DD-WRT Router Setup

The FlashRouters Privacy App makes setting up a wireless guest network easier than ever so you can have automatic VPN and ISP connections in your home for any device.

If you have a Dual-band or Tri-Band router you can setup a WiFi Guest Network on any band you like, creating a separate VLAN (virtual local area network) for your visitors, or in order to segment your VPN networks. We recommend using the 2.4GHz network for your DD-WRT Guest Wireless Network so it is compatible with the most possible WiFi devices. Setting up a guest network for visitors in your home allows you to keep them off of your main WiFi network.

We recommend performing this setup while connected to the FlashRouter via ethernet cable. If your computer does not have an ethernet port and you must proceed via wireless connection to the FlashRouter. Be sure to pay attention to the wireless connection as you may need to rejoin the FlashRouter’s network after making changes.

1. Click the FlashRouters Privacy App logo and in the dropdown select Simple Setup.

1. Under the 2.4GHz or 5GHz Interface click the + button.

1. Set the WiFi Name (SSID) field to the desired name for your Guest Network.
2. Set the WiFi Password field to the wireless password required to join your Guest Network.
3. The DNS Server field is automatically set to 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS). You can change this field to any DNS server you desire or leave it as is.

Click the Apply and Reboot button on the bottom of the page when your desired settings are entered. Be patient as the FlashRouter fully reboots, which can take a few minutes. Keep in mind that if you performed these steps while connected to wireless you may need to rejoin the network.

Policy routing by Network allows for you to assign either the main network or the new guest network to bypass the VPN connection and connect directly to ISP. This is a great solution for when streaming websites block the incoming VPN connection.

Once your guest network is set to bypass the VPN connection by following the Policy Routing by Network guide linked above, in the DNS Server field associated with your Guest Network you may add a SmartDNS server of a SmartDNS service you are signed up for to be used specifically on the new Guest Network.

Typically SmartDNS and VPN connections can not be made on a single router however with the FlashRouters Privacy App you can set your Guest Network to bypass the VPN connection making it able to have simultaneous VPN and SmartDNS connections all in one FlashRouter.

1. Follow the steps above to create a Guest Network
2. In DNS Server field enter the SmartDNS server provided to you by your SmartDNS provider.
3. Click Apply and Reboot.
4. Once the FlashRouter has booted back up access the FlashRouters Privacy App once again and select Options.
5. Select Networks.
6. In the Action dropdown for your Guest Network select VPN-Off.
7. Click Apply at the bottom of the page.
8. Then follow the steps to register your IP Address in your SmartDNS provider’s account area.

If you would like to prevent visitors from connecting to your main WiFi network then you can create a separate Guest Network that will prevent access to the main router. This setup also allows you to create different rules for different WiFi SSID’s in your home ranging from QoS controls, access restrictions, VPN network segmentation, and more.

If you have a Dual-band or Tri-Band router you can setup a WiFi Guest Network, creating a separate VLAN (virtual local area network) for your visitors, or in order to segment your VPN networks on any band you like. We recommend using the 2.4GHz network for your DD-WRT Guest Wireless Network so it is compatible with the most possible WiFi devices. Setting up a guest network for visitors in your home allows you to keep them off of your main WiFi network.

We recommend performing this setup while connected to the FlashRouter via ethernet cable. If your computer does not have an ethernet port and you must proceed via wireless connection to the FlashRouter. Be sure to pay attention to the wireless connection as you may need to rejoin the FlashRouter’s network after making changes.

Under the 2.4GHz or 5GHz Interface click the Add button.

CLICK SAVE

1. Duplicate the wireless security settings that are set for the other bands for the newly created virtual interface.
2. Click Apply Settings.
3. Reboot your router.

1. Scroll to the very bottom of the page and under DHCPD click Add.
2. Select wl0.1 or ath1.1 depending on your router model.
3. Click Apply Settings.
4. Reboot your router.

1. Click the Backup button.
2. A file named nvrambak.bin will be saved to your computer.
3. You can load nvrambak.bin to restore your settings in the event of a reset.

If you would like to prevent visitors from connecting to your main WiFi network then you can create a Bridged Guest Network that will prevent access to the main router. This setup also allows you to create different rules for different WiFi SSID’s in your home ranging from QoS controls, access restrictions, VPN network segmentation, and more.

If you have a Dual-band or Tri-Band router you can setup a WiFi Guest Network, creating a separate VLAN (virtual local area network) for your visitors, or in order to segment your VPN networks on any band you like. We recommend using the 2.4GHz network for your DD-WRT Guest Wireless Network so it is compatible with the most possible WiFi devices. Setting up a guest network for visitors in your home allows you to keep them off of your main WiFi network.

We recommend performing this setup while connected to the FlashRouter via ethernet cable. If your computer does not have an ethernet port and you must proceed via wireless connection to the FlashRouter pay attention to the wireless connection as you may need to rejoin the FlashRouter’s network after making changes.

1. Under the 2.4GHz or 5GHz Interface click the Add button.
2. In the Wireless Network Name (SSID) field enter the unique network name of the guest network.
3. Click Save.

