Enabling DHCP/DNS server(s) in AP mode

[Simon W]

Hello,

I run a AC3200 (Merlin) currently in Access Point (AP) mode - my previous setup was using a Draytek and, rather than reconfiguring everything, I took the easy (/lazy!) option of simply disabling the wireless on the Draytek and using the Asus in AP mode. Might get round to migrating the config one day, however..

Up until now I'm using another box for DHCP and DNS, however I now want to get rid of this. Ideally I'd have the AC3200 take over these responsibilities - though it seems because I have it in AP mode the option to enable this via the GUI isn't exposed (the AP explainer text notes that by default DHCP etc will be disabled in AP mode, however my issue is that I can't seem to manually enable it).

Any ideas/suggestions? Am I just being blind? An option that could be included in future firmware releases?

Thanks.

 

[Simon W]

As a follow-up question: if I change the "Operation Mode" from AP to Router mode, does this reset everything / start a config. wizard, or is this something I can have a quick play with (recognising they'll be conflicts on my network etc) before easily switching back if I decide it's more than a half-hours job to fully reconfigure/test etc? Thanks again.

 

[ColinTaylor]

If you want to check out changes to the configuration then the best/easiest way is to backup the entire configuration first through the web interface. Then it's pretty easy to just reload the config and reboot to get back to where you were.

Regarding DHCP/DNS in AP mode, it can't be done (well not without custom scripting). It's been asked about before, but I don't see this ever becoming an option through the web interface. It's too much of a departure from the fundamental design of the unit.

 

[thelonelycoder]

I have a follow up question regarding dnsmasq.

There are four operation modes available, depending on LAN setup.
In nvram these are the sw_mode 1-3:

Router: sw_mode: 1, wlc_express: 0, wlc_psta: 0

Repeater: sw_mode: 2, wlc_express: 0, wlc_psta: 0
Express Way 2.4 GHz: sw_mode: 2, wlc_express: 1, wlc_psta: 0
Express Way 5 GHz: sw_mode: 2, wlc_express: 2, wlc_psta: 0

AP mode: sw_mode: 3, wlc_express: 0, wlc_psta: 0

Media Bridge: sw_mode: 3, wlc_express: 0, wlc_psta: 1

My testing conclusions are that dnsmasq only works in Router Mode (sw_mode:1).
The other three, Repeater, AP and Media Bridge mode rely on the upstream DHCP server and local DHCP (and dnsmasq) is disabled or not used.
In AP mode, dnsmasq is not started (as OP found out), as Repeater or MB it is started but not used.
Is this correct?