Using a TP-Link TD-W8960N as just a wireless access point

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › Using a TP-Link TD-W8960N as just a wireless access point

craft1

77 posts

Master Geek

#105439 4-Jul-2012 15:08

Im not exactly sure the right terminology but what I have currently setup is a Thompson TG585 v7 connected to Xtra. I am very happy with the speed, etc... so far but need an additional wireless access point in the garage now. There is a CAT6 cable running from the garage to my study where it connects via a Gigabit switch to my home network.

As I also have a TP-Link TD-W8960N router I was hoping to be able to just connect that up to my home network (creating a second wireless access point) and use it solely as an access point to my existing network. Is this possible? I have tried a few times and it appears to work but shortly after alot of devices report IP conflicts. It may just be a matter of disabling DHCP on the TP-W8960N but I got lost on the manual and google doesn't seem to have help for this specific issue the always assume that the TP Link is the one connected to the Internet. I am quite happy having it this was around though as I found that the TP Link seemed to have issues when maxing out my connection speed.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

nickb800

2715 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#650675 4-Jul-2012 15:17

You are on the right track, disabling DHCP on the TP is key.

1) Find out the local ip address of the Thompson (probably 192.168.1.1, but lets call it X)
2) Set the local IP of the TP to X+1 (probably 192.168.1.2) (done from Advanced Setup -> LAN)
3) While you are on the LAN page, disable DHCP server

See how this goes. If it doesnt work, try:
1) Find the DHCP server settings on the Thompson, and change the DHCP start address (e.g. it might be 192.168.1.2, which clashes with the static address of the TP, so set it to 192.168.1.3)
2) Under Advanced setup -> WAN service, remove the entry for "pppoa"

I think you may need to set the Thompson address 'X' as the default gateway for the TP, but I'm not sure how to do this without setting it in gateway mode, threrefore double NAT-ing

craft1

77 posts

Master Geek

#650693 4-Jul-2012 15:28

Thanks for the quick reply.
The Thompson router is currently 192.168.1.254 and I couldn't see an easy way to change that.
I manually set the TP Link to 192.168.1.253 (and checked that the assigned IP's seem to currently be between 64 and 202) so hopefully that wont clash. I disabled DHCP and then removed the entry for "pppoa"

I'll head out shortly and try and it.

Cheers.

craft1

77 posts

Master Geek

#650719 4-Jul-2012 15:49

Well I'm pleased to report it looks like it is running pretty stable. Im connected to the wireless N access point right now and haven't noticed any issues with IP conflicts.

Thanks for your help.