DIR-615: setting up as a repeater, creating a bridge, updating firmware

Good day to all! In this article today we will try to launch the D-Link DIR-615 router as a repeater or repeater. I will also talk about setting up a Wi-Fi client in WiFi bridge mode. The problem is that in the router settings there is no clear “repeater”, “Access Point” or “bridge” mode, as is the case on devices from other companies: ASUS, or ZyXel.

But as it turned out, this can be done, but you need to take several important steps, which I will discuss in the article. It is important to do everything consistently and not skip steps, so read the article from beginning to end. Also, if you have any difficulties or difficulties, write in the comments and I will help you.

Setting up the router after connecting

The firmware of different versions of the device may vary greatly. But in general, the setup has a general algorithm for performing actions. Therefore, even if when interacting with the device you find discrepancies in names or the like, try to look for similar points.

Let's look at the setup using the example of a new device. To do this you need to do the following:

Go to "Advanced Settings". In older versions this item may not be available.
Next, select your Wi-Fi network.
Read also: 10 ways to be more productive using your Mac in conjunction with your iPhone
Click on the "Client" option.
Activate the “Client” mode by checking the “Enable” box.
Click on the “Broadcast wireless network” checkbox.
The available networks should immediately appear. If not, then click on the search button and select yours from the list.
If the network is invisible, then simply enter the name and password in the fields and click on the “Apply” button as confirmation.

After this, you should see a notification about a successful connection to the network.

Router appearance, technical specifications

D-LINK DIR-300 is an entry-level router designed for use in a home or small office. It allows you to connect clients to the Internet both via cable (twisted pair) and using a wireless connection (WiFi). Using a cable connection, you can connect four computers, and via Wi-Fi - any number of clients. However, with each client connected via Wi-Fi, the access speed will drop. If one client can operate at a speed of 150 Mbps, two are already at a speed of 75 Mbps, and so on.

The router has been on the market for more than ten years, during which time three generations (revisions) of this router have been released.

DIR-300 revision A

The oldest router in the line, it has long been discontinued, although it can also be purchased on the secondary market. The b/g wireless module provides speeds of up to 54 Mbps in ideal conditions.

DIR-300A is a veteran in the line of routers

The router's Ethernet ports allow you to organize a local network with access speeds of up to 100 Mbit/s. But the Internet speed for local network clients will be almost half as low: the small amount of RAM and weak processor allow the DIR-300 rev. A process Internet traffic at a speed of no higher than 50 Mbit/s. If you are connected to the Internet with a faster data plan, it is worth replacing your old router with a more powerful one.

The proprietary gray-orange interface is the calling card of early models of D-LINK routers

DIR-300NRU revisions B1, B3, B5

The abbreviation NRU in the model name means that the wireless module complies with the N standard and can provide theoretical Wi-Fi speeds of up to 150 Mbps. The prefix RU indicates that the model was developed and produced for the market of the former CIS countries.

DIR-300NRU B1 - strict appearance and 150 Mbit/s over the air

A dual-core processor with a clock frequency of 350 MHz and 32 megabytes of RAM allow you to install alternative firmware on these routers, such as OpenWRT and DD-WRT, which significantly expands the capabilities of the router and improves the stability of its operation. The processor speed is sufficient to work with tariff plans up to 100 Mbit/s.

OpenWRT - Router Software with Powerful Features

DIR-300NRU revisions B7, D1, A1

These types of router are built on a new hardware platform, so alternative firmware will not work on them. But the standard software was also significantly redesigned: the familiar web interface was replaced with a new one, with an interactive client connection map and the ability to change many settings without rebooting the router.

New D-LINK software saves the user from manipulating alternative firmware

Models B7 and D1 are available in a vertical design, and the revision A model will probably be remembered by you for its appearance in the shape of a black cylinder.

DIR-300NRU A1 - space design and completely earthly characteristics

Connecting repeater mode DIR-615

Setting the repeater or amplifier mode is required to make the network work faster. But in the “Client” setup format, you will have two wireless networks.

The device does not have a separate repeater option, but you can make it one yourself using simple steps.

