How do I use Spark Smart Modem as Access Point?

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › How do I use Spark Smart Modem as Access Point?

Digikiwi

32 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 3

#273026 31-Jul-2020 11:59

Hi Geeksters,

I have a spare Spark Smart Modem (Model vrv951uwac34-a-sp) and would like to use this as a switch and if possible, as a secondary access point in my studio out back. I have laid an ethernet connection and this is working fine, with a Gigabit connection from my Fritzbox fed by fibre.

I would like to

a) use this unit primarily as an ethernet switch to hook up devices on LAN

b) occasionally turn on the wifi and use it as an access point for wireless only devices

Is this possible for a) and b) and moreover what are the steps and settings I need to take in changing the configuration, presumably from the GUI settings for the router.

Note: I did a quick search for this on the forum but did not find such instructions, if they already exist I'd be thankful for a link.

Regards

Digikiwi

The best place to look for a helping hand is at the end of your arm...

PJ48

302 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 106

Lifetime subscriber

#2531991 31-Jul-2020 12:09

I am fairly sure you can do this just by going into the GUI and switching off DHCP and NAT. Dont make the mistake I did by joining to the main router via the WAN port - you need to plug in the ethernet cable to one of the LAN ports. The other LAN ports will then work as a switch. You can then choose whether or not to keep the wifi on or off.

timbosan

2199 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 294

Subscriber

#2532035 31-Jul-2020 12:32

As PJ48 says, just turn off DHCP and NAT. I do this with two Smart Modems (the second is plugged into the first and acts as a Mesh unit).

This is covered a bit in the Smart Modem thread https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=39&topicid=257136&page_no=49

If you have any questions I am happy to try and help

Digikiwi

32 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 3

#2532241 31-Jul-2020 16:31

Thanks for the fast and helpful responses, much appreciated

In case this helps other (noobish) users - I went into the GUI by typing 192.168.1.254

then NETWORK >LAN> under the [LAN IP] tab, I unticked [DHCP Server] Hit save settings at bottom of page

On the same page then go to the [NAT] tab and untick [NAT function]

Hit save settings at bottom of page

This got my the Spark Smart Modem working as an ethernet switch (Ie I can connect other devices to it and it connects to the rounter). Tip - I had to unplug and reinsert the ethernet cable on computer to get internet working.

That all works fine, both LAN and WLAN.

I have changed the SSID and WPA PRe-Shared Key.

I presume to turn the wifi off on the Spark Smart Modem, I go to WLAN>WLAN and In the Band Steering section I set [Enable Radio] to "no"? Or am I confusing this function with something altogether?

The result is that I get a message saying waiting for reconnection, and then can no longer log into the GUI. I just get a "This site can't be reached" error, ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT

and the only way back in seems to be a factory reset. I've replicated this 3 times now.

I suspect it may be an ESET firewall issue?

Any ideas on where I'm going wrong?

Many thanks

The best place to look for a helping hand is at the end of your arm...

PJ48

302 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 106

Lifetime subscriber

#2532275 31-Jul-2020 17:26

Are you still connected via ethernet when you are doing this? If so, I would have thought you could disable the wifi (as described) and still be able to control the GUI. If you are only on wifi then it may be an issue.

Digikiwi

32 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 3

#2532354 31-Jul-2020 19:24

Yes still connected via LAN. The internet still works but I can't get back into the GUI. Tried clearing the cache with CCleaner, but still no go.

The best place to look for a helping hand is at the end of your arm...