Configuring an OpenWrt Access Point

Overview

This guide covers the steps to configure an OpenWrt router as a wireless access point (AP), including network settings, disabling unnecessary services, and finalizing the configuration.

Steps

1. Disconnect the Wireless AP

• Action: Remove the AP from your network.

2. Connect to Computer

• Action: Use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer to a LAN port of the AP.

3. Access LuCI Interface

• URL: Navigate to http://192.168.1.1 in your browser.
• Login: Log in and change the admin password if necessary.

4. Configure LAN Interface

• Navigation: Go to Network → Interfaces.
• Edit LAN: Click Edit on the LAN interface.
• Set IP: Under the General Settings tab, set a static IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.2).

5. Apply and Re-Navigate

• Action: Save and apply the new IP. Navigate to the new address (e.g., http://192.168.1.2).

6. Change IPv4 Gateway

• Settings: Go back to Network → Interfaces → LAN interface → General Settings.
• Gateway IP: Set the IPv4 gateway to your main router's IP (usually 192.168.1.1).

7. Configure DNS Settings

• Location: Go to the Advanced Settings tab.
• DNS Server: Enter your main router's IP in the Use custom DNS servers field.

8. Configure DHCP Server

• Navigation: Go to the DHCP Server tab → General Setup.
• Disable DHCP: Check the Ignore interface checkbox.

9. Disable IPv6 DHCP

• Location: In the IPv6 Settings sub-tab.
• Disable Services: Set RA-Service, DHCPv6-Service, and NDP-Proxy to disabled.

10. Physical Settings for Older OpenWrt Versions

• Check: If your OpenWrt version is older than 21.02.0, ensure "Bridge interfaces" is ticked under the Physical Settings tab.

11. Disable Unneeded Services

• Navigation: Go to System → Startup.
• Disable Services: Firewall, dnsmasq, and odhcpd services.

12. Adjust WAN Interfaces

• Optional: Remove or disable the WAN and WAN6 interfaces.

13. Configure Wireless Settings

• Note: Enable and configure your wireless settings if starting from a default installation.

14. Final Connections

• Connection: Use an Ethernet cable to connect a LAN port of your main router to a LAN port of the AP.

15. Reboot if Necessary

• Action: Reboot or power cycle the routers and connected devices if needed.

16. Finalization

• Save: Click Save and Apply. Your AP is now ready for use.

Explanation

Disconnecting the Wireless AP

This step ensures no network conflicts during configuration.

Connecting to Computer

A direct Ethernet connection provides stable access to the router's settings.

Accessing LuCI Interface

LuCI is the OpenWrt web interface. Changing the default password enhances security.

Configuring LAN Interface

Assigning a static IP avoids IP conflicts. The IP should be in the same subnet as the main router but outside its DHCP range.

Changing IPv4 Gateway and DNS Settings

These settings allow the AP to route traffic through the main router and use its DNS.

DHCP and IPv6 DHCP Configuration

Disabling DHCP on the AP avoids IP conflicts, and disabling IPv6 is typically not needed for a simple AP setup.

Physical Settings for Older OpenWrt Versions

For older versions, bridging interfaces is necessary for proper traffic flow.

Disabling Unneeded Services and Adjusting WAN Interfaces

These steps simplify the setup and ensure the AP works solely as an access point.

Wireless Settings and Final Connections

Configure wireless settings if needed and establish a physical connection between the main router and the AP.

Rebooting if Necessary

Restarting ensures all settings are properly applied.

Finalization

Saving and applying all changes completes the AP setup.