How RadioLabs’ Configures our OpenWRT Luci – WDS Wireless Bridge, System

This, is a basic configuration guide, on the steps RadioLabs’ IT Department has developed, to program OpenWRT Luci, using WDS to become an ultra high-reliability Wireless Bridge. We use Access Point WDS, and Client WDS modes for Programming. Unlike the majority of Wireless Bridges on the Market, all of RadioLabs’ Wireless Bridge Systems, are designed around OpenWRT Luci and literally Gobs of memory is installed on every single bridge, Router and Device we manufacture or sell. RadioLabs, is incredibly good at configuring Next Generation OpenWRT Luci Wireless Bridge Systems, using WDS, so they are Plug and Play. Yes, this can be a daunting project to configure this firmware, if you don’t know the simplified steps. Anyone’s home router IP. We program lot of WiFi / Wireless bridge systems, daily, to the Customer’s Home router IP, so that every building or every device connecting to the system, is 100% secure outside and each device connecting, thinks it is connecting directly to the customer’s Home router.

RadioLabs-Wireless Bridge OpenWRT Luci Software Configuration Diagram

OpenWRT Luci Configuration diagram for WDS AP to WDS Client Network Example

We do not have an exact step by step guide available for OpenWRT wireless WDS Bridging, as the highly specialized steps we take to configure bridge systems, are not known in the industry. But this will get you close and anyone who has some very basic IT Knowledge, will be able to fill in their own steps. It is impossible for us to write a manual for every single customer, as each customer’s Home Router IP is different, and that would require us writing an almost infinite amount of OpenWRT Wireless Bridge manuals. However, we will tell you the step by step involved in each bridge system. (Warning: This guide, will not work for ALL OpenWRT bridges, especially for “Hacked” Routers or wireless devices, because they don’t have our Customized Firmware. We put the FULL OpenWRT Luci operating system on our WiFi Routers and Bridges now, giving our Customers the most desired Wireless Operating System on the market. Yes, that’s Correct! We now include FULLY Secured, Fully Trusted OpenWRT Operating system, pre-installed. RadioLabs Video Tutorial guides, will be Available for our Customers, giving you a step-by-step bridge guide for our verified customers who’ve purchased these new Gen 4, highly refined WiFi Routers and Wireless Bridge Systems, as well as our Outdoor WiFi Access Points! 

Here we go ! Configuring your OpenWRT Bridge! 

First, plug into the RadioLabs Bridge or Access Point Device from Factory Default Settings. Observe the IP Address, or Factory Default IP Address on the device. You’ll need to know this later. Enter this IP Address into your Internet Browser Window. Follow Steps below, to properly configure your Bridge. Note, from Factory default, you will not have to set a static IP Address on your device, because the DHCP Server setting is Enabled. More on this  later.
So, enter 192.168.136.1. or the IP Address on the device’s label. Next, follow below.

Configuration of OpenWRT Luci, WDS into a Wireless Bridge System configuration.

  1. Plug your RadioLabs OpenWRT Bridge into Power! Next, Plug the LAN Port of our POE Power Supply, directly into the Ethernet Port on your Computer. RadioLabs’ Bridges are advanced and already issue an IP Address to your computer (if reset to factory default). No More setting a Static IP! (Remember to turn off that function if you don’t need the DHCP Server later) Yes, Every single RadioLabs Bridge, Router, Outdoor Access Point using RadioLabs’ OpenWRT Luci, can and will act like it’s own router if you want to use that function.. You do NOT have to set a Static IP YET! Later on, you will, once you disable our factory default DHCP Server. (unless you need to use it, we can’t answer this question for your own personal configuration)
    IMPORTANT NOTE: Our Bridge Systems IP Addresses have changed over the years. The IP Address of our bridges, are listed on the sticker on the back of the bridge units. We use a 192.168.136.1 IP on our latest OpenWRT Bridge systems.