1. Duplicate the wireless security settings that are set for the other bands for the newly created virtual interface.
2. Click Apply Settings.
3. Reboot your router.

1. Under Create Bridge click Add. Name the newly created bridge br1.
2. Click Apply Settings

1. Under Assign to Bridge select br1 from the Assignment dropdown. Select wl1.1 or ath1.1 depending on your router model.
2. Click Apply Settings.

1. Under Network Configuration br1 select Enable for Forced DNS Redirection.
2. Set Optional DNS Target to 208.67.220.220
3. Set IP Address to 192.168.12.1
4. Set Subnet Mask to 255.255.255.0
5. Click Apply Settings.

1. Under Multiple DHCP Server click Add.
2. Set the first dropdown to br1.
3. Click Apply Settings.
4. Reboot your router.

1. Copy the fire script from below and paste into the empty Commands shell
2. Click Save Firewall.
3. Wait one minute and then reboot your router.

You will now have a working Bridged Guest Network on the FlashRouter. By inputting the firewall rules, this will also prevent any guests on your network from gaining access to your router settings.

1. Click the Backup button.
2. A file named nvrambak.bin will be saved to your computer.
3. You can load nvrambak.bin to restore your settings in the event of a reset.

FlashRouters supports four unique DD-WRT wireless extender setups – options similar to an open source Mesh network. Each different wireless extender configuration serves a different purpose. Read below to see which guide fits your configuration requirements!

1. If you have a MiFi wireless only internet connection or other type of WiFi internet where there is no access to any ethernet port for a wired internet connection, then you can setup a wireless repeater network to both extend WiFi and add wired connection capabilities.
2. If you have a large home or office area that requires additional WiFi coverage can use a wireless repeater setup to extend the existing network.
3. If you want to create a separate VPN WiFi network in your home without placing the FlashRouter in the same room as your primary router you can use wireless repeater to establish a WiFi internet connection and then connect to VPN on your WiFi repeater network.
4. If you want a wireless Dual Router setup option where you can have local ISP IP address through your main router WiFi network and your VPN IP address through your FlashRouter Wireless Repeater WiFi network, both available for you to connect at all times. Each network is on a unique subnet.

View the FlashRouter Wireless Repeater Setup Guide.

Wireless Repeater Bridge Setup

1. Anyone that needs all their devices connected to the same local network.
2. Anyone with a MiFi internet connection that does not have an ethernet port and has no need for VPN.
3. Anyone with a large wireless area that requires additional coverage.

Wireless Client Bridge Setup

1. Anyone with a MiFi internet connection that needs wired access.
2. Anyone that needs additional wired ports instead of using a switch.
3. Anyone with wired only devices in their home that are too far from your main router.

Wireless Access Point DHCP Forwarder Setup

1. Anyone that needs their devices connected to the same local network and wants lossless LAN to LAN speeds via wireless and ethernet connection.
2. Anyone that wants to use their main router to provide DHCP to their router instead of having an additional DHCP server.

If you need to extend your wireless and wired connection capabilities, you can setup a FlashRouter as a Wireless Repeater. In Wireless Repeater mode the FlashRouter connects to your main router via WiFi and then creates a completely separate network segment for you. This new “repeater” network then transmits your internet signal via FlashRouter LAN ports for wired internet access while also creating a new Wireless Extender network that will expand your wireless network range throughout your home or office just like a mesh network.

To connect your FlashRouter wirelessly to your existing wireless network you will need the Wireless Network Name (SSID) and Wireless Password of the existing wireless network that you will repeat. Verify and note this information.

1. Set SPI Firewall to Disable.
2. Click Save.

Select Add in the Virtual Interface area.

In the Wireless Physical Interface settings for the 2.4GHz network set the Wireless Mode to Repeater.

Change the Wireless Network Name (SSID) to match exactly with the Wireless Network Name of the network that you will repeat.

In the Virtual Interfaces settings change the Wireless Network Name (SSID) to FlashRouter24 or any other unique SSID.

CLICK SAVE

1. Duplicate the wireless security settings that are set for the other bands for the newly created virtual interface.
2. Change the WPA Shared Key to match exactly with the Wireless Password of the network that you will repeat.
3. Click Apply Settings.

In the top right hand corner of the DD-WRT you should see the WAN IP change from 0.0.0.0 to an actual IP Address. Once this changes navigate to any website to test your Internet connection.

1. Click the Backup button.
2. A file named nvrambak.bin will be saved to your computer.
3. You can load nvrambak.bin to restore your settings in the event of a reset.

If you need to extend your connection capabilities and you are not able to wire directly into your main router, you can setup a FlashRouter as a Wireless Repeater Bridge. In Wireless Repeater Bridge mode the FlashRouter connects to your main router on the same subnet via WiFi, and then transmits your internet signal via the FlashRouter for internet access anywhere in your home or office.

In order to setup your FlashRouter as a Wireless Repeater Bridge, you will need the exact SSID and password of your existing wireless network. Make sure you have this information before proceeding.

