Configuring the DWL-2100AP in bridge mode

The D-Link DWL-2100AP access point is the product of the world's most famous network equipment manufacturer. The device is aimed at those consumers who need to get something more than just an access point operating in the 802.11g standard. This is how the manufacturer positioned its solution at the time of release of the device for sale.

It is worth noting the high quality of the solution, as well as its wide functionality, which allows it to successfully perform various tasks in computer networks today.

The popularity of DWL-2100AP

It should be noted that, although to date, the access point D-Link DWL-2100AP is a morally obsolete product, its capabilities are generally satisfied by a huge number of users who impose on the device the performance of quite a variety of tasks. A wide range of available functions, as well as a fairly simple procedure for setting up the DWL-2100AP, made this access point really popular and this product is in demand today, even in the market of used equipment.

Solution Advantages

The list of modes, as well as their configuration in the DWL-2100AP, will be discussed below, first we should dwell on some of the "highlights" of the model. So, the main advantages of the access point are support for the Multi-SSID function, as well as the "turbo" IEEE 802.1g protocol.

Among other things, the manufacturer managed to increase the performance by applying special optimization methods when using ether, in particular, data compression, and also introducing into the device the possibility to expand the frequency range in which the DWL-2100AP operates.

These technologies for their time were really revolutionary, and even after long years of operation, the points make it possible to create a fast and stable wireless network at home and in enterprises.

Initial setting

Before proceeding with the configuration of the DWL-2100AP, it is necessary to update the device software. During the life cycle of the device, the firmware was repeatedly updated by the manufacturer, which expanded functionality, and also simplified the process of user interaction with the device. In addition, the stability of the work of the solution and tools for its tuning increased. In particular, improvements have been made to the web interface and Windows configurator. The latest firmware versions are always available for download on the official D-Link website and the first thing to do is download the firmware file of the latest version and then install it to the access point.

Firmware

To carry out the firmware update, as well as other operations aimed at setting up the DWL-2100AP, you need to perform only a few steps. You need to connect the access point using the patch cord to the computer, and then go the following way.

Update Instructions

It is worth noting that when the firmware is configured, the DWL-2100AP is not reset, so you can perform manipulations without worrying about the consequences if the device was configured earlier.

1. We go to the web interface.
2. Go to the Tools tab and select Firmware.
3. Then click on the "Browse" button, located near the Update File field.
4. Specify the configurator path to the pre-downloaded file with the firmware in the Explorer window and click OK.
5. After the above, the data will be loaded into the internal memory of the device.
6. In the automatic mode, the System tab will open, after which it will only be necessary to press the Restart button, which will cause the device to reboot.
7. Thus, we get an updated version of the access point software. The configuration of the firmware is almost complete.
8. After replacing the firmware, it is advisable to update the configurator. The latest versions of the tuning tool are also available for download from D-Link servers. Links to them can be found on the official website of the company.

Ways to configure

The tools used to configure the D-Link DWL-2100AP are represented by a configurator functioning from under Windows, a web interface, and telnet capabilities.

Managing the settings via telnet or the web interface is possible after the appropriate IP address is set using the Windows configurator. Only using the latter makes it possible to detect an access point in an Ethernet network when using any IP addressing. And it is the configurator that allows you to set the required IP address for the DWL-2100AP. It would be superfluous to recall that the default IP address for the model in question is 192.168.0.50.

Which tool to choose?

It should be noted that the methods discussed above are characterized by different functionality. A complete list of DWL-2100AP settings can only be accessed by those users who use telnet. Most of the possible parameters are available for modification via the web interface. As for the Windows configurator, this solution will not even allow you to select some of the operating modes. Therefore, when configuring the DWL-2100AP router, it is recommended that you first refer to the Windows configurator's capabilities for setting the IP address, and then proceed to the configuration procedure via the web interface. The telnet capabilities can be used by advanced users to solve complex tasks.

Council. A very convenient and time-saving configuration is the use of the D-Link DWL-2100AP setup wizard, which can be launched from the web interface as soon as you log in.

Operating modes D-Link DWL-2100AP

So, by setting the access point to the desired IP address through the Windows configurator, you can access the web interface features of the model to configure the most commonly used modes of operation. These modes are represented by an access point, a bridge, a client and a repeater.

Default mode

By default, the access point operates in the same mode. The Access Point mode is used when necessary to create a wireless coverage, having at its disposal a network built using cables. To configure the mode, you need to determine on the LAN tab how the access point will receive the IP address. Available options are Static, written manually, and Dynamic, obtained by a point from the network automatically. Then you define the wireless settings, represented by the definition of the wireless network name (SSID), the choice of the type of encryption, the setting of the password, and so on. Changing all these, as well as some other options, is available on the Wireless tab.

Bridge

One of the most popular features of the DWL-2100AP is the use of the "bridge" mode. This mode allows you to combine several local networks by using the capabilities of two or more wireless access points to interact with each other. As for the DWL-2100AP, you configure the access point in bridge mode after you go to the Advanced tab and press the Mode button on the left side of the setup page. Then we select one of the two versions of the operation of the mode in question by setting the appropriate check box in the checkbox:

• PtP Bridge. This version is used to connect only two networks (i.e. access points). In this embodiment, the wireless bridge is only able to function if the second point of the DWL-2100AP is present on the network.
• PtMP Bridge. In this variant, it is possible to connect multiple networks to each other. At the same time, there must also be a DWL-2100AP in every wireless network.

After adding the MAC address of the root access point, save the settings with the Apply button. After the device is rebooted, the Bridge mode will be configured.

Client

This mode of operation allows you to connect to any wireless network in the reach of the access point. For the DWL-2100AP, the client configuration is very simple - with the help of the Advaced tab in the web interface and the Mode button. After selecting the AP Client mode, you must enter the MAC address of the root access point, save the settings and reboot the custom device.

Repeater

Repeater mode (repeater) makes it possible to simply relay a signal propagated by another (root) access point, thereby expanding the coverage of the wireless network. Like the other modes in the DWL-2100AP, the repeater is tuned after the Advanced-Mode path. Then select AP Repeater from the list of modes, and enter the MAC address of the root access point. Again, do not forget about the need to save the changes with the button Apply and restart the DWL-2100AP.

Conclusion

As we see, even relatively outdated products of the high-tech industry are sometimes able to successfully carry out the tasks assigned to them. DWL-2100AP - in some way an amazing product. This can be seen only once familiar with the opportunities that this access point provides its users. The configuration of the device discussed above usually does not cause any difficulties even for a user who does not have deep knowledge in the field of computer networks. It is important only to correctly determine the tasks and choose the mode of operation.