ASUS RT-AC51U Repeater Mode - Padavan

[paulod]

Hi,
Complete noob here so go easy on me
I have a RT-AC51U that I want to use as a repeater to extend my wifi into the garden.
There isn't an option in stock firmware however a bit of googling led me to install Padavan firmware 3.4.3.9 -099 which I read allowed repeater mode but the option still isn't there.
Is it possible to use this router as a wireless repeater or should I bin it and purchase something that works out the box.
Thanks

 

[Emanuel]

Hello, just saw this and might as well answer it since ppl might come here from the router name and repeater mode.

Stock firmware support your interest just fine in my opinion.

Press "flag+r" on the keyboard. Type "cmd" and press enter. Type "ipconfig" in the window and press enter. Now you see standard-gateway, something like "192.168.0.1". Type this in you browser and press enter. Now logg on. The username is usually "admin" but the password can change so i suggest using google to find the default password (type "asus rt-ac51u default password"). Now you go to the advanced tab and press wireless>wds. WDS stands for wireless distribution system, synonymous to repeater.

Follow the on-screen steps 1-4.

Success.

If you can draw an Ethernet cable too this device you're much better of using the function access point (ap-mode) instead of repeater mode. If this is an option then follow these steps instead of the above.

Follow the above steps until you are logged in to the router in a webbrowser. Now go to the administration>operation mode folder.

Press access point (ap-mode) and follow the on-screen steps.

Change your wifi ssid (the text that shows up when you want to connect). This can be done in General>networkmap>systemstatus>networkname(ssid). Change it to the same as your original wifi, do the same with the password. Now it should work as an access point making your wifi-coverage better in that area around the asus rt-ac51u without the drawback of slower network speeds as you get for using it as a repeater.

 

[paulod]

Thanks for the reply, I gave up and bought a small Belkin repeater which has done the job for me but handy to know this for future reference.
Cheers

 

[SwedishMeatball]

The WDS in the stock firmware seems to require an open network for the AP-AP link, so it was useless for me. The Padavan firmware, available (when I write this) at http://rt-n56u.soulblader.com/files/current/RT-AC51U/ , has an excellent bridge mode ("AP-Client + AP") that can act as the WAN connection and even lets you bridge while still using the same frequency for normal connections.

 

[vergil300]

The WDS in the stock firmware seems to require an open network for the AP-AP link, so it was useless for me. The Padavan firmware, available (when I write this) at http://rt-n56u.soulblader.com/files/current/RT-AC51U/ , has an excellent bridge mode ("AP-Client + AP") that can act as the WAN connection and even lets you bridge while still using the same frequency for normal connections.

Hey, how did you configure this in the end?
I have a RT-AC51U and want it as a repeater upstairs and their wasn't an option on the base firmware. Installed the Padavan firmware all ok.
Chose the "AP-Client + AP" mode, set the channel same as router, and put in AP mode. I then set the SSID and passwords the same but if I connect to the AC51U manually I still get no internet access...? Any help would be great, thanks.