  2. We first do a Performance test on each unit, ensuring every bridge we ship out, has peak RF (Radio) Performance on a spectrum analyzer. Our failure rate is essentially 0%, as our equipment has 400% QC before they even make it to our configuration bench. Proceed below.
  3. We then set the individual Country Code for the bridge system, no matter where we are shipping around the world, to comply with their local rules, channels and capabilities. This, sets the entire bridge system up, for compliance, channels and all customized IT required for each individual country.
  4. We then set the proper Operational mode, either Access Point with WDS (Wireless Distribution System) and/or Client WDS for the secondary (sometimes called “Slave) unit. If more than 1 Client radio is being configured, we mark each radio, record the MAC Address of that individual bridge and tag it, to keep track of that unit. (Our little OCD Quirks we have)
  5. SETTING OPENWRT WDS BRIDGE IP ADDRESSES: First step is determining the IP Address, of each and every network router the customer has. If this information is provided to us by the customer, such as: 192.168.0.1, or 192.168.1.1, etc, we base the entire configuration off of that customer’s individual home router, creating a proper bridge, which makes the entire network act like a big, happy home network, all within the same IP Address range. This first part, is crucial, so that the bridge login is directly inside of the same IP Range, but again, not necessary.. We just do things properly. We do not cheat and just plop it into a random network.
    1. IMPORTANT: If the customer’s Home router is 192.168.1.1 for example, we always put their bridge, at 192.168.1.20 for the Primary, and 192.168.1.21 for the secondary, found under the >>Network>>Interfaces>> Lan >> Edit button. We do this for both Primary, then Secondary side, putting them onto corresponding network IP Addresses above. We also modify the Default Gateway IP, to match the Home router’s Network address.
  6. Make sure you set a STATIC IP, at xxx.xxx.xxx.10 (the X’s will be your network’s BASE IP Address) Example, if you are programming to a 192.168.1.1 Router, set a Static IP on your Ethernet Port to 192.168.1.10. (this is the difficult part for a lot of users, and there are YouTube Videos showing how to set a Static IP Address.
  7. We assign an SSID for the Primary Bridge radio, “RadioLabsBridge2.4 or RadioLabsBridge5GAC” as an example, depending on each individual bridge we are programming at that moment.
  8. We then select a top-level performance Security, either WPA2-PSK or WPA3, which is the next generation Security. Most of RadioLabs’ bridges, are WPA3 capable, built right into them, but tend to use WPA2/PSK/Strong security level, because the majority of customer’s phones, laptops and other WiFi enabled devices, aren’t capable of connecting to WPA3 (yes, we are far ahead of the curve)
  9. Selecting a proper IP Address for each unit, within the customer’s own network, locking it static, to make sure it’s proper for their own network, router, or even make new adjustments for Starlink’s Routers. (Starlink routers have very little control over DHCP. We fixed this) Starlink Wireless Bridges, are configured slightly different due to the lack of routing, and RadioLabs’ IT Dept knows what we’re doing. We focus on LONG TERM Reliability and 25 years of IT, Wireless and Engineering.
  10. We then take our own proprietary steps, using techniques we won’t publish, so wherever it’s installed, it has peak performance and will generally fine-tune itself, to analyze all WiFi/Wireless Channels in use, then the Bridges will adjust themselves automatically for the exact location they’re installed. We also fine-tune the receiver, and keep the bridges from dropping out, even due to substantial interference. (Sorry, we can’t publish our full methods here and disclose our “Secret Sauce” and special blend of 7 herbs and spices) on this short guide. We have scoured the web, YouTube, and all the tutorials showing OpenWRT Luci WDS Wireless Bridge programming and we kind of laugh, because the majority of videos, instructions and manuals showing how to properly bridge them, just cannot be found. We take pride in knowing we master this part of OpenWRT, and love the care we put into it.
  11. Our technicians then adjust the receivers of each bridge, so they’re in the optimal receiver mode, whether it’s Urban (high likely hook of Wireless Traffic) or Rural (lower WiFi Traffic due to lack of neighboring Wireless) to maximize the receiver performance for each unit.
  12. We then set the Default Gateway, and disable each unit’s built-in DHCP Server, so it won’t take over your entire network and become a router itself. (Important Step, lol, don’t ask how we know) If this isn’t set, our bridges are still “Smart” enough to pass the traffic, if the end-point devices are programmed properly.
  13. A few other steps we take, which we don’t publish online, as they’re considered proprietary to RadioLabs, but trust us, they’re good and they’re required. (yeah, this again, but it’s important and we just can’t publish the Ethernet, the linking, and the high level of customization we provide)
  14. A high level performance test is then required, to ensure each radio is properly transmitting and receiving, at a known level, at a known distance, inside of RF enclosures, to simulate each bridge, properly performing its duty out in the real world.
  15. We then create your personalized network documentation for all standard IP Addresses, or customized to your individual network requirements (some additional fees may be required for this service) We are rather robotic at this stage, and always plop our bridges on known IP Addresses so it matches the Paperwork.
  16. IMPORTANT NOTE ON IP: RadioLabs always sets bridges up to known networks, and we put the bridge IPs at xx.20 and xx.21, because we have hardware set up, paperwork already set up and it’s pre-written for our bridges. If you need your IPs on custom networks, additional fees will apply. If custom IP addresses are required by the customer, we will do it for you, but then we have to change the routers tied into our network, all of the associated paperwork, including the IT Map, the Primary, Secondary and all additional clients, will all have to have modifications to every piece of paper we issue. This, takes more time, because of all the changes. If you are in a rush, it’s best for us to program them to our known IP addresses and you can change it in the field.
    When Changing LAN IP, or certain Network Interface functions, you will need to select “Apply Unchecked” or the bridge’s built-in defenses may revert back.

