Linksys router as wireless client + wireless AP

Installing and Using OpenWrt Network and Wireless Configuration
1

Hello

For a school project I need to configure a Linksys WRT3200ACM router (OpenWRT 23.05) as both:

  1. wireless client (connects to a hotspot);
    DONE, creates a new DHCP interface

  2. wireless Access Point AP (transmits internet wirelessly)

I have successfully configured the router as a wireless client as per https://openwrt.org/docs/guide-user/network/wifi/connect_client_wifi .
As indicated, a new DHCP interface is created as part of that process.

I'm a bit stumped as to how to proceed with configuring the wireless AP.
Yes, I've read several articles, and followed instructions, but I cannot seem to get the AP right.

To configure wireless AP, do I:

  • start by configuring a new a wireless network in Networks -> Wireless?
    Is there anything special I need to do / set?

  • do I associate the new wireless network with the new interface that was created as a result of configuring the router as a wireless client?

Any other ideas?

Thank you.

2

last time i played on this device i remember a similar bug. reset router to default, scan an make the client (station) interface work. after that delete the ap interface the first one, and create a new ap interface. in other words the first interface need be the station.

the problem is that ap and sta have the same mac address

3

The AP should be attached to the existing lan network. There is a pre-defined AP named "OpenWrt" attached to lan, but it has no security. So you should configure encryption and probably change the SSID.

Usually one of the dual-band radios is used for the STA and the other one for the AP.

4

Hi Ooooh I did notice in Network->Wireless 3 OpenWrt networks, did not realize there's a pre-defined OpenWrt attached to lan. Thanks, I'll check.

5

Hi Thanks for your response. I'll check this.

6

After setup the Client and Master, maybe you have to reboot the router to enable the AP.

7

Got it working, thanks for your replies. I'll add details in a couple days.
One glitch I ran into with the access point is that my MacBook Air does not connect to the access point, I'll have to do more research. Other OS's and even iPhones do. So must be something macOS specific.
I kept the mode DHCP rather than static.