By Joshua M. Johnson 
Setting up a mesh network with OpenWRT can significantly enhance your home or office’s wireless connectivity. By leveraging the IEEE 802.11s standard, OpenWRT allows devices to form a robust mesh network without the need for traditional wired infrastructure. Below, you will find a step-by-step guide on setting up your own OpenWRT mesh network, along with essential tips and troubleshooting advice.
What is a Mesh Network?
A mesh network consists of multiple nodes (or stations) connected in such a way that they can communicate with each other directly, dynamically, and non-hierarchically. This setup enhances coverage over a large area by allowing devices to relay data to one another, creating a self-healing network.
Getting Started with OpenWRT
OpenWRT is a powerful open-source firmware that can replace the stock firmware on many routers. It introduces advanced networking features, including the capability of creating mesh networks. Before you begin, ensure the following:
- Supported Hardware: Verify that your router supports the IEEE 802.11s standard. You can check support by using the command:
“`bash
iw list | grep ‘Supported interface modes’ -A 9
“`
Look for “mesh point” in the supported modes.
- OpenWRT Version: Use OpenWRT version 19.07 or later, as this version includes support for 802.11s mesh networking.
- Driver Compatibility: Ensure your wireless drivers are compatible with mesh networking. Some drivers may advertise support but might not function correctly. For instance, the `ath10k-ct` driver has issues, and it’s advisable to switch to the `ath10k` driver for better performance.
Steps to Set Up Your OpenWRT Mesh Network
1. Install Required Packages
First, you need to install necessary packages for mesh networking. Use SSH to access your router and execute the following commands:
“`bash
opkg update
opkg install wpad-mesh-wolfssl
“`
This package provides capabilities for establishing a mesh network, including encryption support.
2. Configuring the Wireless Interface
Next, you will need to configure the wireless settings for the mesh network. Access the OpenWRT web interface (LuCI) or directly edit the `/etc/config/wireless` file. Below is a sample configuration for a mesh network:
“`plaintext
config wifi-iface
option device ‘radio0’
option network ‘mesh’
option mode ‘mesh’
option mesh_id ‘MyMeshNetwork’
option encryption ‘sae’
option key ‘YourMeshPassword’
“`
3. Set Up the Network Interface
Configure your network to include the mesh interface. Edit `/etc/config/network` and add a configuration for the mesh:
“`plaintext
config interface ‘mesh’
option proto ‘static’
option ipaddr ‘192.168.1.1’
option netmask ‘255.255.255.0’
“`
4. Create Additional Nodes
For each additional router (node) in your mesh network:
- Flash OpenWRT firmware onto the router.
- Repeat the package installation and configuration steps as above.
- Ensure that all nodes use the same `mesh_id` and encryption settings.
5. Reboot the Routers
After configuring all devices, reboot each of them to apply the changes and initiate the mesh network.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Mesh Nodes Not Connecting: Check if all routers are using the same `mesh_id` and encryption settings. Confirm the firmware includes necessary drivers.
- Mesh Network Performance Issues: Ensure that your routers are placed optimally to avoid dead spots. Adjust the placement of nodes for better signal coverage.
- Manual Configuration Timeout: If you encounter issues with settings not applying, consider using the `mesh11sd` package to handle dynamic parameter configuration.
Conclusion
Setting up a mesh network with OpenWRT provides an excellent solution for reliable wireless connectivity in homes and businesses. By following the steps outlined above and keeping an eye on driver compatibility and network configuration, users can achieve seamless connectivity across multiple devices. Enjoy your enhanced internet experience with OpenWRT’s powerful mesh networking capabilities!