D-Link DIR-655 in repeater mode: can it be used and how to set it up correctly

Router D-Link DIR-655 — a popular model of the early 2010s with support for the standard Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and a maximum speed of up to 300 Mbps. Many users try to use it as signal repeater (repeater) to extend the coverage area of ​​your home network. However, not everyone knows that DIR-655 does not have a built-in WDS/Repeater function in the official firmware, while alternative methods require manual configuration and have limitations.

In this article we will look at all the possible ways to transform DIR-655 Into a repeater: from default settings to flashing third-party software. You'll learn which parameters to change in the web interface, how to avoid speed loss, and what pitfalls await when using this router in repeater mode. We'll also compare it to modern repeaters and provide recommendations for signal optimization.

Can the DIR-655 be used as a repeater? Technical limitations

Before attempting to configure DIR-655 In repeater mode, it is important to understand its hardware and software limitations:

• 🔌 Lack of official WDS/Repeater support: The stock firmware doesn't have an option to enable repeater mode via the web interface. This is due to the outdated chipset architecture. Broadcom BCM5358.
• 📡 Single-core processor 400 MHz: Poor performance can cause delays when retransmitting a signal, especially if multiple devices are connected to the repeater.
• 🔄 Problems with roaming: When switching between the main router and DIR-655 Devices may lose connection for 2-5 seconds.
• 🔒 Outdated security: Support only WPA2-PSK (No WPA3), which may be vulnerable on public networks.

Despite these disadvantages, DIR-655 However, it can be made to work as a repeater in two ways:

1. Via "Client + AP" mode (Bridge Mode) is a semi-official method with manual configuration.
2. Installing alternative firmware (For example, DD-WRT or OpenWRT) - requires technical skills.

⚠️ Caution: When using DIR-655 In repeater mode, connection speed may drop by 30–50% due to double signal retransmission (main router → DIR-655 → device). This is critical for 4K video streaming or online gaming.

Method 1: Configuring the "Client + AP" mode (Bridge Mode) via the web interface

This method allows you to connect DIR-655 to the main Wi-Fi network and simultaneously distribute it further. Important: the main router must support WDS mode (most modern models support it).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Connect to DIR-655 via cable (recommended) or via Wi-Fi. Open the web interface at 192.168.0.1 (default logins: admin/empty or admin/admin).
2. Go to Setup → Wireless Settings and configure the settings:
   • Wireless Mode: select Client Bridge (WDS).
   • SSID: Enter the name of the primary network (must match!).
   • Security Mode: Select the encryption type of the main network (WPA2-PSK).
   • Passphrase: Enter the password for the main network.

In the section Setup → Network Settings disable DHCP server (DHCP Server: Disable).

Save the settings and reboot the router.

After reboot DIR-655 connect to the main network and start rebroadcasting it. Important: The network name (SSID) and password will remain the same as the main router.

Connect the device to the DIR-655 network | Check internet access (ping 8.8.8.8) | Make sure the IP address is assigned by the main router | Check the speed on speedtest.net (should be at least 50% of the original)

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⚠️ Note: If your main router doesn't support WDS, this method won't work. In that case, try the method with alternative firmware or use DIR-655 as an access point via cable (LAN-to-WiFi).

Method 2: Install DD-WRT for full repeater mode

Firmware DD-WRT adds in DIR-655 full support of the regime Repeater Bridge, but requires care during installation. Risk of "bricking" router is ~5% if not done correctly.

Requirements before flashing:

• 🖥️ A computer with Windows/Linux and a network cable.
• 🔌 Uninterruptible power supply (in case of power outage).
• 📄 Backup your current settings (export via Tools → System).

Installation instructions DD-WRT:

1. Download the correct firmware version for DIR-655 (revision A1–A4) from the site dd-wrt.comFor revision A1, the file is suitable dd-wrt.v24-XXXX_newd-2_k2.6_mini_dir655.bin.
2. Connect the router via cable and access the web interface.
3. Go to Tools → Firmware, upload the downloaded file and wait for it to complete (5-7 minutes). Do not turn off the power!
4. After rebooting, enter the new interface DD-WRT (login/password: root/admin).
5. In the section Wireless → Basic Settings select Repeater Bridge and set up a connection to the main network.

Advantages DD-WRT:

• ✅ Full repeater mode without loss of functionality.
• ✅ Customizable QoS to prioritize traffic.
• ✅ Support VLAN and advanced security options.

What should I do if the router doesn't respond after updating the firmware?

If after installation DD-WRT The indicators are on, but the web interface is unavailable:

1. Turn off the power for 30 seconds, then turn it on again.

2. Try connecting via Telnet (IP: 192.168.1.1, port 23) and run the command erase nvram, then reboot.

3. If this doesn't help, use the recovery mode via TFTP (requires a utility tftp2.exe and a network card with a fixed IP 192.168.0.2).

Comparing the DIR-655 with modern repeaters: is it worth using?

