Pepwave Max Series Routers without WIFI Controller - Max BR1 MINI, MK2, and others.
Other Pepwave devices with AP Controller feature
If you have a Max Transit Series or Balance with an AP Controller use this article.
Summary
In this article, we will cover how to add secondary access points to Peplink mobile routers that DO NOT have the AP Controller feature. This includes Peplink MAX series routers included in our Essentials and Full-Timer Bundles as well as for customers who purchase a Max BR1 Mini, Max BR1, BR1 MK2 or similar unit without an AP Controller.
Pepwave Max Transit or Balance series modems have a built in WiFi AP Controller so the instructions are different. We have a separate instruction article and video for those modems which are included in our Speed Demon and Road Warrior/Ultimate Road Warrior bundles available here. Setting Up Access Point on Router with AP Controller
Adding a Secondary Access Point
We have put together the following instructional video to explain how to add additional access points to your setup. Written step-by-step instructions have been included below.
If you have a MAX BR1 MINI or MK2, please follow the instructions below for manually setting up your AP:
Please note that for this process, you will need to write/copy down some important information so be sure to have a notepad available!
Before starting the process of connecting your AP device, ensure that your primary router has been fully set up to best practices.
First, start by resetting your Access Point back to Factory Settings.
To do this, make sure that your AP device is plugged into a power source but unplugged from your Peplink router. When the status light changes from red to green to indicate that the device has been fully booted up, take a paper clip and insert it gently into the Reset button on the back of the AP device (this should look like an arrow in a circle), holding it firmly for 15-20 seconds until the red light turns off. Wait for 1-2 minutes for the device to reboot and the status light to turn green.
Once the AP boots back up, use an ethernet cable to connect it to your router using the LAN port on the router.
Make sure that your router is powered up and log in to your Peplink's admin panel. If you have forgotten how to access that, here is a guide for reference.
First, confirm that your AP is connected to your router by clicking the Status Tab -> Client List (left Menu) and your AP should be listed under that tab.
Next, click the AP Tab and write down the exact names and passwords of your WiFi SSIDs.
Go back to the Status Tab -> Client List (left menu) and copy the IP address for your Access Point:
In another window in your web browser, paste the IP address for the Access Point.
When first logging into your AP admin panel, the username will be admin and the password will be public. You can find this printed on the sticker at the bottom of your AP. If for some reason you are unable to log in, try factory resetting your device again using the instructions above.
Once you've logged in to your AP admin page, you will start by updating the device to the latest firmware version.
[ System Tab -> Firmware (left menu) -> Check for Firmware ]
Next, you are going to recreate your WiFi SSIDs (found in your router) in the AP.
Click the AP tab -> New SSID
Copy and Paste your WiFi SSIDs and passwords exactly as they are programmed in your router (including the security policy).
After you've recreated your SSIDs, delete the default Peplink wifi network (usually called PEPWAVE_****)
While still in the AP tab, click the Settings tab (left menu)
Uncheck the 5Ghz network from the 2.4GHZ SSID
Uncheck the 2Ghz network from the 5GHZ SSID
If you do not have your WiFi SSIDs configured to best practices, you will want to confirm that the AP settings page on your router matches the settings page on your AP.
Save and Apply changes, and wait for your device to reboot. You can now relocate your AP device up to 20 feet away from your router for optimal use.
Wireless Mesh/Wireless Uplink
Once you have followed the video and instructions above in its entirety you can look at enabling Wireless Mesh/Upload which will allow your secondary access points to function without an ethernet cable back to your primary Pepwave mobile router. The technology is referred to as Wireless Mesh or Wireless Uplink. In order to configure this feature follow our Wireless Mesh Article which is available below.
If you feel you are not getting anywhere or there is another issue you can always reach out to our team directly by initiating a ticket here on the support portal or by emailing [email protected]
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