Situations where wired internet is needed in a remote location and cable installation is not possible are quite common. Old router can get a second life if its network expansion functionality is used. The model D-Link DIR-320, despite its age, is still popular due to its stability and the presence of a USB port, which makes it an excellent candidate for conversion into a wireless signal receiver.
In this guide, we'll show you how to turn your router into a client device (Client or WDS Client mode). This will allow you to capture WiFi from the main router and distribute it via a LAN cable to your computer, Smart TV, or game console. This process requires attention to detail, especially when changing IP addresses.
Before you begin, make sure you have access to the settings of the main router distributing the internet. You'll need to know its SSID (network name) and password. You'll also need a computer with a network card for the initial configuration. DIR-320. It is critical to reset the router to factory settings if it has been used previously to avoid configuration conflicts.
⚠️ Attention: Firmware interfaces may differ depending on the hardware revision (NRU, A/B1). If the menu differs, look for similar items or update the firmware to the latest official version.
Preparing equipment and resetting settings
The first step is to physically connect and clear the device's memory of old settings. Connect your computer to any yellow LAN port on the router. D-Link DIR-320Don't connect the cable from your ISP yet. Power on the device and wait for the system to boot up (about 1-2 minutes).
Next, you need to perform a reset. Find the hole on the back panel. ResetTake a paperclip, press the button inside the hole, and hold it for about 10-15 seconds until the lights flash simultaneously. This will reset the device to factory settings, including the IP address for logging into the web interface.
After rebooting, configure your computer's network card to automatically obtain an IP address (TCP/IP protocol version 4). Open your browser and enter the address 192.168.0.1 in the address bar. The standard login credentials are: login admin, leave the password field blank.
☑️ Preparing the D-Link DIR-320
Configuring the router's LAN interface
Before setting up a wireless connection, you need to change the IP address of the router itself. DIR-320This is done to avoid address conflicts with the main router, which most likely also uses the standard 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
Select a section from the menu on the left Network (Network), then subsection LANIn the field IP Address (IP address) Enter a new address that is in the same subnet as the main router, but not the same. For example, if the main router has the address 192.168.0.1, ask DIR-320 address 192.168.0.250.
In the field Subnet Mask (Subnet mask) is usually left at 255.255.255.0Be sure to turn off the server. DHCP ServerIn client mode, the main router must act as the DHCP server, distributing addresses to all connected devices. Leaving it enabled will cause a conflict and the internet will not work.
Click the button Apply (Apply). After this, the connection to the router will be interrupted, as it will change its address. You will need to re-enter the new IP (for example, 192.168.0.250) in your browser to continue setup.
Wireless Configuration
Now let's move on to the most important part: setting up the WiFi receiver. In the menu, select Wireless (Wireless network). In the basic settings (Basic Settings) find the item Wireless Mode (Operating mode).
Select a value from the drop-down list Client (Client) or WDS Client. Mode Client creates a bridge between WiFi and LAN ports, disabling the router's own access point. WDS Client It also allows you to broadcast a WiFi signal further, but it requires the main router to also support WDS and be configured accordingly. For simplicity and compatibility, it's better to choose a standard router. Client.
Make sure the channel (Channel) is set to position Auto or corresponds to the main network channel. Channel width (Channel Width) should match the settings of the main router (usually 20 MHz or 40 MHz). Save the settings by clicking Apply.
What is the difference between Client and WDS Client?
Client mode simply receives the signal and distributes it over the cable, hiding devices behind their MAC addresses (NAT can be enabled or disabled). WDS (Wireless Distribution System) mode operates at a lower level, transparently transmitting client MAC addresses to the main router, but requires configuration on both routers and is often slower due to protocol quirks.
Search for networks and connect to a WiFi provider
After selecting the client mode, go to the tab or subsection Site Survey (Search for networks) or Connect. Click the button Refresh or Scanso that the router can find available wireless networks within range.
In the list that appears, find the name of your primary network (SSID). Select it and click the button. Connect or JoinThe security settings window will open. Here you need to select the encryption type used on the main router (usually WPA2-PSK or WPA/WPA2).
In the field Network Key (Network Key) or Passphrase Enter your WiFi password. Be careful with the case of the letters. After entering the information, click ApplyThe router will try to establish a connection.
