Set Up Linksys WAP300N Wireless Access Point in Different Modes

Welcome to the Network Engineer training tutorials from CoreNetworkZ Tech Solutions. In this session, I will walk you through the detailed setup process of the Linksys WAP300N.

Let us begin by addressing a question from one of our clients.

Robert Williams, an automobile showroom owner, recently asked, "Hello Alex, I have expanded my office to accommodate more employees. I want to extend the wireless network without changing the current settings. Can you recommend a suitable device?"

CoreNetworkZ Tech Solutions had installed the computer network in his old office. Since then, he has frequently sought my recommendations.

Let me explain why I recommended this device to Robert.

Aneesh Mohan, a System Admin Trainee at CoreNetworkZ Tech Solutions, asked this question.

Linksys WAP300N Wireless Access Point is a good choice for extending a small office wireless network.

Let me explain why.

It offers dual-band support, allowing you to use either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency.

Another advantage is its versatility. You can configure it in various modes, including Wireless Bridge, Access Point, Wi-Fi Media Connector, and Range Extender.

This article explains how to configure the device in different modes and set it up for optimal performance.

Ashish Mudgal, a senior Network Engineer, recommended I add this topic to this tutorial. He is right because this device supports four different modes.

They are Access Point mode, Wireless Media Connector mode, Wireless Range Extender mode, and Wireless Bridge mode.

1. Logging in to the Linksys WAP300N Wireless Access Point Setup Page

   Follow the steps below to log in to the Linksys WAP300N settings window:

   Let me share the physical cable connection guide first.

   Connect the AP to your computer using an Ethernet cable. Do not connect any other devices to the computer. Now, I want you to power on the PC and WAP300N.

   Padma Iyer, a High School Lap Assistant, asked for the WAP300N's login IP in the comment section.

   The static IP of WAP300N is 10.100.1.1.

   Access the configuration page by typing 10.100.1.1 into your browser address bar. Press the Enter key.

   Ashish Mudgal, a Senior Network Engineer at CoreNetworkZ Tech Solutions, suggested, "If your PC is not receiving an IP address automatically, you may need to set a static IP in the 10.100.1.X range."

   Let me share the WAP300N login username and password to complete the process.

   • Leave the Username field blank.

   • Enter admin as the default password.

   Click OK to enter the WAP300N configuration window.

2. Using the Linksys WAP300N as an Access Point

   Dhyan Chand, a regular reader of CoreNetworkZ Tech Solutions, recently asked: "Hello Alex, I purchased a WAP300N. I want to use it as a simple Access Point. Which feature should I select?"

   By default, the Linksys WAP300N operates in Access Point mode. If it is not currently in that mode, you can easily switch it by following these steps:

   • Log in to the setup page.

   • Navigate to the Operation Mode section.

   • Select Access Point as the desired mode.

   • Click the 'Save Settings' button to apply the changes.

3. Converting the Linksys WAP300N to Wireless Media Connector Mode

   Alexander Rob Kalm, a professional photographer, asked, "Hello Alex, what is the use of an access point configuring as a Wireless Media Connector?"

   Let us say you have a smart TV without built-in WiFi.

   You can enable wireless connectivity on that TV by configuring your WAP300N in Wireless Media Connector mode.

   • Enable a Disabled WiFi Adapter
   • Ping Error: Destination Host Unreachable
   • Pinging Google.com: Request Timed Out

   I will explain in three steps the complete WAP300N setup as a media connector.

   To set this up, connect the WAP300N to your smart TV (or any non-wireless device) using an Ethernet cable. Then follow these steps:

   1. Change Operation Mode to Wireless Media Connector

      • Log in to the WAP300N setup page.

      • Click on the Setup tab, then select Operation Mode.

        

        Choose Wireless Media Connector mode.

      • Click Save Settings.

      The device may take a few moments to apply the changes.

   2. Connect to the Device

      Once the AP is in Media Connector mode, use an Ethernet cable to connect it to the device you want to bring online (e.g., smart TVs, game consoles, DVRs, or media players).

   3. Scan and Connect to WiFi

      • Click the Wireless tab in the WAP300N setup interface.

      • Select Wireless Network Site Survey.

      • The AP will scan for available wireless networks and display them in a list. Choose your preferred WiFi network and click Connect.

   I believe you now understand how WAP300N can give WiFi features to a household device.

To keep your WAP300N running smoothly and protected from potential security vulnerabilities, it is essential to ensure the firmware is always up to date.

You must regularly check for the latest firmware version and update your device accordingly.

CoreNetworkZ Tech Solutions published a detailed guide about downloading WAP300N firmware. I recommend you visit this link and read the article.

Let me answer one complaint I received in our support forum about this device.

Albin F Smith, from New Jersey, asked, "Hello Alex, I recently configured a WAP300N in Wireless Extender mode due to the office expansion. It is now showing frequent wireless disconnections. The same device was working fine when it was in wireless bridge mode. Is there any remedy?"

Anandu Siva, a System Admin, shared a similar problem in the comments. So, Ashish Mudgal and I tested the device. A lab test done by CoreNetworkZ Tech Solutions concluded that WAP300N (in Range Expander mode) shows frequent WiFi disconnection if multiple devices are connected.

We tested the device in Wireless Range Extender mode. We observed frequent wireless drops when too many devices were active on the network.

However, when used in the Access Point mode, it showed no such issues. Therefore, I recommend that Anandhu and Albin configure the WAP300N in Access Point mode instead of Range Extender mode.