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Hidden Networks in TP-Link Routers

jahed.dev

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Re: Hidden Networks in TP-Link Routers

#151

Post by mshockwave »

mastazi wrote: post #140

> Maybe it's finally time to build my own router Can anyone link a good "getting started" guide for this? I have experience managing servers but not managing network appliances, so I'm looking for a relatively gentle intro... Edit: I'm not asking about how to install OpenWRT on an existing router, I'm looking for a guide on how to build a router from general purpose hardware - in the same way that you can build your…

+1 on the same question. I actually saw some posts about x86_64 based router the other day (didn't mention how to build it though), wondered if that's a viable solution.

Re: Hidden Networks in TP-Link Routers

#152

Post by coredog64 »

jcrawfordor wrote: post #127
howdydoo wrote: post #104

Earlier quoted context omitted.

My PC has a 5ghz wifi antenna, and I can install any OS I want. Why should a router be any more locked down than my PC? The FCC takes illegal broadcasting VERY seriously and I think that should deter people from becoming criminals.

1) The scale of the problem seems much lower on PCs because Windows and MacOS respect local regulations, Linux has an infrastructure to do so that works by default in some distros but not others, but overall the Linux market share is small and as is PC WiFi adapters are more often sold in country-specific variants with hardware restrictions than the chipsets in routers are (and usually have lower hardware Tx power li…

Follow the California Prop 65 model: Enable the general public to collect damages via civil suit. (Only half joking)

Re: Hidden Networks in TP-Link Routers

#153

Post by fomine3 »

wtallis wrote: post #146
estaseuropano wrote: post #92

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Why disable mesh? I thought that will ensure the devices work together rather than compete (looking at fritzbox, but it seems they are all compatible).

A mesh network is entirely different from and inferior to a network with multiple access points each with a wired connection. If you've built your network to be the latter, you don't want anything to start acting as a wireless repeater and wasting lots of airtime.

Some people use term "wired backhaul mesh". It seems that it's just a seamless roaming but that's what I want.

Re: Hidden Networks in TP-Link Routers

#154

Post by GekkePrutser »

mhitza wrote: post #12

This type of whackery is (the primary reason) why I try to buy computing devices on which I can flash a clean OS (OpenWrt/DD-WRT for routers)[1]. It sucks because it limits my choices down to a few, but at the same time I feel like I don't throw out money at abandonware. [1] don't even get me started on TP-Link releasing routers with the same name but v2/v3/2020/2021 update where it's hard to even know if I'm buying…

Yeah I used to get TP-Link because they were so well supported by openwrt and dd-wrt. But lately they've really become consumer hostile like with their smart plugs, removing local control functions so they can no longer be used with home automation systems :(

For WiFi I moved to unifi but they're also becoming more difficult to work with. They are making it harder to use their stuff locally without their cloud service and to use the docker controller instead of their hardware.

So when I replace it I'll have to look for yet another supplier.. Why do companies always have to turn evil.

Re: Hidden Networks in TP-Link Routers

#155

Post by ceejayoz »

easton wrote: post #97
ceejayoz wrote: post #36

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I had a similar experience with my Netgear Orbi; they have a dual 2.4/5 GHz network on the same SSID, but certain devices just cannot handle it (including apparently Facebook's Oculus and quite a few smart home devices). Turns out you can split them up into separate SSIDs, but only by telnetting into your base station and each satellite and running some cryptic commands on each. It used to be possible via the web UI,…

Our network at home has both 2.4 and 5 on the same SSID, with no issues (and I have an oculus). Is this just a Netgear thing?

No clue. Very possible it's specific to the Orbi, or possibly the spots in our house the Oculus and LG washer/dryer are located - perhaps the signal strength is just iffy enough they hop between the two frequencies sometimes. A full restart of the devices helps, but usually only for 15-30 mins.

Re: Hidden Networks in TP-Link Routers

#156

Post by notfed »

SavantIdiot wrote: post #3

Huawei AX3 does something similar. As does any Xfinity router (but I think you can turn that off) but the Xfinity mesh is actually pretty decent if you have a subscription. Similarly, in Vietnam HCMC you can connect to wifi anywhere in the city because every telco/isp router creates a mesh like Xfinity. It's not a bad idea: having wifi network everywhere, but I suspect 5G will obviate this need. Wouldn't surprise me…

Coincidentally I just discovered today that my Xfinity modem was broadcasting a public "xfinitywifi" by default. I only became an Xfinity customer a few weeks ago and had no idea. I even read all the terms of agreement and never saw this mentioned. I shuddered upon discovering this, just considering the security implications, and immediately disabled it. (I only gave in to using their modem due to a fairly large monthly discount. Starting to regret it.)

Re: Hidden Networks in TP-Link Routers

#158

Post by bserge »

jck wrote: post #90
lordnacho wrote: post #32

I had a related problem with their PowerLine TPA-4220 devices yesterday. It turns out there's a DHCP server on it that you can't turn off! It's supposed to be smart and know when there's another DHCP server on the network, but it appears that this sometimes doesn't work. So I found that my laptop sometimes ends up configured on the wrong subnet, which of course kills the internet connection. The thing is, the web int…

My TP Link wifi router loses the ability to list connected clients if you switch it to access point mode. I discovered that this problem affects many models and people have been posting about it in the tp link forums for many years and have only received annoying "we'll look into it" customer service responses. I will never buy a router I can't put openwrt on again.

Ironically, TP-Link is often the best choice for OpenWRT.

Cheap, good hardware and most importantly, a supported chipset.

Re: Hidden Networks in TP-Link Routers

#159

Post by bserge »

sgtnoodle wrote: post #148
aceazzameen wrote: post #137

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Maybe my area is low then. There's 12 other 5Ghz APs in my area. I also wonder if it's luck of the draw with some of these cheaper routers? My C7 is also a newer variant, a v5 I think.

Could be! I think mine is a V2. My guess is an overheating component somewhere.

The 5Ghz is actually handled by a daughterboard using a mini PCIe slot (not sure about what the actual interface is tbh).

And yes, it overheats, especially in sustained transfer.

Slap a heatsink on all the chips and call it a day :D

Re: Hidden Networks in TP-Link Routers

#160

Post by chana_masala »

rootusrootus wrote: post #114
chana_masala wrote: post #75

Any recommendations for an ethernet only router? I do know I could use the Pi to do that, but it seems like a waste.

Depends on what you want from it. I've other things I hack on so I don't really have the time to hack together my own router, so I use a Ubiquiti USG. Before that I had an EdgeRouter Lite (more or less identical) for years.

I thought Ubiquiti was in the news recently for something very unsavory?
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