Locate the Local IP Address of the existing router that the FlashRouter will be bridged to.

1. Set SPI Firewall to Disable.
2. Uncheck all boxes except for Filter Multicast.
3. Click Save.

1. Set DNSmasq to Disable.
2. Click Save.

Select Add in the Virtual Interface area.

In the Wireless Physical Interface settings for the 2.4GHz network set the Wireless Mode to Repeater Bridge.

Change the Wireless Network Name (SSID) to match exactly with the Wireless Network Name of the network that you will bridge to.

In the Virtual Interfaces settings change the Wireless Network Name (SSID) to FlashRouter24 or any other unique SSID.

CLICK SAVE

1. Duplicate the wireless security settings that are set for the other bands for the newly created virtual interface.
2. Change the WPA Shared Key to match exactly with the Wireless Password of the network that you will bridge to.
3. Click Save.

1. Set the Local IP Address to a different address on the same subnet as the existing network that you noted early. (example: if the existing network is 192.168.1.1 then set the Local IP Address to 192.168.1.2)
2. Set the Gateway to the Local IP Address of the existing network. (example: 192.168.1.1)
3. Set the Local DNS to the Local IP Address of the existing network. (example: 192.168.1.1)
4. Click Save.

1. Set the Operating Mode to Router.
2. Click Apply Settings.

Power off the FlashRouter for 30 seconds and then power it back on. When it boots back up you will be able to access the FlashRouter’s settings at the new Local IP Address that you set. Your existing network and the FlashRouter’s network will now be bridged wirelessly.

1. Click the Backup button.
2. A file named nvrambak.bin will be saved to your computer.
3. You can load nvrambak.bin to restore your settings in the event of a reset.

If you need to extend your wired connection capabilities and you are not able to wire directly into your main router, you can setup a FlashRouter as a Wireless Client Bridge. In Wireless Client Bridge mode the FlashRouter connects to your main router via WiFi, and then transmits your internet signal via the FlashRouter LAN ports for wired internet access anywhere in your home or office.

In order to setup your FlashRouter as a Wireless Client Bridge, you will need the exact SSID and password of your existing wireless network. Make sure you have this information before proceeding.

Locate the Local IP Address of the existing router that the FlashRouter will be bridged to.

1. Set SPI Firewall to Disable.
2. Uncheck all boxes except for Filter Multicast.
3. Click Save.

1. Set DNSmasq to Disable.
2. Click Save.

1. In the Wireless Physical Interface settings for the 2.4GHz network set the Wireless Mode to Client Bridge.
2. Change the Wireless Network Name (SSID) to match exactly with the Wireless Network Name of the network that you will bridge to.
3. Click Save.

1. Change the WPA Shared Key to match exactly with the Wireless Password of the network that you will bridge to.
2. Click Save.

1. Set the Local IP Address to a different address on the same subnet as the existing network that you noted early. (example: if the existing network is 192.168.1.1 then set the Local IP Address to 192.168.1.2)
2. Set the Gateway to the Local IP Address of the existing network. (example: 192.168.1.1)
3. Set the Local DNS to the Local IP Address of the existing network. (example: 192.168.1.1)
4. Click Apply Settings.

Power off the FlashRouter for 30 seconds and then power it back on. When it boots back up you will be able to access the FlashRouter’s settings at the new Local IP Address that you set. Your existing network and the FlashRouter’s network will now be bridged wirelessly.

Your FlashRouter is now providing wired connection access to your main router network. Wireless connections to the FlashRouter are disabled in this setup.

1. Click the Backup button.
2. A file named nvrambak.bin will be saved to your computer.
3. You can load nvrambak.bin to restore your settings in the event of a reset.

A Wireless Access Point is a setup that has the FlashRouter using an existing network’s DHCP instead of assigning its own. The FlashRouter’s WAN/Internet port should be not be connected to your modem or other router while performing this setup.

Locate the Local IP Address of the existing router that the FlashRouter will be bridged to.

1. Set SPI Firewall to Disable.
2. Click Save.

1. Set DNSmasq to Disable.
2. Click Save.

1. Set the Local IP Address to a different address on the same subnet as the existing network that you noted early. (example: if the existing network is 192.168.1.1 then set the Local IP Address to 192.168.1.2)
2. Set the Gateway to the Local IP Address of the existing network. (example: 192.168.1.1)
3. Set the Local DNS to the Local IP Address of the existing network. (example: 192.168.1.1)
4. Click Save.

1. Set the DHCP Type to DHCP Forwarder.
2. Click Save.

1. Set the Operating Mode to Router.
2. Click Apply Settings.

• Power off the FlashRouter for 30 seconds and connect from the other router’s LAN port to one of the FlashRouter’s LAN port then power it back on.  When it boots back up you will be able to access the FlashRouter’s settings at the new Local IP Address that you set.

1. Click the Backup button.
2. A file named nvrambak.bin will be saved to your computer.
3. You can load nvrambak.bin to restore your settings in the event of a reset.