How to setup AP mode on Arris Router

Introduction

In this article we are going to tell you about the how to setup ap mode on arris router.Wireless routers also have tremendous responsibility in our homes by offering connectivity signal mainly though WiFi. Many wireless routers come with basic wireless router capability out of the box so as to facilitate sharing of an Internet connection through radio waves. There may be cases though, where you want your wireless router to emulate standard AP, which has no routing ability. This setup enable Arris router to work only as a WAP through which other networking device connects to the Internet or distribute connection to other devices.In this article, we will explain how to configure an Arris router into AP mode and understand its benefits.

Understanding AP Mode

Before learning the steps, let’s understand what AP mode is and how it is different from the default router mode.

• Router mode: In the default router mode, the wireless router performs all the functions of a router – it establishes a connection to the internet via Ethernet or coaxial cable, assigns IP addresses to connected devices via DHCP, performs network address translation (NAT) for internet access sharing, provides built-in firewall/security features, and broadcasts a wireless network for wireless connectivity.
• AP mode: When a wireless router is configured into AP mode, it loses its routing capabilities and acts only as a wireless access point. The basic functions that are disabled include – DHCP server, network address translation (NAT), firewall, and wired LAN ports configurations. The router in AP mode simply broadcasts a wireless network without handling internet traffic routing or internal network configuration duties. Another networking device like another router or a switch has to handle these duties.

So in summary, the Arris router in AP mode will still broadcast a wireless network like in router mode but all routing/internet sharing capabilities are transferred to another networking device on the network. This allows flexibility in network setups.

Benefits of Configuring an Arris Router into AP Mode

There are a few key benefits of configuring your Arris router into AP mode:

• Add wireless connectivity without using router capabilities: When your main router lacks sufficient WiFi range or number of devices supported, you can use the Arris router in AP mode to add additional wireless coverage without using its routing power.
• Separation of WiFi and routing functions: By moving the routing responsibilities to a separate router, the wireless broadcast functions are isolated. This can improve overall network performance and security in some configurations.
• Works better with network setups using multiple routers: Configuring the secondary Arris router as an AP allows seamless integration into network topologies that use multiple routing devices instead of multi-router cascading which can cause issues.
• Easy WiFi access point expansion: Adding WiFi coverage to another area by just configuring the Arris router as an AP is simpler than full router configuration duplication.
• Better management of network segmentation: With AP mode, the logical network segmentation through routing separation is cleaner compared to multiple routers operating in the same broadcast domain.

So in summary, AP mode provides flexibility in varying network needs like wireless expansion, performance optimization, segmentation, and multi-router setups.

Setting up AP Mode on an Arris Router

Now that we understand the benefits how to setup ap mode on arris router, let’s look at the steps to configure an Arris router into AP mode:

Checking your Arris Router Model

Arris routers come in different models so the exact steps may vary marginally. We will use the Arris TG1682G model in this example. Check your router label at the bottom for the model number.

Logging into the Router Admin Page

• Connect an Ethernet cable from your computer to one of the LAN ports on the Arris router.
• Check the router label for the default IP address which is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
• Open a web browser and enter the IP address. This will open the router’s web-based administrative page.
• Use the default username and password which is usually admin/password or blank for both. Change it after logging in.

Navigating to Advanced Settings

• Click on the “Advanced” tab at the top or bottom of the page.
• Look for an option named “Advanced Setup” or “Advanced Wireless Settings” and click on it.

Enabling AP Mode

• In the page that opens, look for a section called “Device Mode” or “Operation Mode”.
• Change the option from “Router” to “Access Point”.
• Click “Apply” or “Save” for the changes to take effect.

Checking AP Mode Status

• The administrative page will now show that the device is functioning as an AP instead of a router.
• The LAN IP address may change automatically based on the new network it joins.
• Wireless settings will remain the same and the SSID will still broadcast.

That’s it – your Arris router is now successfully configured in AP mode! Let’s look at some FAQs.

Common FAQs about Arris Router AP Mode

Q. What needs to be configured on the existing router for the Arris AP to work?

A. For the Arris AP to work, the existing router that your Arris AP connects to needs to have DHCP scope configured to provide IP addresses to any new devices connecting via the Arris AP.

Q. How do I connect wired devices to the Arris AP?

A. In AP mode, the LAN ports on the Arris router will not function as they did in router mode to connect wired devices. You need to connect wired devices directly to the existing router that the Arris AP is connected to via Ethernet.

Q. Can I retain my WiFi password when changing to AP mode?

A. Yes, the WiFi network name (SSID) and password configured on the Arris router will remain the same when you change it to AP mode. Connected wireless devices will not see any change in the existing WiFi network they connect to.

Q. Can I access the Arris AP admin page in AP mode?

A. No, when in AP mode you cannot access the Arris router’s admin web page using its local IP address. You need to configure it through the admin interface of the main routing device it is connected to.

Q. What are some usage scenarios for Arris router AP mode?

Some common scenarios where AP mode is useful are – extending home WiFi range, adding multiple wireless access points without extra IP addressing, using an old router as a wireless bridge, setting up a wireless network inside a large building like a hotel or office space.

Conclusion

Configuring an Arris wireless router into AP mode provides more flexibility in network setups compared to using it only as a standalone router. It allows adding multiple wireless access points without complicated configuration, isolates wireless functions from routing duties, and integrates better into advanced network topologies using multiple routers. Following the simple steps outlined helps utilize an existing Arris WiFi router to improve home or office wireless network connectivity and performance.