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Changing the MR814v2 Wireless
Router to Access Point
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The MR814v2 wireless router can
often be purchased for $40 or less. The wireless access point cost much
more. It is possible to use the hub/wireless features of the MR814v2
without using the router part.
I already had a router when I bought the MR814v2. I really just
wanted the wireless and hub section. DLSREPORTS has some user
experiences converting the MR814v2 to a wireless access point. I used
these as a starting point for my conversion. Following screen
shots show my configuration. You must be logged into the MR814v2 as
admin to make the changes.
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Basic settings
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This is
the basic settings page presented when you browse http://192.168.0.1.
No internet connection settings are needed since the MR814v2 is
operated as an access point. Click Apply after you have made the
changes.
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Wireless settings.
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When
configuring the wireless settings it is important to set the SSID,
disable broadcast, enable 128-bit encryption and generate a security
key. These settings will help keep un-authorized people from using your
wireless network. Apply the settings after making all the changes -
remember to change your wireless devices to use the same SSID,
Encryption, and security key.
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Lan Settings
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This was
the most confusing part of the setup. The MR814v2 would report an error
unless I set acceptable IP address and DHCP address's even though I had
DHCP disabled. My router is at 192.168.0.1 and my home network DHCP
starts at 192.168.0.100. I chose an address for the MR814v2 which would
be addressable by my home network but out of the home network DHCP
range. I configured the MR814v2 DHCP range so I could get past the
error message. Once you Apply the settings you will need to
reconnect using http://192.168.0.19.
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WAN settings
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The only change I
made on this configuration page was to disable automatic WAN connect.
Since I already have a router I do not need the MR814v2 connecting to
the WAN.
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Schematic of my home network
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My home network
starts with SBC DSL WIreSpeed modem. Next I have a D-Link 704 router. I
have a white box, Compaq, and iMac connected to the D-Link. The NetGear
MR814v2 wireless router has a white box connected to it. My
wireless devices are Acer travelmate notebooks with NetGear MA401
cards. The MR814v2 is a better router than the D-Link 704, however I
need the wireless access at the opposite end of my home.
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