    OpenWRT LuCI LAN IP network changes. – Use Apply Unchecked from the drop down menu and press the button when it turns red.

  17. Your bridge is then ready for final testing, in known RF Locations on a specialized RF Bench, to ensure the RF Performance, Radio Output and Proper radio receiver is correct for each unit.
  18. Last, our IT/RF Technicians then print all of your paperwork, directly through your bridge system, through a router designated, for your own router’s IP Range and the actual paperwork you receive, is printed off your actual bridge.
  19. Bridges we configure, cannot ship out, without the paperwork printed off of your own bridge. There are no mistakes in this process, so we confirm, 100% that your bridge is optimized and fully functional prior to it even making it to the shipping bench.

Whew, yes, that’s a lot. We do not write a direct Manual for OpenWRT Luci, as this is a well-known industry software, and there are dozens and dozens of manuals around the web. We do not want to accept phone calls or tech support, for every person who’s hacked the operating system of their XYZ brand router and telling them how to properly configure OpenWRT. There are dozens of Youtube videos on the web and also a comprehensive guide for the bridges at www.openwrt.org for the entire operating system.

Sure, RadioLabs should be charging substantially more for doing all of this work, but we make life easier on all of us, just by having RadioLabs configure your Wireless Bridge system. It saves us the technical time, having to diagnose the customer’s configuration, but, 5 years down the road, if something ever happens with your bridge, we know exactly what type of tech support we need to do, and we don’t have to guess.

While it is easier for us to cheat, and simply turn our Wireless Bridge and / or remote routers or any system, into it’s own router and make the bridge systems generic and just configure our systems to they’re plug and play, but, they issue their own network addresses, no. We treat each and every customer, with the utmost attention and program their new bridge, so it is all correct. This level of detail and this specialized care, sets us apart from ALL other companies in the industry. We know Wireless. We know IT and our bridge systems are unique in the industry.

This is why, as of this writing, do not sell on Amazon. We aren’t a “Flip and Ship” company, where we send our systems out the door without configuration and just let the customers deal with the IT issues themselves. No, for a very low cost, we handle this issue for you. We just need time to do this, because every Wireless Bridge we sell, has to put onto an IT Bench, in front of a Wireless IT Specialist, and custom programmed for you. Some of our customer’s requirements are completely different and take a much more custom approach to IT Programming and configuration. This takes time. In fact, RadioLabs heavily discounts the cost of our specialized programming, to only ¼ of the cost per unit a typical Wireless Bridge would typically cost. Why do we do this? It’s honestly easier for us in the long run, and gives our customers the assurance that it’s programmed correct, out of the box.

