Setting the Linksys WAP300N to Wireless Bridge mode

The Linksys Wireless-N Access Point with Selectable Dual-Band (WAP300N) is a highly flexible device which can function in different modes.  Using the WAP300N in Wireless Bridge mode allows two or more wired networks to connect wirelessly.  This requires two or more WAP300N to operate, one on each wired network.

Requirements:

•   The Wireless Bridge mode of the WAP300N will only work with another WAP300N
•   For ease of configuration, write down the Local Wi-Fi MAC Addresses of each WAP300N located in the web Interface (not the MAC Address that is located on the bottom of the WAP300N) prior to configuration
•   You can enter up to four MAC Addresses
•   All wireless settings must be the same on each WAP300N (including all WAP’s must be using the same wireless band ex:  Either all WAPS are using the 2.4 GHz band or 5 GHz, you can’t mix bands between the same bridged network)
•   Each WAP300N must be connected to a wired network or device

Example scenario:

In the example below, the WAP300N (B) is the main Access Point; hence it contains both the MAC Addresses of WAP300N A and C.

How to get the Local Wi-Fi MAC Address

Step 1:
Access the Linksys WAP300N’s web-based setup page.  There are two ways to access the web interface:

a) Default IP address:

a. Connect a computer to the Ethernet port of the WAP300N
b. Open a web browser and type 10.100.1.1 in the address bar.  The default username and password is “admin”.

b) Determine the IP address assigned to the WAP300N by your DHCP server.  Click here for instructions.

Step 2:
Click Setup then click Operation Mode.

Step 3:
Select Wireless Bridge.

Step 4:
Click .

Wait for the Operation Mode setup process to be completed.

When the process is completed, the WAP300N Wireless Bridge setup page will be displayed.

Step 5:
Click on Wireless > Basic Wireless Settings sub-tab and write down the Local Wi-Fi MAC Address of the WAP300N.

QUICK TIP:  Repeat this step for each WAP300N that will be setup in Bridge mode.

Connecting the WAP300Ns

NOTE:  Before proceeding, make sure you have the following Local Wi-Fi MAC Address of WAP300N (A), WAP300N (B) and WAP300N (C)

WAP300N A – contains B’s MAC address
WAP300N B – contains A and C’s MAC addresses
WAP300N C – contains B’s MAC address

On the WAP300N (A)

Step 1:
Access the web-based setup page of WAP300N (A).

Step 2:
Go to Wireless and enter the MAC Address of WAP300N B under the Remote Wireless Bridge’s Wi-Fi MAC Addresses.

Step 3:
Select a Wireless Band and enter your preferred wireless settings.

Step 4:
Click Save Settings.

Step 5:
Go to the Wireless Security sub-tab and select a wireless security type then create a passphrase.

Step 6:
Click Save Settings.

On the WAP300N (B)

Step 1:
Access the web-based setup page of WAP300N (B).

Step 2:
Go to Wireless and enter the MAC Address of WAP300N A and C under the Remote Wireless Bridge’s Wi-Fi MAC Addresses.

Step 3:
Select the same Wireless Band as the WAP300N (A) and enter the same wireless settings.

Step 4:
Click Save Settings.

Step 5:
Go to the Wireless Security sub-tab and select the same wireless security type and passphrase as the WAP300N (A).

Step 6:
Click Save Settings.

On the WAP300N (C)

Step 1:
Access the web-based setup page of WAP300N (C).

Step 2:
Go to Wireless and enter the MAC Address of WAP300N B under the Remote Wireless Bridge’s Wi-Fi MAC Addresses.

Step 3:
Select the same Wireless Band as the WAP300N (A and B) and enter the same wireless settings.

Step 4:
Click Save Settings.

Step 5:
Go to the Wireless Security sub-tab and select the same wireless security type and passphrase as the WAP300N (A and B).

Step 6:
Click Save Settings.

This configuration establishes a wireless connection between (B) and (A) and another connection between (A) and (C).  This approach links all three wired networks together.

IMPORTANT:  Do NOT create a loop in your network. In the above example, a loop would be adding an (A)-to-(C) wireless connection, while you already had an (A)-to-(B) and (B)-to-(C) wireless connection.

Step 7:
Once all WAP300Ns have been configured, place each of them to its wired network (i.e. Switch).  Clients connected behind each Bridge WAP300N will be able to connect to the network.


Related Articles:

Setting the Linksys WAP300N N300 Dual-Band Wireless Access Point to Access Point mode
Setting the Linksys WAP300N to Wireless Media Connector mode
Setting the Linksys WAP300N to Wireless Range Extender mode

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