Setup Linksys WAP300N Wireless Access Point in Different Modes

If you are looking for a perfect SOHO device to extend your home wireless network, Linksys WAP300N Wireless Access Point is a good choice. WAP300N offers dual-band support which means you can use either 2.4GHz or 5 GHz. Another plus point is the ability to convert Linksys WAP300N into different modes like Wireless Bridge, Access Point, Wi-Fi Media Connector and Range Expander. This article explains how to use this AP (Access Point) into different modes and setup this device to utilize in its maximum efficiency.

Before starting configuration on WAP300N AP manually, you need to access the device setup page. Follow the instructions below to login to Linksys WAP300N settings window.

1. Connect both the AP and computer using an Ethernet cable. Make sure no other devices are connected to the computer and switch on both devices
   
   
2. If no other devices are providing an IP address to the PC, type 10.100.1.1 on the address bar of a browser and press enter. You may need to set up a static IP address on PC in the network range 10.100.1.X if you are unable to see the login window.
   
   
3. Leave the User name field blank, and use the default password admin
   
   
4. Click OK to log in to WAP300N configuration window

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Consider a smart TV which does not have WiFi feature. By using an AP in Wireless Media Connector mode, you can easily bring the wireless feature to that device.

All you have to do is to connect WAP300N in Wireless Media Connection mode to the smart TV using an ethernet cable.

To change the mode of operation of Linksys WAP300N Wireless Access Point to Wireless Media Connector and use as a USB adapter to receive WiFi signal for a nonwireless device, follow the instructions below.

1. Log in to the setup page
   
   
2. Click on Operation Mode under Setup tab
   
   
3. Select the radio button of Wireless Media Connector and click Save Settings button
   
   
4. The conversion will take a few moments

Once the AP is in Media Connector mode, you should connect it to the ethernet port of the device (for which you want to add wireless functionality) like Smart TV, game consoles, DVRs, media players etc.

Once both devices are connected by an ethernet cable, you should start a scan for available WiFi networks. If you don't know how to find wireless networks using WAP300N in Wireless Media Connector Mode, follow the instructions given below.

1. Click on Wireless tab
   
   
2. click on Wireless Network Site Survey
   
   
3. Now it will start a scan for available WiFi networks and they will be displayed as a list. You should choose the network you want to log in and click the connect button.
   
   
4. If the network is password protected, you need to enter the passphrase to connect it

Linksys WAP300N is by default working as an Access Point. If it is not in that mode, you can easily convert it to an AP by following the steps below.

1. Log in to the setup page
   
   
2. Click on Operation Mode
   
   
3. Now choose Access Point mode
   
   
4. Click on Save Settings button

Consider a scenario where you want to connect two Local Area Networks setup on adjacent buildings. If connecting both LANs using a cable is not practical, the remaining solution is to use a wireless bridge to connect them.

Linksys WAP300N Access Point can be used to connect two wired networks by converting it to a wireless bridge. In order to construct a wireless bridge, we need two WAP300N.

It is important to note that both APs must be configured in Wireless Bridge mode and all other settings like the wireless band, channel, etc must be the same. You should have the wireless MAC address of both WAP300N.

To change WAP300N to Wireless Bridge mode, follow the instructions below.

1. Login to the Setup page
   
   
2. Click on Operation Mode
   
   
3. Select Wireless Bridge and click Save Settings
   
   
4. Conversion to Bridge mode will take a few moments and then click Wireless tab
   
   
5. Under the Basic Wireless Settings tab, enter the Wireless MAC address of the other WAP300N and save it
   
   
6. Repeat the same steps on the other WAP300N

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Another wonderful use of WAP300N is to boost the wireless signal from a WiFi router and avoid weak signal problems.

If your house is too big to get strong signals from your wireless router, you can use WAP300N in Wireless Range Expander mode to boost the signal strength and increase the network coverage area. To configure WAP300N as Range Expander, follow the steps below.

1. Login to the Setup Page
   
   
2. Click on Operation Mode
   
   
3. Select Wireless Range Extender and click Save settings
   
   
4. The conversion process will take a bit time and once the procedure is completed click on Wireless tab
   
   
5. click Wireless Network Site Survey to find available networks
   
   
6. Select the desired WiFi name and click Connect
   
   
7. If it is password protected, you will be prompted to enter the password to complete the connection

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In order to keep working smooth and protect from any possible security issues, you must ensure that WAP300N on your home has updated firmware all the time.

You must always check for the latest WAP300N firmware and upgrade it will the newest firmware release. To find the latest Linksys WAP300N Access Point firmware and upgrade manually, follow the instructions given below.

1. To download latest WAP300N AP firmware visit the link below. http://www.linksys.com/support
   
   
2. You need to type the model number of your device. Here type WAP300N and the website will automatically lead you to the exact firmware download page.
   
   
3. Click on Downloads/Firmware button. Take note of the location where the file was saved to or save it on the desktop.
   
   
4. Access device's setup page by following the steps given above
   
   
5. Click the Administration tab, then click the Firmware Upgrade page
   
   
6. Click Browse, select the firmware upgrade file you saved previously, then click Open
   
   
7. Click Start to Upgrade button

This process may take a bit time and it is important to don't interrupt the process for any reason.