The main part has already been completed - a connection has been created on a Wi-Fi wireless network and with its help you already have access to the Internet. The point of DIR-615 in repeater mode is for one device to immediately switch to the main one.

Let's look at what needs to be done to quickly switch:

In the Wi-Fi section, you need to go to the main settings. The option will be displayed as the first line in the updated and previous firmware versions.
Set the same network name as the first machine.
Click on the connect button.
Also, in the security settings, do not forget to set the same password as for the first device. This is an important point, otherwise the connection will fail. To avoid having to look for errors in case of malfunctions, pay special attention to this point.
Reboot your router. To do this, you need to find and click on the “System” section, which is located on the top panel of the customizer. Open it and select the appropriate button.

After settings and reboot, the system should work stably.

You can also reboot the system manually if you cannot find the appropriate option. To do this, you need to find the router and press the large button on the back panel where all the wires are connected. Leave the device for 10 seconds and then turn it on again by pressing the same button.

But sometimes situations occur when the second router cannot reconnect and asks you to re-enter the password. Then you should perform the following few steps:

Set a static signal from 1 to 11 on the main device.
Follow the same steps for the second transmitter.
Enter the same network names.
Set the BSSID parameter to the same values as the main router.
After this, be sure to make sure that the network authentication for both devices is the same. This can be done based on the WPA2-PSK parameter.

Featured Posts

Dosvidos 0

Hello, I have a dlink dir-615(e4) with settings and firmware from the Beeline website, which is connected to the Internet, from which there are 2 cables to the computer and to the set-top box. In Router Mode , Internet and Waffle work great, but television is very bad, not watchable at all, nothing at first, it just freezes after 5-10 seconds when switching channels, then it freezes completely, only 1-2 channels work. When I switch to Bridge Mode , in Setup>Network Settings , the Internet and Wi-Fi do not work, but the television responds instantly, there are no freezing channels at all. But there is no Internet.

The question is as if in Bridge Mode there would also be Internet, not even Wi-Fi, but just to the computer via cable .

Alexander681 3

Hello, I have a dlink dir-615(e4) with settings and firmware from the Beeline website, which is connected to the Internet, from which there are 2 cables to the computer and to the set-top box. In Router Mode , Internet and Waffle work great, but television is very bad, not watchable at all, nothing at first, it just freezes after 5-10 seconds when switching channels, then it freezes completely, only 1-2 channels work. When I switch to Bridge Mode , in Setup>Network Settings , the Internet and Wi-Fi do not work, but the television responds instantly, there are no freezing channels at all.
But there is no Internet. The question is as if in Bridge Mode there would also be Internet, not even Wi-Fi, but just to the computer via cable .

Instead of a WAN port, plug the incoming Beeline cable into a free LAN port - you will get what you want (the router will operate in switch mode). Then it’s unclear - why, in fact, is such a router needed if you can just as well replace it with a 5-port switch costing 500 rubles?

Dosvidos 0

Instead of a WAN port, plug the incoming Beeline cable into a free LAN port - you will get what you want (the router will operate in switch mode). Then it’s unclear - why, in fact, is such a router needed if you can just as well replace it with a 5-port switch costing 500 rubles?

Yes, only so? Is there no way to avoid having to go to the router and switch cables? This is necessary because you need television all the time, and Wi-Fi sometimes. If Beeline allowed you to use both, it would be happiness. And now I’m seriously thinking about switching to Akado or some kind of tricolor.

Dima G. 33

There is no need for this option. You need to enable IGMP and use it in Router Mode.

Dosvidos 0

There is no need for this option. You need to enable IGMP and use it in Router Mode.

Are you talking about multicast or what, where to enable IGMP?

Dima G. 33

Look for both in the settings. I don’t remember where exactly, but I recently helped a friend set up this particular router. 100% there was a mention of one of them.

Alexander681 3

Instead of a WAN port, plug the incoming Beeline cable into a free LAN port - you will get what you want (the router will operate in switch mode). Then it’s unclear - why, in fact, is such a router needed if you can just as well replace it with a 5-port switch costing 500 rubles?
Yes, only so? Is there no way to avoid having to go to the router and switch cables? This is necessary because you need television all the time, and Wi-Fi sometimes. If Beeline allowed you to use both, it would be happiness. And now I’m seriously thinking about switching to Akado or some kind of tricolor.

