Hello! I looked on the Internet for articles on setting up repeater mode on Asus routers, and did not find a single detailed, correct article that described all the nuances. I decided to prepare my own instructions, in which I would use a real example to show the process of setting up an Asus router as a repeater. In my case, we will use the Asus RT-N12+ router to expand the Wi-Fi network with a second router. We will strengthen it.
The Wi-Fi network in my house is provided by a Tp-Link router. But it doesn’t matter, the main router can be from any company: D-Link, Tenda, Asus, etc. Well, I think this instruction is suitable for all Asus: rt-n10, rt-n12, rt-g32, etc. d.
Why is this even needed, and what kind of repeater mode is it?
Let me start with the fact that a repeater is a special device that is used to increase the range of the main network. I think this is understandable. You installed a router, but the Wi-Fi network is not available throughout the house, the signal is bad. We install a repeater, and it strengthens the network. Modern routers can operate in repeater mode. That is, strengthen existing networks. Now we’ll figure out how to configure the Asus router in repeater mode. I took the work diagram from the settings panel:
By the way, the Wi-Fi network will remain alone (which is currently working for you), the Asus router will simply copy the network settings. And the devices that you connect to your Wi-Fi network will automatically switch between the main router and Asus in repeater mode. Internet via a network cable from a repeater will also work.
I configured, checked and tested everything, everything works stably. Setting up is also not difficult. Follow the instructions and you will succeed.
What is repeater mode on an Asus router?
Repeater or wifi amplifier mode is a special state of the router in which it simultaneously receives and relays the Internet via a wireless channel.
Although we do not change the router very often, in any case, the equipment is periodically updated. And somewhere in the closet there may probably be an old Asus router lying around, which has never been used before. And it was a shame to throw it away. This is where it comes in handy as a signal repeater to strengthen and expand the reception area from the main WiFi point.
Wi-Fi setup
Wi-Fi settings are performed in the “Wireless Network” tab.
Instructions:
- Open “Advanced Settings”, click “Wireless Network”.
- Enter the name of the Wi-Fi network in the “SSID” field.
- To prevent strangers from connecting to Wi-Fi, click “Hide SSID”. When this option is enabled, adding new devices will require you to enter the network name and password manually.
- In the “Authentication method” line, select “WPA-Personal”.
- In the “WPA encryption” field, assign “TKIP”.
- In the “WPA Pre-Shared Key” line, create and specify a new password of at least 8 characters.
- Click "Apply".
After changing the parameters, you need to reboot the RT-G32 and check the operation of the created wireless network.
Configuration of the main router for connecting ASUS RT-N12 as an amplifier
Before you switch your Asus router to repeater mode, you need to make one very important setting on the main router, which has Internet access and from which we are going to relay the signal.
Namely, install one specific wifi channel. Without it, it will most likely not be possible to achieve stable and high-quality reception. What it is and how to choose a channel is described in detail in a separate post on our website.
At the same time, the manufacturer of the main device does not have to be Asus; wifi can be enhanced from any model.
There is no need to do anything else here - if the wifi network works successfully, then we will be able to connect to it and rebroadcast.
Why do you need a repeater?
The main task of the repeater is to extend the range of the wireless connection. The need for its appearance arises in cases where the signal strength is not enough to cover the entire space of the apartment. Most models of modern routers can be used not only for their intended purpose, but also to strengthen the network created by another device. The general scheme of work is shown in the image.
It is important to note that there will only be one Wi-Fi network. The second router will duplicate the parameters of the main one. In this case, devices that connect to the network will move from one router to another automatically. The amplifier will also allow you to connect via a network cable.
You can improve your Wi-Fi signal without connecting a repeater: How to strengthen your WiFi signal. Perhaps the changes described in this article will be sufficient.
Which Asus RT-N12 router can be used as a wifi repeater?
From the line of Asus router models, I came across RT-N10U, RT-N14U, RT-N12 and several others, and all of them had the ability to be used as a repeater. To activate it, you must first connect it to your computer and then go to the web interface of the Asus router, which is located at https://192.168.1.1, the default login and password are the same - “admin”. If they don’t fit, then just do a complete reset with the “Reset” button on the case - you won’t need the previous settings on it anyway.
Connection and preparation for work
The router is installed on a horizontal surface or mounted on a wall. If the device is used as an access point, the best place to place it is in the center of the room. This will ensure uniform signal reception in all rooms.
