How to set WDS between RT TI and Generic BRCM Routers

[typhoon]

Hi All,

WDS configuration might be a lil bit tricky but it is easier that it seems. Here's how i manage to create WDS connection between 2 different brand router. One of the routers have TI which has RT 2.95, other has a generic Broadcom software with Turkish language. Before get started, here is some version of these routers,

TI Router (which is the main WDS router in this case),

Firmware version information
BUILD=RouterTech_3.7.1B_1350A_20110103_2.95_AR7WRD_psbl
VERSION=1350A_20110103
BOARD=AR7WRD
TARGET=psbl
FSSTAMP=20110103015426
ROHS=1

Wireless version information
6.3.1.26, 3/22/2006

PSP version information

Linux OS DSL-PSP 5.2.1.1 on DEV_BasePSP7.4.4.24_Patch compiled at Jan 3 2011 01:51:05
Avalanche SOC Version: 0x10002b
Operating in cached, write back, write allocate mode
CPU Frequency: 211968000 Hz
System Bus frequency: 105984000 Hz
VBUS frequency: 52992000 Hz


Driver version information
Core Logic version: 3.7.1B
Texas Instruments : CPMAC Linux DDA version 1.9
Texas Instruments : CPMAC DDC version 0.3
ATM Driver version:[7.01.00.10]
DSL HAL version: [7.01.00.08]
DSP Datapump version: [7.01.01.00] Annex A
SAR HAL version: [01.07.2c]
PDSP Firmware version:[0.54]
Chipset ID: [Ohio250(7200/7100A2)]

Broadcom Router (Wireless Bridge)

BoardID: 96338W
Software Version: 3.08L.01.A2pB022c.d20d
Bootloder (CFE) Sürümü: 1.0.37-8.7
Wireless Driver Version: 3.131.35.6.cpe2.0a.sd-e1

On TI Router,

1) Setup a wireless interface with SSID >>|<< (in Setup link)

2) Set Channel 3 (in setup)

3) Set up a WPA2 with pre-shared key (in Security)

4) Enable access list with allow option and add Broadcom router's wireless MAC address in that list (in Management)

5) Select Crude for WDS Mode, don't change any other option but uplink and Downlink 1, enable both and put Broadcom router's wireless MAC address there, same MAC address in allow list.

TI side is done. In my previous firmware there was a WDS Status link to check uplink and downlink of WDS is working or not but RT hasn't this link.

On Broadcom Router,

1) Setup a SSID >>|<< (same as on TI, this is important, we will bridge them)

2) Security must be open (don't worry there will be no connections to this router but TI router, if you want to put security WDS will be failed)

3) In advanced menu set the channel 3 (same as on TI)

4) In wireless bridge menu select Wireless Bridge and Bridge restriction should be Enabled (Scan), now Broadcom will search the wireless network to find proper wireless connection to bridge which is TI in this case. Click Remote Bridges MAC Address Save/apply.

5) Disable DHCP server (optional)
6) Delete all WAN connections (optional)

Broadcom side is done.

I use this connection to share my TI router's internet connection with my Samsung TV. Also DLNA is working.

Please check screen shots for detailed info.

I hope you find it useful.

Cheers

Typhoon Master

[thechief]

Many thanks for the tutorial.

[typhoon]

Many thanks for the tutorial.

You're welcome Chief..

There are some ARP table issues between routers that i didn't mention, it's easy to fix, easy to detect. Bridge network devices shares their L2 info with each other they works as one device in L2, but somehow these 2 guys don't share this info. Ping to other device just fix to issue and also you can add static ARP entries, if you know all the device and IP addresses in your network. And i forgot to tell, remember this is a bridge connection so your routers must be in same subnet in my chase 192.168.1.0/24. WDS router has IP 192.168.1.1, Wireless bridge router has IP 192.168.1.15 with default gateway 192.168.1.1 with netmask 255.255.255.0.

Guys please give feedback if it is working for you or not.

[mstombs]

I have suitable devices - and will try this out! The arp issue could well be why others have had trouble in the past - I wonder if it is sufficient to enable proxy_arp on the interfaces? I know proxy_arp works between LAN and WAN in half-bridge mode.

[thechief]

You can also easily set up WDS on two (or more) routers running RouterTech 1350A firmwares, using the "Crude" mode. See viewtopic.php?f=3&t=4620