How to set up Bridge APs in a network without a DHCP server

Objective

This article will guide you through setting up Bridge APs in a network without a DHCP Server.

Requirements

• Bridge APs
• PC

Introduction

When connected to a network with a DHCP server (typically a gateway/router with the DHCP function enabled), Bridge APs in the same KIT will automatically form a bridge network upon power-on, while other Bridge APs need to be added manually.

In the case of a network without a DHCP server, you need to set up a device (such as an NVR or PC) to work as the gateway for Bridge APs to form a bridge network. The device should use an IP address (static IP address is recommended) which is reachable for the APs.

Configuration

When connected to a network without a DHCP Server, the Bridge AP will use the default DHCP fallback IP 192.168.0.254. Your PC needs to use an IP address of the same network segment as this fallback IP so it can access the Bridge AP’s web page.

Step 1. Make sure your PC use an IP address 192.168.0.x. If not, add one as follows:

Note: The steps below will use a Windows 10 operating system as an example. For operations of other operating systems, refer to the relevant system help.

1. On your PC, right-click the Network icon and choose Open Network & Internet settings.

2. Go to Ethernet, then click Change adapter settings on the left.

3. Right-click the current network and choose Properties.

4. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).

5. Click Advanced.

6. Click Add and add an IP address of the same network segment as the Bridge AP’s DHCP fallback IP, for example, 192.168.0.100. Set the subnet mask and click Add.

7. Save the settings.

Step 2. Set up the first AP.

1. Connect your PC to the AP.

2. Launch a web browser and visit http://192.168.0.254. The AP’s web page will be displayed.

3. Enter the default username and password admin/admin to log in.

4. Skip sub-AP scanning, set up a new login account, set up wireless settings or skip it according to your needs, and finish the initial setup.

5. Go to Management > Network. Select Static, and set Gateway and Primary DNS to the IP address of your PC or NVR (This guide use the PC IP 192.168.0.100 as an example).

6. Save the settings.

Step 3. Set up the second AP.

1. Connect your PC to the AP.

2. Follow the instructions in Step 2 to set up this AP. Note that for this AP you need to change the default IP address to another IP in the same network segment (for example, 192.168.0.253) to avoid IP conflict.

3. Save the settings. You will be redirected to the AP’s new web page http://192.168.0.253.

Step 4. Wait until the Bridge APs automatically form a bridge network. The Signal LEDs on the APs will turn on.

Note: Always ensure only one AP is connected to the gateway (PC or NVR) you specified. Each time after powered on, the AP connected to the gateway will work as the Main AP.

(Optional) Step 5. If you have Bridge APs of different KITs, set up them in a similar way, then go to the Main AP’s Management - Wireless Bridge APs page to manually add them.

Verification

1. On your PC, launch a web browser, and you can access the web pages of the APs via http://AP’s IP address (http://192.168.0.253 and http://192.168.0.254 in this example).

2. On the web page of the Main AP (the one with wired connection to your PC), go to Management > Wireless Bridge APs, and you can find the list of APs in the network.

Conclusion

With the PC or NVR working as the gateway, the Bridge APs now form a bridge network.

Get to know more details of each function and configuration please go to Download Center to download the manual of your product.