Some customers make the mistake of ordering the bridges non-configured to save $25 – 50 (Sometimes more depending on the IP Address) and don’t know basic IT, and end up calling a Mobile IT Company to configure them. Sadly they’re paying a lot more money and takes a lot more time than just having our very specialized IT Team do it. A Mobile IT, or typical IT Remote Support, will cost around $250 to arrive on site, then charge $150-250 per hour, sometimes costing more money than the entire Wireless Bridge system cost to begin with. No, don’t do this, unless you’ve programmed Wireless devices before and know the exact modes to use, the channelization, speeds Lan and DHCP and how it works.

Are there manuals for OpenWRT? Sure, there’s so many manuals and so much information on this highly secure wireless software, that beyond a simplified manual we have to bridge or bond a wireless bridge or how to activate a Router or Access Point, we just don’t have to write one, like other specific devices we have. OpenWRT is that popular, and our bridges were designed, with TONS of memory on-board, specifically designed around this operating system, not “Hacked” by someone, to use the operating system like most other companies do. We use a very custom, very specialized variant, of OpenWRT Luci, which gives our customers, the most capable tools possible and are compatible with all existing wireless software in the industry. Yes, our bridges should cost 2-3x more than they do for the speed, performance, tree and obstruction cutting technology and performance. Not only do our Wireless Bridges output more power than any competitor in the industry, our ultra-low noise receivers, have a noise floor (ability to hear the signal) far below anything we have ever seen, down to -105dbm. We thought this level of performance would have required nitrogen cooling, just a few years ago.

 We don’t force our customers to work off of an overly complicated manual and having to do 20 different things to just link internet to their remote buildings. No, we are unique. Sure, we do sell them non-configured, which to us, is easier if the customer knows what they’re doing.

If you know how to bridge a Wireless system and take all the steps listed above, Absolutely, order one non-configured. We can help you out to a small extent, but we do not offer online tech support to bridge your system for free. We can’t do this. If you have a speculated IT background, you can bridge these no problem and it’s second nature. In fact, our IT Customers LOVE our wireless systems, because of the simplified process, yet, capable of all the functions your very high end Cisco, Proxim or other costly bridge systems can do. RadioLabs’ just do it a bit better and more reliable, in our opinion. We beat the competition in most areas, including Receiver dynamics, RF Output power, ability to Phase Steer around or through objects, full control of every aspect of the radio, for passing subnets invisibly, all types of advanced Vlans, pass straight through.

In fact, even if we program our Wireless Bridges or Routers wrong, RadioLabs has put in specialized, self-healing network software that will sort the problem and appears to magically fix itself. Yes, this has happened thousands of times, where something isn’t even remotely programmed right by the customer, but our incredibly smart firmware, simply puts in “Fixes” and will modify itself to just plain work.

Years after our Wireless Bridge systems were programmed and sent out, customers changed their home router and the IP Address were changed, even the output of the bridges, were plugged into one of RadioLabs’ routers in the wrong location, our specialized software, diagnosed the issue, self-healed the network and the customers didn’t even know. Yes, 24 years in this industry, allowed us to create tools that would fix the problems, keeping the customers happy and our tech support service even happier. We have more years behind us, than most of the ultra-low cost stuff you see slinging out on cheap retail websites. We just don’t operate under their principles. We don’t make things in countries where technology is stolen, weaponized and used to infiltrate our customer’s home networks. We are 100% trusted. We manufacture only in the United States, Taiwan, or sometimes a combination of both.

RadioLabs, uses the most desired operating system in the industry called OpenWRT Luci. Other companies use their own operating system, some good, some bad. We’ve found that most of our customers, want the highest possible performance, either over flat land, or None (Near) Line of Sight, through substantial trees, but they want their system fully operational, as a complete kit, plug and play out of the box. That’s what we do and we DO IT WELL.

All we require, is your Existing Home Router’s IP Address, which is easy to find, with our Simple guide using an iPhone, or, just a couple commands or clicks on any typical Windows or Mac, and voila! Our IT Guys know how to program your bridge, to any Router, whether it’s Cable Company provided, or any of our competitors, or even better, if you buy any of RadioLabs’ High Performance WiFi routers, we already know the IP and we GUARANTEE we configure it, directly plug and play to any NORMAL IP Address so it works right, works to the highest level of performance the first time.

However, every single bridge system we sell, is installed in a totally different area and the performance requirements vary for every kit we sell.

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