two routers in one network. We connect two routers via Wi-Fi and cable. It is shown in detail using the example of popular routers: ASUS, TP-LINK, D-Link, Zyxel. There is also a detailed instruction on how to configure WDS on TP-LINK routers.
Sorry that there is so much information and links already at the beginning of the article, but these issues needed to be sorted out.
As for the "access point" mode of operation, aka AP (Access Point), on routers from different manufacturers, this mode is configured in different ways. For example, on routers from ASUS and Zyxel, you just need to enable Access Point mode in the control panel, connect the devices with a network cable, and you're done. But on devices from TP-LINK, you need to manually change the IP address of the router and disable the DHCP server.
Connecting an access point to a router (modem):
We connect both devices with a network cable. On the main router (modem), we connect the cable to the LAN port (Home network), and on the access point router also to the LAN port.
From the access point, the Internet via a network cable also works. For many, this is important.
Configuring ASUS Router in Access Point (AP) Mode
On ASUS routers, as a rule, the AP mode is enabled in the control panel. After that, just connect it to a router or modem and you're done. On some models, for example the old RT-N13U, the modes are switched by a special switch on the device body. I will show you how to configure an access point using the Asus RT-N12 router as an example.
We connect to the router, and at 192.168.1.1, go to its settings. In the settings, go to the "Administration" tab. And on top is the "Mode of operation" tab. We put the switch next to "Access point mode (AP)". We read the description of the mode and click "Save".
In the next window, we need to set the IP settings. You can not change anything, just click "Next". But, in this case, to determine the IP-address of the access point, you will need to use the special "Discovery" utility. Or you can put no where "Obtain IP automatically", and change the last digit. For example, 192.168.1.2. Now, the settings will be available at this address. DNS, if necessary, can be specified as in the screenshot below. Or, leave automatic receipt.
In the next window, if necessary, change the Wi-Fi network settings of our ASUS access point, and click "Apply".
The router will reboot and enter AP mode. If you go to its settings, at the address that you may have indicated yourself, or that can be determined by the "Discovery" utility (you can download it from this link), then you will see a stripped-down control panel. Where you can change the necessary settings, or, for example, return the device to the "Wireless Router" operating mode.
After configuration, we connect the Access Point to a router or modem via cable (the diagram is above), and it will distribute Wi-Fi.
Access point from a Zyxel Keenetic router
If I am not mistaken, only the Keenetic Lite III model has a mechanical mode switch on the case. In all other cases, go to the settings of our Zyxel Keenetic. I immediately advise you to set up a Wi-Fi network (set the network name and password, if necessary), so that later you do not have to deal with entering the AP settings.
To activate the access point mode on Zyxel, go to the "System" tab, and open the "Mode" tab on top. Highlight the "Access Point - Wi-Fi Zone Extension with Ethernet Connection" item and click the "Apply" button.
Allow the router to reboot. After that, you can connect it to another router, and it will already work in the "Access Point" mode.
To enter its settings, you can first go to the settings of the main router (modem), go to the list of clients, and see the IP address of our Zyxel there. And already on it go to the web interface. Or you can simply reset the settings, and the router will work in the usual "Internet Center" mode.
TP-LINK router as a Wi-Fi hotspot
If you have a TP-LINK device, you will need to manually change a few parameters. Since the mode switch is not there. Now I will show you step by step what and how to do. I will show on the example of a TP-Link TL-WR740N router.
1First, go to the settings of the TP-LINK router, which we want to configure in the wireless access point mode. And we change the IP address of the router. To do this, open the "Network" - "LAN" tab. We need to set the IP address, the same as that of the main router (you can see it on the device itself), only with a different number at the end. For example: if the IP address of the main modem (router) is 192.168.1.1, then in the TP-LINK settings you need to set 192.168.1.2, and save the settings. The router will reboot.
Go to the settings again, but at a new address. In my case, this is 192.168.1.2.
2Set up Wi-Fi network. If necessary, on the "Wireless" tab, set the Wi-Fi settings for our access point. Enter the network name and password.
3 The last step. Disable the DHCP server. To do this, go to the "DHCP" tab. We put the switch next to "Disable" (disable), and save the settings.
And we reboot the router. It is possible through the control panel. Tab "System Tools" - "Reboot", button "Reboot".
We connect it to the main router (LAN - LAN), and we get a Wi-Fi access point.
Configuring Access Point on Netis routers
On my Netis router, I just changed the IP address, turned off DHCP, and it worked. Go to settings at netis.cc.
Open the "Network" - "LAN" tab. We change the IP address. If the main router or modem has 192.168.1.1, then write 192.168.1.2. That would be different only the last figure. Disable the DHCP server there. And we save the settings.
If necessary, we go back to the settings (already at the new address that was set), and on the "Wireless mode" tab, set the Wi-Fi settings.
We connect our Netis access point to the main device with a network cable (LAN - LAN), and you're done.
