Set Up D-Link DWL-2100AP as Wireless Client & Repeater (Wireless Range Expander)

The DWL-2100AP is a popular device from D-Link. This tutorial explains the conversion of the DWL-2100AP into an Access Point Client and Wireless Range Extender.

It also covers security and maintenance, including Wi-Fi protection and firmware updates.

Anita James, a regular reader of CoreNetworkZ Tech Solutions, asked, "Hello Alex, I bought this device yesterday. I want to know the difference between the Wireless Client and the range extender modes."

When configured as a wireless client, the DWL-2100AP can receive Internet access from the main access point and share it with connected devices through Ethernet cables.

In Repeater Mode, the D-Link DWL-2100AP extends the wireless range of the primary wireless access point. When configured this way, the DWL-2100AP functions as a wireless range expander, receiving the existing Wi-Fi signal and retransmitting it to broaden coverage.

If you need to increase the range of your wireless network from a primary router or access point, set the DWL-2100AP to repeater mode.

Hemanth Agarwal, a client of CoreNetworkZ Tech Solutions, mentioned a few problems he faced with this device.

At the end of this tutorial, I will provide a list of common troubleshooting steps to resolve typical issues encountered when using the DWL-2100AP in wireless client mode.

Let us check how to configure DWL-2100AP as a WiFi client. Follow the instructions carefully.

1. Assign your computer a static IP. I suggest 192.168.0.3. If you do not know how to do it, I recommend you visit the link below and read the tutorial published by CoreNetworkZ Tech Solutions.

   How To Assign a Static IP Address?

2. Connect DWL-2100AP to your PC using an Ethernet cable. Switch on the device.

3. Login DWL-2100AP

   The login IP address of DWL-2100AP is 192.168.0.50. Open a web browser and type 192.168.0.50 on the address bar to access the setup page of DWL-2100AP.

   

   Remya Gopi asked in the comment section for the d link dwl 2100ap default IP.

   The default login IP of DWL-2100AP is 192.168.0.50.

4. Enter Username and Password

   A few readers asked for the default username and password. Use admin as the username, and there is no password.

5. Configure DWL-2100AP as an Access Point Client

   Now follow the procedure below to convert DWL-2100AP to the wireless client.

   

   To convert D-link DWL-2100 AP as an Access Point client, click the Wireless tab on the left-hand side of the Home Page.

   

   Select the mode as AP client.

   

   Enter the wireless MAC address of the main access point from which the DWL-2100AP will receive wireless signals.

   One frequent question the CoreNetworkZ tech Solutions support section received from the clients is about this MAC address.

   If you're unsure of the MAC address, you can find it using the Scan button under the Site Survey section.

   Click the Scan button to view a list of available wireless access points, then select your primary AP.

6. Enable Wireless Security on DWL-2100AP

   We need to match the Wireless security settings of the AP client with the root Access Point.

   

   After entering the security settings, click on Apply.

When we configure D-Link DWL-2100AP in repeater mode, it extends the wireless range of the primary wireless Access Point. So, D-Link DWL-2100AP acts as a wireless range expander if it is in repeater mode.

Pradeep Ravi, a Computer Science student from Cochin, asked, "Hello Alex, when should I manually set up DWL-2100AP in extender mode?"

Whenever you want to increase the WiFi coverage, you can use DWL-2100AP in repeater mode.

Let me explain the manual configuration of Dlink DWL-2100AP in repeater mode. Follow the steps till 5.

Change the option to AP Repeater

If you want to repeat the signal from another Access Point, DWL-2100AP must know the wireless MAC address of that repeater. Here, you can enter the wireless MAC address of the AP whose signal you want to repeat.

To find the wireless MAC and SSID automatically, click the scan button. The scan will show you all available wireless networks with wireless MAC addresses.

Many clients of CoreNetworkZ Tech Solutions asked for the latest firmware for Dlink DWL-2100AP. Let me share the direct download link for the latest firmware from the official D-link store.

If you have problems uploading the firmware, I suggest you read a tutorial published by CoreNetworkZ Tech Solutions by visiting this link.