Most usefull feature of Zyxel EX3301 Router

The most useful feature of this router isn't the 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands, range, or anything typical like that. But, it's a feature that's difficult to find in other routers.
Think about it , the ability to scan other access points (APs), connect to them as a client, and then broadcast own SSID while routing all traffic, running DHCP, DNS, and OpenWrt simultaneously.

Router is AP and client at same time , It might seem impossible?

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What You'll Need

Zyxel router EX3301-T0
AP connected to Internet ( MainSSID)
Downloaded OpenWrt 15.5 firmware

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Step 1: Install OpenWrt 15.5

Download OpenWrt from the link and upgrade using OEM firmupgrade page

Step 2: Log In to web page at 192.168.1.1

1. Log in using username: root (no password by default)

2. Navigate to Network > Zyxel Wi-Fi

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Step 3: Configure Your WiFi (SSID)

In the Smart Connect tab (first tab):

1. Choose your SSID ,WiFi network name, let say "NewSSID"

2. Select your security settings (WPA2 recommended)

3. Click Apply to save your changes

⚠️ Important: Do NOT click "Apply and Save" yet. Just click Apply.

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Step 4: Connect to Another Access Point (Mesh Backhaul)

Go to Network > Mesh Backhaul:

1. Click Scan to find available access points nearby

2. Select the AP you want to connect to

3. Enter the password for that AP in the password field

4. Click Save

⚠️ Important: Do NOT click "Apply and Save" yet. Just click Save.

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Step 5: Change Your LAN IP if main AP is on 192.168.1.x

Go to Network > Interfaces:

1. Click Edit next to LAN

2. Change the network address to be different network from the main router you connected to in Step 4

Example:

• If the main router uses 192.168.1.1, change yours to 192.168.2.1

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Step 6: Apply All Changes & Reboot

1. Click Apply All Changes in the top right corner

2. Wait for the router to reboot (this may take 1-2 minutes)

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✅ Final Result

Once rebooted, your router will:

• ✅ Connect to another AP as a client to (MainSSID)

• ✅ Broadcast its own SSID (NewSSID)

• ✅ Route all traffic through the connection

• ✅ Run DHCP, DNS, and OpenWrt simultaneously

• ✅ Keep your network isolated from the main router's subnet

NOTE

• The main router won't see devices behind this router

• This setup acts as a WiFi client bridge + router

• Your devices will have their own subnet separate from the main network

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