SBG6700-AC (v8.6.x): Wireless Bridging Setup

If a wireless device is too distant to establish a connection with the SBG6700-AC directly, an additional wireless access point can be configured to extend the range of the network.  This setup allows devices to connect to the SBG6700-AC that would normally be too distant to connect.  Wireless bridging is disabled by default.  This document describes how to enable and configure wireless bridging.

Functional Overview

First, the SBG6700-AC is configured as the main base station, and configured with a list of remote base stations that are allowed to establish a wireless connection to the SBG6700-AC.  Next, the wireless access point is configured to function as a remote base station and is configured to connect to the SBG6700-AC.  Finally, the wireless access point establishes a wireless connection with the SBG6700-AC.

The client who is distant from the SBG6700-AC establishes a connection with the wireless access point.  This can be a wired or wireless connection, depending if the wireless access point has built-in Ethernet ports.  Next, the wireless access point will pass any traffic it receives from the client to the SBG6700-AC.  As a result, the client can now communicate with the SBG6700-AC and thus can access the Internet.  This setup is called Wireless Bridging, which uses WDS.

WDS (Wireless Distribution System) - A system that enables the wireless interconnection of access points in an IEEE 802.11 network.

NOTE: The wireless access point must support WDS in order to establish a wireless connection with the SBG6700-AC.
 

To Configure Wireless Bridging

1. Launch a Firefox or Safari browser.  Enter http://192.168.0.1 into the address box, and press the Enter key.  
   
   NOTE: A browser message on Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Opera, may appear when accessing the Web Manager.  The message includes 192.168.01 uses an unsupported protocol and ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH.  The Web Manager uses an earlier version of the TLS protocol and does not match the version allowed by the web browser.  Safari browsers on Apple PC and mobile devices are not impacted.  The workaround to access the Web Manager with a PC is to use the Firefox browser and set the TLS version to 1.  For workaround instructions refer to article # 19435 - 192.168.0.1 uses an unsupported protocol. 
    
2. A security or private risk alert may appear on the web browser advising users to proceed with caution when accessing the Web Manager.  There is no risk in proceeding to the Web Manager.  For instructions to bypass the alert screen, refer to article # 18181 - Alert Message for Web Manager Access.
    
3. On the Login page, enter admin or a customized username in the Username field.
    
4. Enter password or a customized password in the Password field.
   
   NOTE: On later versions of the SBG6700-AC, the Wi-Fi Security Key is used as the default admin password printed on the bottom white label.  For assistance with Web Manager Access, refer to article # 18754 – SBG6700-AC: Web Manager Access.
   
   
    
5. Click the Login button.  The Home page will appear.
   
   
    
6. Move the mouse cursor over the Wireless tab and select the Extend Network Range sub-link.  The Wireless - Extend Network Range page will appear.
   
   
    
7. On the Wireless - Extend Network Range page:
   a.   Click on the drop-down tab next to Wireless Bridging, and select Enabled.
   b.   For Remote Bridges, enter the MAC addresses of the access points that will establish a wireless connection with the SBG6700-AC.
   
   NOTE 1: Please enter the MAC address with dashes to separate the numbers and letters (e.g. 00-00-C5-CA-88-6C). Up to 4 may be entered.
   
   NOTE 2: A MAC address is normally listed on a sticker on the access point(s). It can consist of numbers 0-9, and letters A-F, and will be in one of the following formats:
   
   00-00-C5-CA-88-6C
   00:00:C5:CA:88:6C
   
   NOTE 3: For additional assistance with locating the MAC address, please contact the manufacturer of the access point.
   
   c.   Click the Apply button.
   
   

The SBG6700-AC has now been configured for wireless bridging.  Keep in mind that all wireless access points involved (including the SBG6700-AC) will need to be configured with the same wireless channel, method of encryption (WEP, WPA, or none), and encryption key (if WEP or WPA is used).  DHCP will need to be disabled in any access points involved, as the SBG6700-AC will handle all DHCP requests from clients.