Gl-b1300 extender/wds?

[klaberte]

I have two gl-b1300 (actually more than two, the others are all set up as APs with a wired connection to the main router). I wish to have one wired b1300 act as an AP (I’ll call b1300-AP), and the second b1300, act as an extender (of some sort, still unclear to me). This second b1300 I will call b1300-ext. There is no way (at present) to connect the two b1300’s by wire. The extender b1300 will live in my garage, which is in wireless range of the b1300-AP, but the signal in the garage is weak, and I wish to make it stronger in the garage. Both are running v3.X gl-inet firmware.

It seems that relevant settings can be found in the main Internet Panel as well as the Network Mode under More Settings. Also, it seems that the b1300-ext can have its own SSID distinct from the b1300-AP, but if you set b1300-ext SSID to be the same as b1300-AP, does that provide for a seamless transition between the two b1300’s, should the client move closer to one or the other?

Can someone write (or point me to) a clear how-to accomplish this?

[will.qiu]

Hi

You may try using Mesh to achieve a seamless Wi-Fi roaming experience.
The tutorial is as follows: Mesh - GL.iNet Router Docs 3

Please note that this feature is only supported in v3.x firmware; it has been removed in v4.x.

[klaberte]

Has Mesh mode been improved since the last time I tried it?

B1300 Mesh

This is yet another thread on mesh mode for the B1300. In short, it is getting closer, but in my experience, it is not well enough documentation or logging to give me a lot of confidence. That said, I would say it is working. Despite advice to the contrary, I got nowhere until I did a full factory reset of both the Master and all of the Clients. I left the Master in its default mode, not changing the password, the SSID, or the subdomain, i.e. left the Master at 192.168.8.1. I was able to pa…

[will.qiu]

Since your last post, the GL-B1300 has received several firmware improvements and upgrades.

However, the Mesh functionality has been deprecated in the v4.x firmware version, and this device is now End-of-Life (EOL).

You can find the full details regarding software support and hardware availability in our official notice here:

Convexa-B (GL-B1300) – Product End of Life Notice

[klaberte]

I’m glad I asked.
But can you answer the actual question? How does one set up WDS using a pair of B1300 devices (which are still supported through 2027)? Of for that matter, any two Gl inet devices…

[will.qiu]

WDS is a wireless backhaul technology similar to Extender, not a roaming technology.
You can configure it in Network mode, but the Wi-Fi client device may not be able to roam seamlessly between two SSIDs with same name.

More Settings - GL.iNet Router Docs 3

[klaberte]

OK, we are making progress.

This official video says that an extender setup begins with the Internet tab, scanning using the Repeater section of the Internet Tab. But then there are the configs in Network mode. What added value do these options bring? These are not well documented.Do you need to set things up in both places? If yes, what is the best practice procedure?

[will.qiu]

The video link was not attached, so I cannot confirm the specific one you are referring to. However, it likely demonstrates the recommended configuration for first-time users, which is meant as a guide rather than a mandatory requirement.

You can configure the device based on your specific needs. There is no required sequence; you can set up Repeater mode first or go directly to the Network Mode settings to enable Extender/WDS mode.

Here is a the technical differences between these modes:

• Repeater Mode (under Router Mode): The router connects to the upstream network via Wi-Fi but creates its own separate subnet . It acts as a gateway, managing DHCP, DNS, and firewall services for all its connected clients.
• Extender/WDS Mode: The router connects to the upstream network via Wi-Fi but does not create a separate subnet. It acts as a transparent bridge, forwarding all client traffic to the primary router, which handles DHCP and DNS for the entire network.

[klaberte]

[klaberte]

Are you saying that If my goal is to have Extender mode, I need to first set the internet tab source to my upstream SSID?

[klaberte]

Actually, the v4 documents do a much better job explaining the various Network modes: Network Mode - GL.iNet Router Docs 4

From what I now understand, the only reason you would select Repeater mode is if you intend to leave the device in Router Mode (in Network Mode). This would create a separate subnet for those connected to the repeater. If you want Extender or WDS, no need to mess with the Internet tab/repeater settings. Does this sound right?

[will.qiu]

Yes, your understanding is correct.

@klaberte

From what I now understand, the only reason you would select Repeater mode is if you intend to leave the device in Router Mode (in Network Mode). This would create a separate subnet for those connected to the repeater. If you want Extender or WDS, no need to mess with the Internet tab/repeater settings. Does this sound right?