But Beeline actually allows you to use both without any problems. You just need to configure it correctly. If you need TV constantly, but the Internet and wi-fi from time to time and want to make fewer gestures, then 1. Set up a router for raising and VPN (for the Internet - then computer or wi-fi as you like - REALLY, Beeline wire in In this case, in the WAN, only the router is not in bridge mode, but in its own router mode, then dig into the multicast settings or combine 2 WLAN and LAN ports (to which the set-top box is connected) into a VLAN (I don’t know if your router model supports this) 2. Buy a switch and connect the set-top box through the switch, to the second port of the router, just not in bridge mode, but in router mode with raising VPN and distribution to a computer or via Wi-Fi. In this case, if the Internet is not needed, you can safely turn off the router , and the TV will work through a switch. The switch will be turned on constantly.

PS And yes, the first option is preferable - as you have already written above - only DIR needs to be configured correctly in router mode.

Dosvidos 0

Look for both in the settings. I don’t remember where exactly, but I recently helped a friend set up this particular router. 100% there was a mention of one of them.

I think you are talking about multicast: https://dlink.ru/ru/faq/68/879.html

But read the first message carefully, in router mode everything is configured as in the office. Beeline website and firmware from it. It just doesn’t work as it should, such a small company can’t organize a normal multicast, although it can. The supported router does not support normal operation.

Alexander681 3

By the way, what kind of VPN are you using on your router? The correct option is L2TP Dual Access or For Russia (it varies in different routers).

Dosvidos 0

PS And yes, the first option is preferable - as you have already written above - only DIR needs to be configured correctly in router mode.

Alexander681, once again, what does it mean to configure correctly? It's like here: https://www.partnerweb.beeline.ru/internet/equipment/dlink615/

Please note that everything is set up point by point, as at the office. website and router firmware from there. And those people who were doing this checked everything, they were paid money, this is Beeline - a serious company with millions in turnover, didn’t they really take care of the fact that the services for which people pay monthly fees were not provided in full? Or is this just another case of chance, or is it just a sharashkin’s office with a pennant all over it? + Huge competition for TV services, my entire inbox was filled with offers, academies, tricolors, all sorts of online services.

Eolan 106

Forum Guru
Administrator
106
3,658 publications
Gender:Male
From:Moscow, Northern Butovo
Volunteer

Huge competition for TV services, my entire inbox was filled with offers, academies, tricolors, all sorts of online services.

Along with the set-top boxes, you were probably given a complete switch. So the BEST solution is to plug the wire from the beeline into the switch, the set-top boxes into the same, the cable from the router (which is connected to the WAN port in the router) into the same. Set the router to Router Mode, disable multicast. As a result, you will get a normal Internet with WiFi, as well as NOT a stuttering/square TV. Those. arrange it according to the Beeline scheme - it works, it’s been tested!

Alexander681 3

Huge competition for TV services, my entire inbox was filled with offers, academies, tricolors, all sorts of online services.

If you connected under the “Home Internet” offer - Wi-Fi router + TV set-top box, then, for example, in our city in this case the switch is not included in the delivery and must be purchased separately. And I have already described the connection option itself - option 2. By the way, the most problem-free.

Dosvidos 0

Along with the set-top boxes, you were probably given a complete switch. So the BEST solution is to plug the wire from the beeline into the switch, the set-top boxes into the same, the cable from the router (which is connected to the WAN port in the router) into the same. Set the router to Router Mode, disable multicast. As a result, you will get a normal Internet with WiFi, as well as NOT a stuttering/square TV. Those. arrange it according to the Beeline scheme - it works, it’s been tested!

Okay, I'll go buy a switch, any will do? And if I buy a switch, and again it’s the same parsley, then it’s just a waste of money? Why do I need it with other providers? By the way, I will need to configure it somehow, and in general it is possible to learn more about this type of connection and about the router settings in this case.

