How to properly configuire a Wi-Fi Extender/Repeater with WDS?

Cranberry · January 1, 2025, 6:17pm

Hello,
I'm new to OpenWRT.
I have two ASUS AX53U routers with OpenWRT installed and have successfully configured the main router, then I used this WDS Guide to extend my Wi-Fi coverage, I've configured the wireless to Client WDS and added another configuration for Access Point mode with the same SSID as the main router.

After making all the steps through Luci (I prefer GUI) I cannot access the second router anymore at 192.168.1.2, also I had to reset the router many times because there are some settings that disable Luci after applying.

In the end the second router is partially working, ethernet is ok, but Wi-Fi is not working, It's strange but the 2.4Ghz led is off and the 5Ghz led is on, and the signal is weaker when I'm far from the main router.

I could really use your help, also if you have an easier way to do this.
Thanks

LilRedDog · January 1, 2025, 6:27pm

Then how is the second router getting traffic for ethernet?

Please do the following for both:

Please connect to your OpenWrt device using ssh and copy the output of the following commands and post it here using the "Preformatted text </> " button:

Remember to redact passwords, MAC addresses and any public IP addresses you may have:
ubus call system board
cat /etc/config/network
cat /etc/config/wireless
cat /etc/config/dhcp
cat /etc/config/firewall

mk24 · January 1, 2025, 8:22pm

Test with them both in the same room to rule out signal strength as a possible issue.

I don't think that a WDS sta will attempt to connect to a non-WDS ap with the same ssid but you may want to lock it to the desired ap's BSSID to be sure.

Cranberry · January 2, 2025, 6:03am

Unfortunately I've disabled SSH on the second router and I cannot access it through the web interface too after redirecing the DNS/Default Gateway to 192.168.1.1 or Enabling STP (Not sure what causes the web interface to stop working).

I can't see it's mac address as a client (I believe it should look like a client since there's a Client WDS wireless interface that is connected to the main router.

Also that router has two radios, when I tried to connect to both radios 0 and 1 on the second router, the main router would always get stuck for some reason.

Cranberry · January 2, 2025, 6:05am

The first router is configured as an Access Point (WDS) and the second router has a Client WDS and I've also created an Access point as the guide said.
I typed the main network name on DSSID.
Did I miss something ?