After installation, a cable from the service provider is connected to the router’s WAN port, and an Ethernet cable is connected from the LAN connectors to the computer or other clients. A plug is connected to the connector for the power supply, and the adapter itself is inserted into the socket to turn on the device. There is no “Power” button on the case, so the router will start after connecting to the mains.
Setting up an Asus router as a wifi repeater
Converting the Asus router to the role of a repeater occurs in the “Administration” menu. Here we check the box for “Repeater mode” and click on the “Save” button. In some models it may also be called "WDS bridge"
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After a few moments of reflection, the router will switch to quick settings in a new quality, where you will need to select from the wifi list the network that you want to expand - enter the password for it to connect.
Next, leave the checkbox “Use default settings” - in this case, the SSID and password will be copied from the main router.
Then we save and wait until the Asus router starts repeating the signal from another access point. In this case, there will be only one network, and the devices will choose for themselves where the signal is currently more stable and which point to connect to.
How to distribute home Wi-Fi from your phone?
Setting up modem mode
- Open the settings, in the “Network connections” field, find the “Other networks” section (on other firmware it may be called “More”).
- Go to the submenu “Modem and access point” (“Modem mode”).
- Enable the "Portable Hotspot" option. Click "Yes" to confirm your decision.
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How to log into an Asus router in WDS bridge mode?
As you understand, the entrance to the Asus router working as a wifi repeater will no longer be accessible at the old address, since its IP now depends on another device. How can we now go into its settings if we want to change something in them or switch the router from the WDS bridge to another mode?
In addition to the option to view its IP in the list of connected devices through the main router, there is another very good way for Asus. Download the proprietary Asus Discovery Utility and install it on your computer.
Launch it and click on the “Search” button - the program will find your router and indicate its current IP address. Now just click on the “Configuration” button to get to the settings panel. If this method does not work, then you can always roll back to the factory state and configure everything from scratch.
Firmware
You can update the firmware if the Asus RT-N12 VP B1 router greatly “cuts” the Internet speed via WI-FI. To do this, you need to log in to the administrator panel and select the “Administration” tab in the left menu and go to “Firmware Update”.
Next, in the “Firmware Version” item, click the “Check” button. If you have the latest firmware, the following message will appear:
Great, we found the latest firmware version, to install, click the “Firmware Update” button.
Important! If you turn off the power during an update, there is a chance that your router will turn into a “brick” and it will stop working.
Next, the firmware will be downloaded and installed.
You can also go to the manufacturer’s website and download the required firmware. Next, go to the “Firmware Update” menu and download it manually.
How to return the equipment to the traditional method of functioning?
In some cases, it becomes necessary to return equipment to normal operation. This is quite easy to do. First you need to go to its administration panel. There, in the Administration , the new operating mode is indicated. It must be set to Wireless Router (default). After this, you should apply the changes by clicking on the Save button.
A new window will open. It should contain the details for the new wireless connection. This is its name and connection key.
Then the box should be reloaded. When the procedure is completed, you can connect to the administration panel using the link 192.168.1.1.
When for some reason it is not possible to return to the previous operating mode, you can collect parameters. How this procedure is performed is described in this article.
This concludes the basic information on how to set up a router as an amplifier, find out its basic parameters and return it to its original state.
If you have a problem logging into your router personal account, depending on your model, read the general article logging in and solving problems:
- Authorization as an admin and correcting errors in the article: 192.168.1.1 - admin;
- Frequent login error at 192.168.0.1 and other errors - 192.168.01 login to the router and error correction.
Certified computer network security specialist. Routing skills, creating complex network coverage schemes, including seamless Wi-Fi.
With the advent of new standards (802.11ac, 802.11ad), the Wi-Fi wireless signal has expanded its coverage range, increased speed and become more stable. Despite this, there are cases when it is necessary to expand the Wi-Fi coverage area in an apartment or country house. In addition, not all users, for a number of reasons, have acquired new network devices and clients that support the mentioned standards. Therefore, you should know what a weak Wi-Fi signal is and why the router slows down its speed.
In practice, the same router in different apartments can work differently. In one apartment, a network device can cover its entire area with a wireless network, but in another only a certain part. Why is this happening? The fact is that the quality of the Wi-Fi signal is influenced by many external factors. For example, the Wi-Fi signal is influenced by the number of walls and the material through which it passes, large aquariums, devices operating at the same frequency of 2.4 GHz (microwave oven, radiotelephone, baby monitor, plasma TV, Bluetooth devices...).
