Using an old but reliable router as an additional access point is a great way to extend your wireless network coverage without purchasing new equipment. Model D-Link DIR-2640UDespite its age, wireless routers are still found in many homes and offices, serving as base stations. Often, situations arise where the main router can't cover the entire area, and signal boosting is needed in distant rooms or the kitchen.
Turning the device into access point (Access Point) allows you to create a unified network where all devices can see each other, even if they're located in different parts of the building. Unlike repeater mode, a wired connection between the main router and the D-Link ensures stable speeds and minimal latency. This is especially important for streaming video, online gaming, and video conferencing, where connection quality is crucial.
The setup process doesn't require extensive networking knowledge, but it does involve working with IP addresses and router services. You'll need to change the default settings to avoid conflicts on the local network. Following the correct steps ensures that both devices operate smoothly, distributing traffic between clients without errors or connection interruptions.
Preparing equipment and resetting settings
Before you begin any manipulation of the router's software, you must first prepare it physically. Connect your computer to one of the device's LAN ports. D-Link 2640U Using a network cable. Do not use the WAN (Internet) port at this stage, as we will be configuring the local interface. Make sure your PC's network card is configured to obtain an IP address automatically.
It's crucial to start with a clean slate. If the router was previously used by a provider or had different settings, the best option is to perform a hard reset. Locate the recessed button on the back panel. ResetWhen the power is on, press it with a thin object (paper clip) and hold for about 10-15 seconds until the indicators flash simultaneously.
⚠️ Note: After resetting, all user data, including WiFi passwords and PPPoE/L2TP settings, will be deleted. Make sure you have access to your primary provider's data in case you need to restore the device to its primary router.
After rebooting, the device will return to factory settings. The default interface IP address is usually 192.168.0.1, and the login and password for entering the web configurator are often admin And admin (or the password field is left blank). This information is indicated on the sticker on the bottom of the case.
☑️ Check before setup
Logging into the web interface and changing the IP address
Open any modern browser and enter in the address bar 192.168.0.1If the page doesn't load, check your network connections in your operating system. After successful authorization, you'll be taken to the main settings menu. The first and most important step is to change the router's local IP address.
This needs to be done because your network already has a main router that most likely also uses the address 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1If the addresses match, a conflict will occur and the network will stop working. You need to assign D-Link 2640U address from the same subnet, but with a different last number.
Find the section Network Settings or LAN Setup in the menu. In the field IP Address Enter the new address. For example, if the main router has the address 192.168.0.1, then for D-Link set 192.168.0.2 or 192.168.0.254Leave the subnet mask as default - 255.255.255.0.
| Parameter | Meaning for the Main Router | Value for D-Link 2640U |
|---|---|---|
| IP address | 192.168.0.1 | 192.168.0.254 |
| Subnet mask | 255.255.255.0 | 255.255.255.0 |
| DHCP Server | On | Turned off |
| Gateway | 192.168.0.1 | 192.168.0.1 |
After changing the IP address, click the save button. The router will prompt you to reboot, and access to the web interface at the old address will be lost. To continue setup, you'll need to enter the new address you just set in your browser.
Disabling the DHCP server
The most critical step in turning a router into an access point is disabling the DHCP service. Only one server can be running on a network that distributes IP addresses. This function should be performed by your main router connected to your ISP. If DHCP remains enabled, D-Link 2640U, devices will receive incorrect gateway and DNS settings, which will result in no internet connection.
Go to the LAN settings section where the item is located DHCP Server. Set the switch to the position Disable or uncheck the box Enable DHCP ServerSave the changes. The device will now stop offering IP addresses to connecting clients and will function exclusively as a WiFi switch.
Sometimes users forget this step and wonder why only some devices have internet access. DHCP server conflicts are a common mistake when building complex networks. Make sure this feature is disabled before configuring wireless mode.
⚠️ Note: Firmware interfaces may differ. In some D-Link software versions, this setting may be located in the "Advanced" section or hidden in the advanced LAN settings. Look for the keyword "DHCP."
Setting up a wireless WiFi network
Now that the network portion is configured, you can move on to configuring the radio module. Go to the section Wireless or WiFi SettingsHere you need to set the network name (SSID) and security settings. You can create a network with the same name as the main router to create a unified space (roaming will work simply, with devices automatically switching), or give it a unique name, for example, Home_WiFi_Ext.
