How to Make a DDRWT Client Bridge
A client bridge is a wireless Internet connection where the wireless signal travels from the primary router to a secondary wired router. This wireless bridge connection can be an exterior one, connecting the signal between two buildings or any interior one used to expand the signal to different areas of the building so you don’t have to run an Ethernet cable from one router to another through walls or ceilings. To allow the wireless Internet signal to flow smoothly from one router to the other you can install the DD-WRT firmware to both routers.
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Instructions
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1
Open a Web browser and navigate to the DD-WRT- supported device website to identify and download the right DD-WRT firmware for the primary router model. Choose the firmware version that goes with your router model so you don’t brick or freeze the router.
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2
Create a folder on your desktop, click the downloaded icon twice and choose to unzip the compressed download to the folder you made on the desktop.
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3
Perform a hard reset on the router by pressing and holding the router power button for 30 seconds. Unplug the router from the power outlet without releasing the power button. Keep the button depressed for another 30 seconds. Reconnect the router to the power outlet and continue holding the power button for an additional 30 seconds. Release the power button and allow the router LED lights to settle into their usual lit configuration.
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4
Connect a network cable to the back of the router and connect the connector on the other end to the computer where you downloaded the firmware. This cable is only used during the installation process.
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5
Open a Web browser and type in the router IP address. The default address for most routers is 192.168.1.1. If this is not the IP address for your router, check your router installation instructions for the number.
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6
Click the “Administration” tab to enter the router configuration window. Write down the security key username and password if you don't remember it. This is the original security key you chose when you first installed the router. Press the “Firmware Upgrade” button and locate the firmware execute file in the folder in which you saved it . Click “Upgrade” to install the firmware.
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7
Perform a hard reset again as you did in Step 3 after the installation completes.
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8
Unplug the router and turn off the computer. Remove the setup network cable and restart the router and computer to surf the Internet wirelessly.
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9
Install the secondary wired client bridge router in the area you need it to receive the wireless signal but in an area where you can easily connect your other wired devices.
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10
Connect a network cable to the network port on the back of the second wired router and connect the other end to a computer. Download and save the DD-WRT version for this router. Save it in a folder on your desktop as you did for the first router. Perform a hard reset on this secondary router as you did for the first router in Step 3.
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Open a Web browser and type in the default router IP address, which is 192.168.1.1. Click the “Administration” tab and change the last digit of the IP address to another number. This way the router IP signals won’t get confused. So if the number is “is 192.168.1.1.” change it to “is 192.168.1.2.” Change the username and password when requested to do so.
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Click the “Wireless” tab and enter the security key you wrote down, which matches the same security key of the first router. Click “Save” and go to the Wireless “Basic Settings” page. Change the wireless mode of this router to “Client Bridge.” Remove the network cable and surf the Internet as you normally do.
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