Skip to main content
Set up DD-WRT to act as an access point

Set up DD-WRT to act as an access point

· 3 min read

DD-WRT is a Linux-based firmware for wireless routers and access points. It is a replacement for the factory firmware of a wide range of wireless routers and non-network devices. DD-WRT is a feature-rich firmware that provides a lot of additional functionality for your router. It is a great way to supercharge your router and get the most out of it.

How to set up DD-WRT to act as an access point​

Prerequisites​

  • A router with DD-WRT firmware installed
  • Access to your primary router's settings
  • An Ethernet cable

Initial Setup​

  1. Perform a hard reset on your DD-WRT router to restore default settings
  2. Temporarily disconnect the router from your main network
  3. Connect to the router's web interface at http://192.168.1.1

Basic Network Configuration​

  1. Navigate to Setup → Basic Setup

    • Set WAN Connection Type to Disabled
    • Configure Local IP Address (e.g., 192.168.1.2) - use an address in the same subnet as your primary router but outside its DHCP range
    • Set Subnet Mask to 255.255.255.0
    • Disable DHCP Server and uncheck all DNSmasq options
    • Set Gateway to your primary router's IP address
    • (Optional) Set Local DNS to your primary router's IP address
    • Enable NTP Client (recommended)
    • Click Save

  2. Go to Setup → Advanced Routing

    • Set Operating Mode to Router
    • Save changes

Wireless Configuration​

  1. Open Wireless → Basic Settings

    • Set your desired Wireless Network Name (SSID)
    • (Optional) Configure Sensitivity Range (set to twice the desired client distance in meters, or 0 to disable)
    • Save changes

  2. Configure Wireless → Wireless Security

    • Set Security Mode to WPA2 (recommended)
    • Set WPA Algorithm to AES (recommended)
    • Set WPA Shared Key (minimum 8 characters)
    • Save changes

Service and Security Settings​

  1. Under Services → Services

    • Disable DNSMasq (unless you need additional DNSMasq settings)
    • Disable ttraff Daemon
    • Save changes

  2. In Security → Firewall

    • Disable SPI Firewall
    • Enable Filter Multicast
    • Save changes

  3. Go to Administration → Management

    • Enable Info Site Password Protection (recommended)
    • Save changes

Final Steps​

  1. Apply all settings
  2. Connect the Ethernet cable from your DD-WRT router to a LAN port on your primary router
  3. Reboot the DD-WRT router to ensure all settings are applied

Troubleshooting​

  • If connectivity issues occur, try rebooting your devices
  • For Windows users experiencing connection problems:
    1. Open Command Prompt as administrator
    2. Run ipconfig /release
    3. Run ipconfig /renew

Important Notes​

  • For builds 46788 and later: The WAN port assignment to switch feature is not available
  • Ensure your wireless clients support the security mode you've selected
  • Double-check that the IP address you choose doesn't conflict with your primary router's DHCP range