It is not possible to configure the Router ZYXEL NBG-418N V2 in the repiter mode

Good afternoon!

I faced the following problem. At home I have a router TP-Link TL-WR1043ND, which distributes Wi-Fi (all settings are standard, channel selection is automatic, WAN is connected from the modem). The power of the router is not enough for the whole apartment, so I decided to use another router as a repeater.

For this purpose I wanted to use ZyXEL NBG-418N v2, which was lying idle (the device is new, it was not even unpacked). With turning on ZyXEL’a and entering the admin, no problems. This router has a mode “universal repeater”, which, as I realized, is exactly what is needed in my case. When it is activated, the router reboots and enters the control panel at a new address (instead of the old 192.168.1.1 – 192.168.1.2). In the control panel, under WLAN, I select my home network, enter my password and connect to it. However, even though the start page says I am connected to my home network, the ZyXEL does not act as a repeater (connected, no internet access).

This, firstly, and secondly, after about 15-20 seconds of any manipulations in the ZyXEL’a admin, the admin stops responding (Unable to establish a connection to the site; ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE:) and it is impossible to enter it again. It does not matter what to do in it: connect to the home network or just crawl through the tabs without changing anything. In general, I don’t know where to look for a solution to the problem.

I used to use another TP-Link router in bridge mode, but then there are two networks, between which I have to reconnect, which is quite inconvenient. I hope you can give some advice, or tell me what to look for. Anyway, thanks in advance!

Response

Good afternoon. The ZyXEL NBG-418N control panel and setup process in universal repeater mode is a bit different from Zyxel Keenetic routers. I found an instruction on how to configure this mode on some Turkish site. At first glance everything is simple. Just as you wrote.

Regarding the error “ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE” and the fact that the web-interface hangs and stops responding. It can be related to anything. First of all, try to enter the settings from another browser or another device. Perhaps there is some problem in the firmware, or in the hardware itself. If possible, try to update the firmware of ZyXEL NBG-418N v2. Maybe there is a new version for it on the ZyXEL website. Maybe it will somehow affect the work in the amplifier mode.

After setting up is the error “Connected, no internet access” on the computer you are setting up from? Have you tried connecting other devices? Including wi-fi. I think you should check it. To rule out problems on the computer. Also on the computer you can try to specify DNS manually. And return automatic obtaining of IP addresses (if you set static addresses in connection properties).

Also in ZyXEL NBG-418N settings you should check whether DHCP-server is disabled. Most likely it is automatically disabled when you switch to the “universal repeater” mode. In general, you should have attached a screenshot of at least the main page of the control panel.

Regarding TP-Link router in bridge mode. There you can also disable DHCP-server on it and set the same wi-fi settings as on the main router. Then there will be one Wi-Fi network. Perhaps, this scheme will work no worse than the amplifier mode on ZyXEL. If you manage to configure it.