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====== Media Bridge Mode Setup ======

Support for Media Bridge mode started with release 2021.6. The initial setup can be done by following the steps below. \\  \\


==== Wireless Mode and Settings ====

 \\

  - Go to the [[basic-network|Network]] menu.
  - Scroll down to the section for the wireless module of your choice. For example: "wireless eth2". 
  - From the //Wireless Mode// dropdown menu, select //Media Bridge//. After doing this, WAN options will be hidden. \\  \\ Now, configure the settings there as follows: \\ 
  - Set Wireless Network Mode to: Auto (all possible WiFi protocols).
  - Set SSID to: Whichever SSID you want to use (prefer one with least interference).
  - Set Channel to: Whichever WiFi channel you want to use.
  - Set Channel Width to: 20 MHz, 40 MHz or 80 MHz (your choice).
  - Set Security to: WPAx (Usually WPA2 Personal for home users/small, informal offices).
  - Set Encryption to: AES.
  - Set Shared Key to: WiFi password you want to use.
  - Set Group Key Renewal to: 3600 seconds

 \\


==== LAN Settings ====

 \\

Still in the Network menu, in the LAN Settings section:

  * Configure bridge "br0" with an IP Address within the LAN you want to connect to. (For example: 192.168.1.50).
  * Configure an appropriate Default Gateway. In our example: 192.168.1.1 (assuming main router has address: 192.168.1.1).
  * Enter a Static DNS value of: 192.168.1.1 (assuming your main router has address: 192.168.1.1).
  * Since release 2022.6, if you select “Automatic IP”, your router should obtain the IP/Gateway/DNS via DHCP.

 \\

==== Comparing Media Bridge mode vs. Wireless Ethernet Bridge mode ====

 \\ \\  Media Bridge (MB) mode has several advantages over wireless Ethernet Bridge mode:

  * MB mode will work with SDK7 ARM routers like the AC3200 / R8000  \\ (wireless Ethernet bridge mode is impossible).
  * MB mode will work with SDK6 MIPS routers like the Asus RT-AC66U, D‑Link DIR‑865L,  \\ (wireless Ethernet bridge mode is impossible).
  * MB mode will work with SDK6 ARM routers like Asus RT-AC68U, or Netgear R7000. \\ (Wireless Ethernet Bridge mode is also possible).
  * IPv4 and IPv6 communication will work \\ (Wireless Ethernet bridge allows only IPv4, except SDK6 ARM dual-core models, which allow IPv6).

\\ You are strongly advised NOT to use Virtual Interfaces, such as Virtual Wireless networks or VLANs when in Media Bridge mode.


===== Media Bridge Notes and Troubleshooting =====

==== Troubleshooting ====

 \\

**In case of issues, such as connectivity loss:**

  - Try lowering the Wireless Client connection check time (affects Media Bridge mode, Wireless Client mode and Wireless Ethernet Bridge mode). Currently the default setting checks every 30 seconds. You can adjust this check value to, say, 15 seconds via the command prompt: \\  \\ <code ->
root@FreshTomato-WlClientMode:/tmp/home/root# nvram set sta_chkint=15
root@FreshTomato-WlClientMode:/tmp/home/root# nvram commit
root@FreshTomato-WlClientMode:/tmp/home/root# reboot
</code> \\ 
  - Additional improvements exist. See this Media Bridge mode commit [[https://bitbucket.org/pedro311/freshtomato-arm/commits/b84a931985a3f739a1dda83ec9fc824a278f8fdf|Media Bridge Mode (SDK6/SDK7/SDK714): add ARPING (default 180 sec cycle) and improve stability]] starting with release 2023.4.

 \\

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