In addition, if your router and your neighbors' router use the same radio channel for wireless connection operation, then this may also affect the quality of the Wi-Fi signal. To carry out diagnostics and find a free channel, use the free inSSIDer program. What do people resort to in pursuit of quality, speed and wireless coverage area? They make intensifying screens from foil and beer cans, and in the best case, change the router antennas to more powerful ones, which is undoubtedly much more effective.
But the best way to strengthen the signal and at the same time expand the coverage area of the Wi-Fi network is to use a repeater. However, I would recommend using an ASUS router or any other router that has this function (WDS technology) as a repeater.
Why? Firstly, the repeater has internal antennas with a gain of usually 2 - 3 dbi, while the router has 2-3 antennas with a gain of 5 dBi or more. Secondly, the repeater has only one function and the price of the Chinese analogue is not much different from the cost of the router.
Conclusion
"Asus" is a simple and inexpensive device for connecting to the Internet. Setting up the Asus RT-G32 router according to the instructions and connecting to the “global network” is quite simple. The web interface is made in Russian and has an easy, intuitive menu. Asus RT is a good option for home use with average Internet speeds. For high speeds, it is better to choose a more professional device. Compatible with many existing Internet providers.
Pros of Asus RT
The G32 device has the following advantages:
- Easy to use.
- Low cost.
- Availability of security settings, including protection against Internet attacks.
- Friendly interface.
- Internet TV support.
- Sold in any store, since RT-G32 is a common modem.
Cons of RT-G32
The main disadvantages of the RT-G32:
- Not suitable for high speed connections.
- Small coverage area, which leads to low Wi-Fi power.
- No power button.
- The device may overheat.
IPTV
The router supports work with IPTV set-top boxes. To connect one of these models to your device and set up watching interactive television, you need to:
- Open “Advanced settings”, go to the “WAN” tab.
- Select "Dynamic IP Address".
- Specify the port to which the set-top box is connected.
- Set to automatically obtain an IP address.
- Click "Apply".
After rebooting the router, you will be able to watch IP television on all equipment.
Peculiarities
The ASUS repeater allows you to expand the coverage of an already created Wi-Fi network, remove “dead zones” from your living space, and improve the data transfer speed in a place remote from the router. Special wireless access points or routers can provide this. For example:
- Wireless Wi-Fi signal repeater ASUS RP – N12, operating in three modes (repeater, access point and network bridge mode).
There is one thing! If a router acts as a repeater, it does not create a second point in the home network. It copies the data first and only one connection point is detected on the signal search radar.
Yes, many modern gadgets have a smart Wi-Fi connection function (when the device independently connects to the network where the best signal is detected). But the house is not always equipped with modern mobile technology, and for the same Lenovo tablet 2014, the best option would be this way of working.
Configuration using the utility
The software can be installed on your computer from the disk that came with the device or downloaded here - https://www.asus.com/ru/Networking/RTG32_vB1/HelpDesk_Download/. The program is installed in the standard way (the “Setup Wizard” starts, a minimum of actions is required from the user), indicating the folder where the utility will be located.
Searching for a router using software involves the following steps:
- Among the programs, find the “ASUS Utility” folder, click and select the device discovery option (“Device Discovery”).
- The utility will detect the router and configure it (provided it is connected to a computer).
- By clicking “Configuration” you can open the page for setting up network connections, which appear on the “Adapter” tab. To automatically obtain a network address, you will need to o, and then confirm the action to apply the changes.
Next, setting up a wired and wireless network is done through the router’s web interface.
Saving and restoring settings
Sometimes the installed settings may fail. This happens accidentally or due to a bug in the G32 router firmware. In order not to re-enter the configuration data, you must use the recovery function. To do this you need:
- Go to "Advanced Settings".
- “Restore/save/load” settings.
- Select one of the suggested items. “Restore” returns to factory settings, “Save” makes a copy of the settings made, “Load” helps to return saved settings from a previously created file.
Main characteristics and capabilities of the model
The device operates using a standard frequency of 2.4 GHz (version of the 802.11n standard); it is recommended to select the freest communication channel. The model provides a wireless connection with a nominal signal speed of up to 150 Mbit/s, is characterized by simplicity and ease of setup, as well as an affordable price.
Today's current encryption methods are used to ensure the security of data exchange. The wireless router supports protocols such as WPS, WEP128/64 bit, WPA PSK and WPA2, as a result of which the network is reliably protected. The built-in firewall provides protection against hackers and external network attacks.
Security options include:
- NAT Firewall;
- IP Filter;
- URL-based filter;
- MAC Address filter.
