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====== Wireless Ethernet Bridge Mode ======

Wireless Ethernet Bridge Mode is an easy way to expand your network without having to run long Ethernet cable between devices.

===== Limitations and Workarounds =====

This mode is not available for all routers supporting FreshTomato. However, Media Bridge mode can serve as an alternative.((
Support for Media Bridge mode is available starting with release 2021.6.\\         

  * MB mode will work with SDK7 ARM routers like the AC3200 / R8000 (Wireless Ethernet Bridge is not working/not possible).
  * MB mode will work with SDK6 MIPS routers like the Asus RT-AC66U, D‑Link DIR‑865L, (Wireless Ethernet Bridge mode is not working/not possible).
  * MB mode will work with SDK6 arm routers like Asus RT-AC68U, Netgear R7000. (Wireless Ethernet Bridge mode is also possible).
)) For details about these modes, see the //Wireless Mode// tables on the [[basic-network|Network]] page.

You are advised not to use Virtual Wireless interface(s) simultaneously with a physical interface in Wireless Ethernet Bridge mode. It may still work properly. However, doing this will not work in Media Bridge mode. Please also be aware that some routers can't pass IPv6 traffic in Wireless Ethernet Bridge mode.((
Wireless Ethernet Bridge allows only IPv4, except for SDK6 ARM dual-core routers will allow IPv6.
))


===== Steps =====

For this HOWTO, we will: \\

  * Refer to the network you want to expand as the "//primary router"// network. 
  * Refer to the router in Wireless Ethernet Bridge mode as the "//secondary" router//. 
  * Use 192.168.1.1 as the primary router address and 192.168.1.2 as the secondary router address.
  * Perform all steps on the secondary router, (the one you wish to use in Wireless Ethernet Bridge mode).

 \\

  - Configure your PC with a static IP address in the same subnet as the secondary router (e.g., 192.168.1.33).\\  \\ 
  - Go to the [[basic-network|Network]] menu//. //In the //IP Address// field in the LAN section:
    - Enter an IP address in the same subnet as the primary router, but outside the DHCP pool of your network. \\ For our example, we will use 192.168.1.2.
    - Uncheck the //Use DHCP// checkbox and click //OK//. 
    - Click Save. \\  \\
  - Log on to the secondary router via 192.168.1.2. In the [[basic-network|Network]] menu//, //configure the settings of the interface that  \\ matches the primary router WiFi network you want to bridge (2.4GHz or 5GHz) as follows: \\  \\ 
    - Set Wireless Mode to: Wireless Ethernet Bridge
    - Set Wireless Network Mode to: Auto
    - Set SSID to: "WlanSSID_to_which_you_want_to_connect_to"  (the primary router's SSID)
    - Set Channel to: "Auto" or to match the primary router's setting
    - Set Channel Width to: match the primary router setting
    - Set Control Sideband to: match the setting on the primary router
    - Set Security to: match the primary router's setting (usually WPA2 Personal)
    - Set Encryption to: match the primary router's setting (usually AES)
    - Set Shared Key to: "SharedKey_of_router_to_which_you_want_to_connect"  (the passphrase of the primary router)
    - Set Group Key Renewal to: match the primary router setting (usually 3600 seconds)
    - Click Save. \\  \\
  - In the [[basic-network|Network]] menu, in the LAN section: \\  \\ 
    - Set Default Gateway to: the IP address of the primary router. We will use 192.168.1.1
    - Set Static DNS to: the primary router's IP address. We will use 192.168.1.1
    - In **release 2022.6** or later, selecting "Automatic IP" will make your router obtain IP/Gateway/DNS data via DHCP (if possible)
    - Click Save.

 \\

The process is complete. You should now have a working Wireless Ethernet Bridge.

Remember to set your computer back to its previous network settings.

 \\

 \\
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