⚠️ Attention: If the connection fails, check if MAC address filtering is enabled on the main router. You may need to add the MAC address. DIR-320 to the white list of allowed devices.
Checking connection status and diagnostics
To make sure that D-Link DIR-320 successfully connected to the network, return to the section Status (Status) -> Wireless. In the line Connection Status must be specified Connected (Connected). The signal strength will also be displayed here (Signal Strength) and connection speed.
If the status Disconnected or Authenticating, then the password is incorrect or the security settings don't match. Try manually entering the SSID in the wireless network settings if the automatic search doesn't work correctly.
Check if you have received an IP address. In the section Status -> LAN or Device Info You should see the IP address assigned by the main router. If the field is empty or the address begins with 169.254.x.x, this means that DHCP is not working or there is no connection with the main router.
| Parameter | Value for DIR-320 (Client) | The Importance of the Main Router |
|---|---|---|
| Work schedule | Client / WDS Client | Access Point / Router |
| IP address | Static (from the same subnet) | Default Gateway |
| DHCP Server | Disabled | Enabled |
| SSID | Doesn't matter (works as a client) | The name of the network we are connecting to |
Advanced settings and speed optimization
For stable operation in client mode, it is recommended to disable functions that consume processor resources. DIR-320. Go to the section Advanced (Optional) and make sure the features are disabled NAT (if there is a separate checkbox for the bridge mode) and Firewall, since the main router provides protection.
If your D-Link DIR-320 Since the router only supports the 802.11g standard (N versions support 802.11n), the maximum real-world speed via a WiFi bridge will be around 20-25 Mbps. This is sufficient for HD video and web surfing, but may cause issues with 4K streams.
In the section Wireless -> Advanced You can try changing the parameter Fragmentation Threshold And RTS ThresholdHowever, for most home networks, it is optimal to leave the default values or set them to the maximum (2346) to reduce overhead.
Possible problems and solutions
One of the common problems is that the router connects, but the internet doesn't work. This often happens if the settings LAN The DHCP server wasn't disabled. Two DHCP servers on the same network cause chaos, and devices can't obtain the correct gateway settings.
Another problem is slow speed. Make sure you're using encryption. AES, and not TKIPTKIP artificially limits wireless connection speed to 54 Mbps, even on N networks. Also, check to see if your channel is overloaded with neighboring networks.
If your router periodically loses connection, it may be lacking power or overheating. In client mode, the device operates under constant load. Make sure the power supply is original and provides sufficient current (usually 1A or 1.5A for this model).
⚠️ Attention: When using client mode, all traffic is routed through a single wireless connection. If the main router is far away, speed will drop proportionally to signal strength and interference.
Final network performance check
After making all the changes, connect the cable from the computer to the LAN port. DIR-320The computer should automatically obtain an IP address from the main router. Open the command prompt (cmd) and run the command ping 8.8.8.8 -t.
If the ping is uninterrupted (time=xx ms), then the setup was successful. You can use the remaining LAN ports to connect other devices: TVs, set-top boxes, or IP cameras. The wireless network is actually DIR-320 will not work in Client mode (unless WDS mode with relay is selected).
Now your old router functions as a powerful WiFi adapter, providing stable wired internet where it was previously impossible. This configuration is often more stable than commercial USB WiFi adapters for PCs.
Can DIR-320 be used to distribute WiFi in client mode?
In standard mode Client The wireless network on the DIR-320 itself is disabled, and only the LAN ports are active. To simultaneously receive and broadcast Wi-Fi, you need to select the "Wi-Fi" mode. WDS Client or Repeater (if supported by the firmware), but this requires configuration on the main router side.
What is the default password for entering the DIR-320 settings?
Usually login: admin, password: (empty string). In some firmware versions, the password may also be adminIf this data is not suitable, a reset is required using the Reset button.
Why can't I access 192.168.0.1 after changing the settings?
After changing the LAN IP address (for example, to 192.168.0.250), the computer may retain the old route. Try disabling and enabling the PC's network adapter or manually assigning a static IP address to the computer's card in the same subnet (for example, 192.168.0.5).
Will this mode reduce internet speed?
Yes, any wireless connection (WiFi bridge) is always slower than a wired one. The speed will be at least half the theoretical maximum of WiFi due to the radio's half-duplex operation. Actual speed depends on distance and interference.