Before you spend time setting up DIR-655 as a repeater, let's compare it with modern devices (data for 2026):

Conclusion: DIR-655 loses to modern repeaters speed, stability And functionalityIt should only be used if:

• 💰 You already have this router, and buying a new repeater is not practical.
• 📶 Need to temporarily boost the signal in a small apartment (up to 50 m²).
• 🔧 Are you ready to tinker with the settings? DD-WRT for experiments.

Buy a modern repeater|Use an old router as a repeater|Set up a mesh system|Run a network cable

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Signal Optimization: How to Improve DIR-655 Performance in Repeater Mode

Even after successful setup DIR-655 As a repeater you may encounter low speed or connection breaksHere's how to improve the situation:

1. Selecting a channel and bandwidth:

• 📶 In the web interface (Wireless Settings) install Channel Width V 20 MHz (and not 40 MHz) - this will reduce interference from neighboring networks.
• 🔍 Use the utility Wi-Fi Analyzer (Android) or inSSIDer (PC) to find the least crowded channel (e.g. 1, 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz).

2. Router placement:

• 📍 Install DIR-655 half the distance between the main router and the "dead zone".
• ⚡ Avoid placing near microwaves, cordless phones or metal objects.
• 🔄 Antennas should be directed vertically (if the devices are on the same floor) or at a 45° angle (if on different floors).

3. Security settings:

• 🔒 Turn it off WPS V Wireless Settings - This is a vulnerable protocol.
• 🔄 Update your Wi-Fi password to a complex one (at least 12 characters with numbers and special characters).

Common problems and their solutions

When using DIR-655 As a repeater, users encounter typical errors. Let's look at the most common ones:

1. The repeater does not connect to the main network:

• 🔹 Check that SSID And password entered without errors (case sensitive!).
• 🔹 Make sure your main router supports WDS or Bridge Mode.
• 🔹 Try disabling encryption on your main router temporarily (for testing purposes).

2. Slow speed or connection interruptions:

• 🔹 Reduce Channel Width up to 20 MHz in settings DIR-655.
• 🔹 Turn it off QoS on the main router (if enabled).
• 🔹 Check if it is overheating DIR-655 (outdated chipset is prone to overheating).

3. Devices do not connect to the repeater:

• 🔹 Make sure that DHCP disabled on DIR-655 (the main router must distribute IP).
• 🔹 Check that MAC address DIR-655 not blocked in the main network.
• 🔹 Try to enter it manually DNS on the device (for example, 8.8.8.8).

⚠️ Attention: If after setting up the repeater you lose access to the web interface DIR-655, reset it to factory settings. To do this, hold down the button Reset for 10–15 seconds (until the indicators start flashing).

Alternative uses for DIR-655

If setting up a repeater proves too difficult or ineffective, consider other methods of application. DIR-655:

• 🌐 Access Point (AP Mode)Connect your router to your main network via cable and use it as an additional Wi-Fi access point. This will prevent speed loss during retransmission.
• 🖥️ Router for guest network: Set up a separate network for guests with limited access to local resources.
• 🔌 Wi-Fi switch: Disable DHCP and use DIR-655 like a wireless switch.
• 🛡️ VPN gateway: With firmware DD-WRT You can set up a persistent VPN connection for all devices on the network.

Example of setup AP Mode:

1. Connect DIR-655 to the main router via port LAN (not WAN!).
2. Disable it in the web interface DHCP (Setup → Network Settings).
3. Set up Wireless Settings: please specify unique SSID (For example, MyNetwork_AP) and password.
4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to use DIR-655 as a repeater without firmware?

Yes, but with serious limitations. The standard firmware only has this mode available. Client Bridge (WDS), which requires WDS support on the primary router. If the primary router doesn't support WDS, you'll have to install DD-WRT or use DIR-655 as a cable access point.

Why is the speed through the DIR-655 repeater 2 times lower?

This is a normal phenomenon for all Wi-Fi repeaters. The reason is double relay: data is first transmitted from the main router to DIR-655, and then from DIR-655 to the device. Each "hop" reduces the throughput. In the case of DIR-655 Losses can reach 50% due to an outdated chipset.

How do I reset the DIR-655 if it doesn't respond after setting up the repeater?

If the router stops responding:

1. Turn off the power for 30 seconds.
2. Turn on the power and immediately press the button Reset (usually on the back panel) for 10-15 seconds.
3. Release the button when the indicators start flashing randomly.
4. Wait for the reboot (2-3 minutes).

After reset, the router will return to factory settings (IP: 192.168.0.1, login: admin, password: empty or admin).

Is the DIR-655 suitable for signal boosting in a large house?

No, DIR-655 It's not designed for large areas (over 70 m²). Its power is only sufficient for a small apartment or office with 1-2 rooms. For home use, we recommend:

• Use Mesh system (for example, TP-Link Deco).
• Lay out network cable and connect additional access points.
• Buy dual-band repeater (5 GHz + 2.4 GHz).

Which firmware is better to choose: DD-WRT or OpenWRT?

For DIR-655 preferable DD-WRT, because:

• ✅ More stable operation in repeater mode.
• ✅ Easier to configure via web interface.
• ✅ Better compatibility with legacy hardware.

OpenWRT is also supported, but requires manual compilation of the firmware for a specific revision DIR-655, which is difficult for beginners.