t-mobile Cellspot - How best to utilize it if I have an AC68 already

[Doctt]

Dear all experts,

I own an AC68 and recently got a T-mobile cellspot (which is based on AC68)

I first try to flash the T-mobile cellspot and turn it into a repeater. However, after much research, I realize that the latest build of the cellspot are locked and it will take a lot of effort to flash it with the stock firmware and risk bricking it(There is no "repeater mode" in the cellspot under the t-mobile FW)

here are the questions:

1) Instead of using the cellspot as a repeater, I am thinking about turning it into my main router and config my own AC68 as a repeater. For those who has experience with the cellsport, is it a good idea? (I mainly use the router as a pure wifi router. Don't really need any special features other than USB sharing). I know some features are disable in the cellspot (e.g. dual WAN). I don't really care about those missing features

2) I compare the setting between my AC68 and the cellspot. here are the main differences. All these setting in my AC68 are default setting:

• Radius Setting - server IP address = 127.0.0.1; server port=1814; Connection secret = **masked password**
• DHCP Server - Domain name = T-mobile.com; IP Pool Starting = 192.168.29.100; IP Pooling Ending = 192.168.29.254
• UPnP - Disable
  

I think the Radius Setting and DHCP server has something to do with the T-mobile service communication in order to lock the cellspot.

3) Is it safe for me to change it back to the default setting just like my AC68? What is the risk to do it?

Sorry for all these questions and thanks in advance for your help

-- Newbie in the wifi world

 

[Doctt]

I really appreciate if someone can assist me on this. thanks

 

[CaptainSTX]

Are you sure you can't put it into the AP mode? That is how I am running mine with the stock T Mobil firmware. Allows me to make and receive calls using WiFi in my building where cell service is weak.

 

[Doctt]

Thanks for your reply.

Yes, it can run AP mode. the option is available.

However, I am not sure I follow your question. Are you suggesting to turn the 2nd router as AP? How can I do it if I can't wire the 2 routers together?

thanks

 

[RussellInCincinnati]

Dear all experts,

I own an AC68 and recently got a T-mobile cellspot (which is based on AC68)

I first try to flash the T-mobile cellspot and turn it into a repeater. However, after much research, I realize that the latest build of the cellspot are locked and it will take a lot of effort to flash it with the stock firmware and risk bricking it(There is no "repeater mode" in the cellspot under the t-mobile FW)

here are the questions:

1) Instead of using the cellspot as a repeater, I am thinking about turning it into my main router and config my own AC68 as a repeater.

Yes, (am not an expert but) that would be the path of least resistance. Use the mighty TMobile router as your primary WiFi transmitter, and use a Merlin-equipped router as a repeater. There is nothing terrible about the TMobile firmware, for example Samba file sharing works quite well (up to 70 megs per second with a Patriot Magnum EXT2 format flash drive). Hmm late breaking news, not clear to me the vulnerability, or significance really, of the new LAN-side vulnerability in your Tmobile router that RMerlin is just dealing with in early January 2015.

If you are in a crowded area, the more wireless transmitters you have, the more likely it is you can use 5 gigahertz for everything, and/or reduce wireless signal strength. Which is great for other folks around you, who may for example have to muddle along in the 2.4 gigahertz dungeons.