For maximum compatibility and security, we recommend using the following settings:
- 📡 Wireless Mode: select a mixed mode, for example,
802.11 b/g/n mixedso that old and new devices can connect. - 🔐 Security Mode: be sure to select
WPA2-PSKorWPA2/WPA3, if available. The WEP protocol is outdated and easily cracked. - 📝 Pre-Shared Key: Create a complex password of at least 12 characters that contains letters and numbers.
- 📶 Channel Width: For the 2.4 GHz range it is better to choose
20 MHzfor stability orAuto, if there are few neighboring networks on the air.
Pay special attention to channel selection. In densely populated areas, the airwaves are clogged with signals from neighbors. Use a built-in scanner or a mobile WiFi analysis app to find a clear channel (1, 6, or 11). Avoid Auto, if you notice constant connection breaks, as the router can automatically switch to a noisy channel.
Physical connection and operation check
After saving all settings and rebooting D-Link 2640U, you're ready to begin the final installation. Take a network cable (patch cord). Plug one end into any available outlet. LAN port main router. Connect the other end to any LAN port configured D-Link.
Critical: The D-Link's WAN (Internet, often color-coded) port should NOT be used in this setup. If you connect the cable to the WAN, the device will attempt to operate as a router, requesting a PPPoE login and password, and will not allow traffic from the local network, as DHCP is disabled.
To test functionality, connect a smartphone or laptop to the new WiFi network. The device should receive an IP address from the main router (192.168.0.x range) and have internet access. Ping to the main gateway should be uninterrupted.
Typical problems and solutions
Even with proper configuration, issues may arise. If devices connect to WiFi but the internet isn't working ("No network access"), check to see if the DHCP server on the D-Link is accidentally enabled. Also, ensure that the devices' IP addresses don't conflict with the access point's address.
If your WiFi speed is low even though the cable supports 100 Mbps or 1 Gbps, try replacing the patch cord between the routers. Cheap cables may only operate at 10 Mbps if the wires are damaged. Also, check if the device is overheating—older D-Link models are temperature sensitive.
If you lose access to the web interface using the new IP address, the computer may have received the old gateway address. Try running the command ipconfig /release And ipconfig /renew in the Windows command line, or simply reconnect the network cable.
⚠️ Note: Router firmware may be updated, and the interface may change. If you don't see the described options, look for similar sections in the menu. The network logic (single DHCP, unique IP addresses) remains unchanged regardless of the firmware version.
What to do if you forgot the new IP address of the access point?
If you've changed your router's IP address and forgotten it, but need to access the settings, you'll have to reset it using the Reset button. Alternatively, check the ARP table on your main router (Status -> LAN Clients or ARP Table). It will display the D-Link's MAC address (found on the sticker) and its current IP address on the network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the WAN port on the D-Link 2640U be used in access point mode?
In the classic setup described above, the WAN port is not used. However, some modern D-Link firmware versions have a special "Access Point Mode" operating mode in the System or Mode section. If you switch the device to this mode programmatically, the ISP cable should be plugged into the WAN port, and IP and DHCP settings will be configured automatically. If there is no such switch, use only the LAN port.
Will the guest network work on the access point?
The guest network feature typically operates on the main router. On the D-Link 2640U, which operates as a simple access point (AP), client isolation may be available in the WiFi settings, but a full-fledged guest network with a separate VLAN and firewall rules will likely not work, as all traffic passes through the main router.
Will the internet speed decrease with this scheme?
With a wired connection between routers (backhaul), speed losses are minimal and depend only on the quality of the cable and ports (100 Mbps or 1 Gbps). If you were using a D-Link as a repeater (wireless), the speed would drop by at least 50%. In your setup (cable + AP), the speed will be the maximum allowed by the client's WiFi module.
How do I return the D-Link 2640U to normal router mode?
To do this, press the Reset button again to reset the access point. Then connect to it, log in to the web interface, and in the WAN (Internet) section, reconfigure your ISP connection (PPPoE, L2TP, or Dynamic IP), and enable the DHCP server in the LAN section.