My router didn’t support Client Bridge or Repeater Bridge mode out of the box.

Sometimes when my internet goes down, I share a mobile hotspot from my phone. But to distribute that connection over LAN and Wi-Fi, I needed a router that supports client mode + AP. Unfortunately, my TP-Link Archer C6 couldn’t do this… until I replaced the official firmware with OpenWRT.

✅ Check Compatibility

Make sure your device is supported: 🔗 https://openwrt.org/toh/start

Download the exact firmware version for your hardware revision. ⚠️ Double-check your model and version before flashing!

Then upgrade the firmware as you normally would via the router’s web UI.

⚙️ Setting Up OpenWRT (Using LUCI Web Interface )

Access your router: http://192.168.1.1 Set your password if prompted.

Connect to Your Hotspot ( Client Mode )

• Go to Network → Wireless
• Click Scan next to the wireless radio
• Find your mobile hotspot, click Join Network
• Enter your hotspot password ( Wireless Security )
• Set:
  • Mode: Client
  • Network: wwan (create if needed)
• Save & Apply

Add a New Wi-Fi Network (Access Point )

• Still under Network → Wireless, click Add
• Set:
  • Mode: Access Point
  • SSID: (e.g., MyRouterRepeater)
  • Network: lan
  • Encryption: WPA2-PSK
• Save & Apply

Optional

Configure Interfaces

• Go to Network → Interfaces
• Ensure:
  • lan → covers Ethernet + new AP
  • wwan → uses DHCP client (for hotspot)
• If not:
  • Edit wwan → Protocol: DHCP client
  • Assign Firewall Zone: wan

Firewall Rules

• Go to Network → Firewall
• Ensure:
  • lan can forward to wan
  • If wwan is its own zone, allow forwarding from lan to wwan

Save and Reboot

Now you can:

• Connect devices over LAN
• Share internet via your new Wi-Fi network
• Fully utilize your router—even when your ISP is down.

Alternative firmware FTW 🚀