I have two networks that I'd like to bridge using the 5GHz WiFi service.
The "left" is 192.168.0.1 with OpenWRT 23.5.2 and the "right" is 192.168.8.1 using OpenWRT 22.3.4.
As the two nets are too far apart for a direct WiFi connection, I am placing a "mid" OpenWRT v23.5.2 router between them with an address 192.168.4.1.
I would me most grateful, if someone could walk me through setting this up. My guess is that I will need 5GHz Clients on the "left" and "right" routers connecting to the 5GHz AP on the "mid" router?
But even getting this setup is defeating me!
A few thoughs...
Do you really mean "bridging"? It means that all networks packet are seen and travelling accross both location even non-routable protocols. In that case I would seriouly consider using a wired connection, the limit being 100m. Much beyond that you could use directional antennas I guess but it would cheaper and simpler to set up an vpn bridge through the internet. Please give us more context.
Thank you for your suggestions and comments. First let me answer your questions and then add some backstory?
Q1. "Do I really mean "bridging". Probably not! Just a symptom of my ignorance. But I'd like to learn.
Q2. "Why not upgrade that 22.3 device first?" Because that device (GL-iNET X750) is supplied with their OpenWRT and I'm stuck with it. GL-iNET have forced an upgrade to v22.3.4 which is why I am in this development phase.
Okay the use case:
The "right" net is in my Motorhome (RV to you Americans ) and the "left" is my home. I would like to be able to manage the devices (HomeAssistant/ESPHome IoT) in the Motorhome from my workstation in the house. But of course, the "right" net must be able to operate autonomously while roaming.
This is my conceptual view of what I think I need, but my problem is translating this into the Luci Dialogues on the three routers.
I fail to see the point for a "middle router" in the schema: it would be simpler add wifi on your home network with the same addresses (ex: 192.168.0.x). When the motorhome close to home it would just connect to home wifi and get an ip from the home router and gain full access both directions.
When on the road you would use of course the cell network and get a private ipv4 address from the mh router. You could also install a VPN server on your home router to connect to and monitor your home but I don't know what "home assistant" does exactly and how it establish its connection.
"left" and "right" are too far apart for a direct WiFi connection. This the point of the "relay/repeater" (my terms - not a formal description).
Regards, M.
Ok, let´s focus on the left/middle routers. If i understand correctly you have two routers at your property. One is connected to Internet via ADSL and enables a WIFI access to your lan. There is also a second router, same brand same model, that connects to the first one and creates a distinct subnet and in turn anbles a WIFI access to tthis second network.
Unless you have a very good reason to keep subnetting, right away I would setup WDS between those router (same model +same os helps) or, if not available, at least configure the second one as a repeater bridge (aka wifi extender). This would keep all you devices on the same subnet and greatly simplify the connection to them.
As for the motorhome, that's a second chapter but please confirm/infirm my understanding of this part of the setup first.
Thank you for your suggestions Pappa. I'll go quiet for a while to work on them. However my memories of WDS when I did this exercise a couple of years ago were not positive. Hopefully, technology AND my understand of it, may have improved
Regards, M.
Good luck. If I could suggest something by experience: a wired link between the two routers is the preferer setup even if it mean going through an undergroung pipe, an attic or even aerial. It is way more reliable and a lot simpler for configuration (dumb AP guide).
) and the "left" is my home. I would like to be able to manage the devices (HomeAssistant/ESPHome IoT) in the Motorhome from my workstation in the house. But of course, the "right" net must be able to operate autonomously while roaming.
