Another WiFi network as a source of internet

[mocnak]

Hi forum,
let me start with with what I have, then what I'd like to achieve:
at home I use ASUS RT-AX86U Pro with OpenVPN server running. My previous router, RT-AC86U Pro I've set up as OpenVPN client, and when I travel, I take it with me - when it starts it automatically conencts home and me & my family can access everything like we'd be able at home network.
All of that works, as long as I can connect my RT-AC86U Pro to internet RJ45 ethernet cable while we stay at some accomodation. As you can imagine, not all, actually very few offers this.
We'll be travelling soon, and we'd like to stay connected to my home network - I don't really know whether router will be physically accessible at our accomodation.

Now the question: how I can connect to another WiFi network with my RT-AC86U Pro, and use this network as a source of internet ?

In the web settings of AX86U Pro, under administration / Operation mode, I can see options 'Repeater mode' and 'Media Bridge'. Can one of those modes be used for my purpose ? If so, which one ?
It seems to me that 'Media Bridge' mode is the one for my needs, although the description there confuses me:
---In Media Bridge mode, only wireless devices connect to the P-AP. Client devices need to be connected to the Media Bridge with a network cable.---
will OpenVPN client work in such mode ?
see attachment

has anyone made it work yet ? Surely I am not the only one whith such request ..

 

[ColinTaylor]

Your Asus routers don't support WISP mode, which is what you're asking for. There are numerous posts asking this same question. Search for posts on "travel routers" or "hotel routers".

P.S. Are you sure you have a RT-AC86U Pro?

 

[Tech9]

my RT-AC86U Pro

There is no RT-AC86U Pro model...

connect to another WiFi network

No, this feature is called WISP and is available on travel routers only. Asus have RT-AX57 Go model, GL.iNet have multiple.

Can one of those modes be used for my purpose ?

No, Repeater is exactly what is says, Media Bridge is wireless-to-wired LAN only clients. Unrelated to what you need to do.

 

[mocnak]

thanks a lot for very quick response. And yes, it's RT-AC86U without Pro

 

[Tech9]

Many to choose from here:

GL.iNet Travel AC Router

Keep your Internet connection private with multiple VPN protocols support. GL.iNet duan-band travel routers provide you with the best encryption and authentication.

store.gl-inet.com

This company makes such products for quite some time. Good quality and not expensive.

The one from Asus:

RT-AX57 Go｜WiFi Routers｜ASUS Canada

ASUS has a range of wireless routers suitable for every purpose. Whether it's for your home, for business trips, or for any other need or environment, there's an ASUS router for you.

www.asus.com

Not much experience with this model around here on SNB Forums.

 

[sfx2000]

This company makes such products for quite some time. Good quality and not expensive.

AXT1800 is quite nice - and still reasonably affordable...

https://www.amazon.com/GL-iNet-GL-AXT1800-Pocket-Sized-Extender-Repeater/dp/B0B2J7WSDK/?tag=snbforums-20

I have this model, and it's my travel device - it's desktop class performance you can put in your pocket (as long as your pocket is a bit on the bigger side, just kidding) - the stock firmware supports most VPN providers, they do a good job on 4g/5g tethered support for phones, and as mentioned, WISP (WiFi as WAN).

Feature set goes for most of their devices, but the AXT1800 is really at a nice cross between performance and price. As a side bonus, it's pretty mature, one of their first WiFi6 devices, so it's had time to get sorted...

 

[Tech9]

I have one older Slate AC-class travel router and it's more like... single room performance. Good enough for the purpose though.