Extending wireless network coverage in an apartment or office often requires additional equipment. Instead of purchasing specialized devices, many users turn to existing routers, particularly models from the brand Asus. Using an old or additional router as an access point (mode Access Point) allows you to create a single seamless network without the loss of speed typical of wireless repeaters.
The method involves a secondary device connecting to the main router via a LAN cable and simply broadcasting the signal without performing any traffic routing functions. This eliminates IP address conflicts and creates the effect of a single, large Wi-Fi zone. Modern firmware AsusWRT have a built-in template for quick switching, but manual adjustment sometimes gives a more predictable result.
In this guide, we'll cover both hardware configuration methods. You'll learn how to properly connect cables, change local network settings, and avoid common mistakes that can lead to loss of access to the device interface. Proper configuration will allow you to utilize the full potential of your infrastructure.
Equipment preparation and connection diagram
Before starting the software setup, you need to physically prepare the network. The main difference between access point mode and standard router use is the cable connection method. In standard mode, the ISP cable is inserted into the port. WAN (Internet), then the logic changes.
For communication between the main router (distributing the Internet) and the configured one Asus (future access point) use a category 5e or 6 Ethernet cable. One end is connected to any available LAN-port of the main device, and the second one is in LAN-device port AsusThe WAN port on the second router in this setup is often left unused unless a special AP mode is used.
It's important to ensure that the computer you'll be using to configure the router is connected to it via either a cable or Wi-Fi (if it's still broadcasting a signal). A direct connection ensures a stable process and avoids connection interruptions while changing network settings.
⚠️ Note: If you connect a cable to the WAN port on an Asus router without enabling the appropriate mode in the firmware, the clients will not have internet access. In a classic setup, the access point operates through the LAN ports.
Modern models such as RT-AX58U or RT-AC88U, can automatically detect the connection type, but you shouldn't rely on automation. Physical switching is the foundation for the stable operation of the entire system.
Reset settings and log in to the web interface
Using a used device or reconfiguring a previously working router requires clearing the old configuration. Accumulated errors, old passwords, and incorrect DHCP settings can conflict with the new role of the equipment. Therefore, the first step is a hard reset.
Find the button on the back panel ResetPress and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds until the lights flash. This will restore the router's factory settings. After rebooting, connect to the router's network (the network name and password are on the sticker on the bottom of the device) and open a browser.
In the address bar, enter the standard address: 192.168.1.1 or domain router.asus.comIf the primary network address is already taken by another device, you may need to change your PC's IP address to a static one in the 192.168.1.x subnet to access the menu.
⚠️ Attention: After resetting the settings and before logging into the interface, ensure that your computer is set to automatically obtain an IP address. A static IP address left over from your previous network may be blocking access to the setup page.
When you first log in, the system may offer a quick setup wizard. For now, please decline it or abort the process, as we need manual access to all settings. LAN And Wireless.
Setting up the operating mode via AsusWRT
Firmware AsusWRT Provides a user-friendly graphical interface for changing the operating mode. This is the easiest way, as the system will automatically disable unnecessary router functions. Go to the section Administration (Administration) in the left menu column, then select the tab Opening hours (Operation Mode).
Here you will see several options: wireless router, repeater, and access point. Select the item Access point (AP)The system will warn you that a reboot is required. In some firmware versions, this mode is called Media Bridge or simply Access Point.
After selecting the mode and applying the settings, the router will reboot. At this point, it stops distributing IP addresses (DHCP is automatically disabled) and begins functioning as a transparent bridge between the cable and Wi-Fi clients.
☑️ AP mode check
The interface may become unavailable at the old address if the main router is distributing addresses from a different subnet. In this case, use network device search utilities or check the client list on the main router to find the access point's new IP address.
Manual LAN configuration and disabling DHCP
If the automatic mode doesn't work, or you're using an older model without this option, you'll have to configure it manually. This requires a basic understanding of how it works. DHCP protocolThere can only be one active server distributing addresses on the network, otherwise conflicts will occur.
Go to the menu Local area network (LAN) -> LAN IP addressHere you need to change the IP address of the Asus router. It should be in the same subnet as the main router, but not the same. For example, if the main router has an address of 192.168.0.1, set the Asus address to 192.168.0.2.
Next, go to the section Local area network (LAN) -> DHCP server. Set the switch Enable DHCP server in position No (Disable). Save the settings. After this, the device will lose connection with the computer because it will no longer provide an address.
Now connect the cable from the main router (from its LAN port) to the LAN port of the Asus router. Switch the computer to obtain an IP address automatically. Now it will receive an address from the main router, and the Asus router will simply function as a switch with a Wi-Fi antenna.
What should I do if I lose access to settings?
If you've changed your IP address or disabled DHCP and lost access to the interface, you'll need to manually assign a static IP address to your computer's network card. Set the address to, for example, 192.168.0.50, mask 255.255.255.0, and gateway (the IP address of the new router). Afterwards, you'll be able to access the device's web interface again using the new address.
Manual configuration provides complete control, but requires careful attention. An error in the gateway address or submask will result in clients connecting to Wi-Fi but not accessing the internet.
Wi-Fi wireless network configuration
After successfully setting up the LAN portion, you need to properly configure the wireless module. Go to the section Wireless network (Wireless). Here you specify the network name (SSID) and password.
To create seamless coverage (roaming), it's recommended to set the network name (SSID) and password identical to those used on the main router. However, the Wi-Fi channels should be different to avoid interference. If the main router operates on channel 1, set it to Asus 6 or 11.
It is important to choose the right security standard. Use WPA2-Personal or WPA3, if supported by all devices. Outdated encryption methods (WEP, WPA) reduce the overall speed and security of the entire network.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Opening hours | Access Point / AP | Disables NAT and DHCP |
| IP address | Static (in the main subnet) | To access control |
| DHCP Server | Off | Critical to operation |
| SSID (Name) | Same as main network | For convenient roaming |
| Wi-Fi channel | 1, 6 or 11 (different from the main one) | To avoid interference |
Don't forget to set up a guest network if needed. Guest networks will also work in hotspot mode, isolating guests from your main local infrastructure.
Access point (LAN)
Repeater (wireless)
Media Bridge
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Advanced settings and optimization
For advanced users, additional options are available in the section Professionally (Professional) inside the wireless network menu. Here