Alexander681 3

Along with the set-top boxes, you were probably given a complete switch. So the BEST solution is to plug the wire from the beeline into the switch, the set-top boxes into the same, the cable from the router (which is connected to the WAN port in the router) into the same. Set the router to Router Mode, disable multicast. As a result, you will get a normal Internet with WiFi, as well as NOT a stuttering/square TV. Those. arrange it according to the Beeline scheme - it works, it’s been tested!

By the way, detailed settings for your router are here. Both for the Internet and for IPTV. You don't have to configure the switch at all (there is nothing to configure there). Whether you will need it on other providers is a difficult question... M.b. and no, or maybe yes - it all depends on the connection protocols - if through physical PPPoE - then no (there are some problems there).

Eolan 106

Forum Guru
Administrator
106
3,658 publications
Gender:Male
From:Moscow, Northern Butovo
Volunteer

Okay, I'll go buy a switch, any will do? And if I buy a switch, and again it’s the same parsley, then it’s just a waste of money? Why do I need it with other providers? By the way, I will need to configure it somehow, and in general it is possible to learn more about this type of connection and about the router settings in this case.

D-link DGS-1005 should work anyway. In general, in theory, anyone.

DIR-615 bridge

To create a DIR-615 bridge, repeat all the operations listed in the first paragraph when setting up the router. After that, follow the steps in the instructions:

Do not close the panel, but click on the icon next to the name of the network you connected to. You need to check the operation of the device. If it lights up green, it’s working properly; if not, reboot the device or try connecting again.
Close the wireless connection option.
Open the Network tab.
From the two available items, open “WAN”.
Click the “Delete” button at the bottom of the window.
After that, click on the “Add” button.

The main settings section will open in front of you. Specify the following options:

From the connection type list, select "Dynamic IP".
Next, find the “Interface” parameter in the general list and select “WiFiClient”.
To complete the procedure, click on the “Apply” button.

After this, the router should connect to the main network and distribute Wi-Fi.

You can also reboot the router if the option does not start working. You can go to the settings using the standard address that you entered during settings - 192.168.0.1.

Remote access

An excellent opportunity for system administrators to manage and change settings in the router.

To do this, in the “Advanced”
select
“Remote access”
.
Next, click “Add”
.
In the first field, select the IP protocol that will be used by the remote computer.
If you enable “Open access from any external host”
, then you can access the router from any computer on the Internet. If you remove the value, you need to enter the IPv4 address or IPv6 address, as well as the network mask of the connected machine from which external control will be carried out.
Also indicate the port for the router through which the connection will be made, as well as the protocol. The standard is HTTP.
Click “SAVE”
.

Reset settings, reboot the router and save settings

To make it easier to configure D-Link, the development company has combined the settings into one convenient menu.

You need to find the “More” item and click on “Save and Restore”.

To save the settings set for the router, a save button is always available in the corner of the page or window.

If we talk about rebooting and settings saved in the file, find the “Browse” and “Update settings” button.

To reset unsuccessful settings, you must return to the previous version. There is a restore button for this.

Be sure to restart the router after each settings update. Otherwise, the device will not work correctly or will stop performing its functions altogether.

Signal strength testing

To test in practice how much better wifi signal reception becomes when using the TP-Link RE300 repeater, we installed it in a standard domestic two-room apartment. The router is located in the first room, and the signal reaching the kitchen is usually weak, especially in the 5 GHz range.

We first measured the reception level directly from the router network. This is what the programs showed.

As you can see, at the second point the reception quality drops by almost half, and at the third it is almost zero at all frequencies. After this, we install the repeater in room No. 2, in the middle of the apartment. And we repeat the tests in each of the ranges.

As a result, in the second room the speed remained at the same level as in the immediate vicinity of the signal source. In the third, it decreased significantly, but remained at a level that was comfortable for working with the Internet.

DIR-615 firmware update

A firmware update is an improvement in the interface and operation of options. To find the latest version, visit the official website of the DIR router manufacturer. Let's look at how to navigate the site:

Go to the company's official website.
In the top line, select “Support”.
Go to the downloads item by clicking on it.
You will see options to choose from: product type, prefix, model and revision.
A list of available files will appear. From them, select system update and download it.

Afterwards, all that remains is to install updates through the system. This can be done as follows:

Set the advanced settings and system software update command.
From the downloaded files, click on the desired one.
Wait for the updates to install.
Reboot the program and router for correct operation.

