Overview

This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to configure your Robustel gateway to function as a Wi-Fi Access Point (AP). This setup allows you to create a local wireless network, enabling devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets to connect to the gateway and access the internet through its cellular (WWAN) or wired (WAN) connection. This is ideal for scenarios requiring a portable Wi-Fi hotspot in a vehicle, at a temporary job site, or in any location where a primary internet connection needs to be shared wirelessly.

What You'll Need

Hardware List:

• 1 x Robustel Gateway with Wi-Fi capability (e.g., R3000 series, R2110, R5020).
• 1 x PC or Laptop with an Ethernet port
• 1 x Ethernet Cable
• Power supply for the gateway
• Credentials for the target Wi-Fi network (SSID and Password)

Software/Firmware:

• RobustOS Firmware (this guide is based on RobustOS v5.3.2)

Prerequisites:

• Ensure your PC is connected to the gateway's LAN port via an Ethernet cable.
• Log in to the Router's web interface. The default IP address is typically http://192.168.0.1.

Step-by-Step Configuration Guide

Step 1: Configure the Wi-Fi Region

1. Navigate to Interface > Wi-Fi from the main menu.
   
2. Click on WIFI tab.
3. Under the General Settings tab, set the Region code according to the country where the device is operating. (NOTE: The region codes here support the ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 standard. You can look up the region codes on the official ISO website )
4. Click Submit to save the changes.
   

Step 2: Configure WiFi connection parameters

1. Navigate to Interface > Wi-Fi from the main menu.
2. Click on the Access Point(Access Point 2.4G) tab to configure the 2.4GHz network. (Note: You can also select Access Point 5G if your device supports it and you wish to configure a 5GHz network.)
3. In the General Settings section of the Access Point page, configure the following:

• Enable: Toggle the switch to ON.
• SSID: Enter your desired Wi-Fi network name (e.g., "RBT_FAEA_2G").
• Security Mode: Select WPA-Personal for standard password protection.
• PSK Password: Enter a secure password for your Wi-Fi network.

4. click Submit.
5. click the Save & Apply button at the top of the page to apply the changes.
   

Verification & Testing

1. On a Wi-Fi enabled device (such as a smartphone or laptop), open the list of available wireless networks.
2. Find the network name (SSID) you configured in Step 2 (e.g., "RBT_FAEA_2G").
3. Select the network and enter the PSK password you created.
4. Once connected, open a web browser and try to visit a website to confirm you have internet access. Your device is now connected to the internet through the Robustel gateway.

Troubleshooting / FAQ

• Q: My Wi-Fi network (SSID) is not visible after configuration.

• A: Go back to Interface > Wi-Fi > Access Point 2.4G/5G. Ensure that the Enable switch is ON and that Broadcast SSID is also set to ON. Finally, confirm that you have clicked both Submit and Save & Apply.

• Q: I am connected to the Wi-Fi, but I can't access the internet.

• A: First, verify that the Robustel gateway itself has an active internet connection. Navigate to the Status > System Information page. Check the Internet Status panel to see if the Active IPv4 Link shows a "Connected" status with a valid IP address. If not, you may need to troubleshoot your gateway's primary internet connection (WWAN or WAN).

• Q: The Wi-Fi signal is weak.

• A: Ensure the Wi-Fi antennas are securely attached to the gateway. You can also try changing the Wi-Fi channel in the Access Point settings to avoid interference from other nearby networks.

Revision History