The router will be connected to the network provided that the default settings are acceptable with your network connection provider. Some providers support several protocols at once - dynamic IP, PPPoE and PPTP/L2TP. Therefore, before use, it is better to clarify the information through the service center.

Netgear and repeater function:

Netgear is another manufacturer that integrates Wi-Fi repeater functionality into its wireless routers. True, there are also some nuances here. 100% functionality is guaranteed provided that only devices from this manufacturer are used. How this feature will work with routers from other manufacturers is unknown. And the setup process itself is quite complicated, in my opinion. Other vendors implement this much more simply.

To configure, you need to go to “Advanced mode”, section “Advanced settings” -> “Wireless relay”:

Check the “Enable wireless relay function” checkbox, after which the settings below will become available. On the main router that distributes Wi-Fi, you need to select the “Wireless base station” mode, and in the “MAC address of 1 repeater” field, enter the poppy of the second router (you can see it in the sticker on the bottom of the device). Also, at the base station you need to set a statically used radio channel. Now on the device that will work as a repeater, select the “Wireless Repeater” mode, enter the IP address (preferably at the end of the range - 192.168.1.254, for example) and enter the MAC address of the base station. That's all. The only note is that on a router that works as a WiFi repeater, the DHCP server must be disabled in the local network settings.

How to set up Wi-Fi and change its password

To get the Wi-Fi router D Link DIR 615 working, we are trying to enter the hardware shell.

“OPTIONS”>”WIRELESS Changes”>”Manual Change Wireless Settings”.

Check the box in the “Enable Wireless” line and set the value to “Always”.
“Wireless Network Name:” is the name of your WiFi network (choose any name).
If you are going to create a Free WiFi zone (the connection to your network will not be protected by a security code), select “None” in “Security Mode:”.
Click “Save Settings” and reboot the device.

If you decide to protect your connection with a security code, then in the “Security:” area set “WPA-Personal”.
“WPA Mode” define “Auto (WPA or WPA2).
“Cipher Type” specify “TKIP and AES”.
“Pre-Shared Key” – a line for specifying the security required to enter the wireless network.
Click “Save Settings” and reboot the gadget.

How to log into a TP-Link router that is configured in WiFi repeater mode?

After the TP-Link router has switched to repeater-bridge mode, it begins to receive an IP address from the DHCP server that is configured on the first main router. But if you suddenly change your mind about using it as a signal repeater, and want to transfer it back to the access point without resorting to a complete reset, the question arises of how to access it now - after all, the old IP address that it had by default is no longer valid .

Let's start with the fact that no one has canceled the possibility of a full reset to factory settings. But even without this drastic action, everything is solved very simply.

We need to log into the control panel of the main router, look at the list of clients and find the second router among them. Its current IP will be indicated there, through which you can enter the panel and change the operating mode.

Short review

The name of the company that released the device (D-Link) is written on the packaging of the router, and the model DIR-615S is indicated in the upper right corner. The kit includes:

The router itself;
Power unit;
Patch cord;
Instructions;
Warranty book.

On the top of the router there are standard LED indicators. At the back, everything is also standard (input for connecting the power supply and a button to turn it off, 1 WAN port, 4 LAN and WPS), except for the RESET button. For this model it is located at the bottom of the device.

How to set up Wi-Fi and change its password

To get the Wi-Fi router D Link DIR 615 working, we are trying to enter the hardware shell.

“OPTIONS”>”WIRELESS Changes”>”Manual Change Wireless Settings”.

Check the box in the “Enable Wireless” line and set the value to “Always”.
“Wireless Network Name:” is the name of your WiFi network (choose any name).
If you are going to create a Free WiFi zone (the connection to your network will not be protected by a security code), select “None” in “Security Mode:”.
Click “Save Settings” and reboot the device.

If you decide to protect your connection with a security code, then in the “Security:” area set “WPA-Personal”.
“WPA Mode” define “Auto (WPA or WPA2).
“Cipher Type” specify “TKIP and AES”.
“Pre-Shared Key” – a line for specifying the security required to enter the wireless network.
Click “Save Settings” and reboot the gadget.