> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ezr23t.router.works/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ezr23t.router.works/firmware/wifi-hotspots.md).

# WiFi Hotspots

## Wireless Overview

After logging into the router, go to "***Network > Wireless***." The **Wireless Overview** page lists the WiFi configuration section of the physical radio. You can configure the WiFi hotspots and set up a WiFi relay.

(radio0) **Generic MAC80211 802.11bgn** is the WiFi4 (2.4GHz) WiFi network

* **radio0** - Represents the physical wireless radio on the router
* **SSID | Mode: Master** - The primary WiFi (main & guest) hotspots hosted by the router
* **SSID | Mode: Client** - When configured, displays any relayed/repeated WiFi networks
* **Associated Stations** - Lists the currently active WiFi networks, client devices connected to them, and their status.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/muFI6JCouwun00AwmmCM" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Network > Wireless - WiFi Overview Page</p></figcaption></figure></div>

***

## WiFi Settings

Click the "**Edit**" button on the WiFi SSID row to enter the configure section.

**Cellular-WiFi-xxxxxx** is the main WiFi hotspot.\
**Guest-WiFi-xxxxxx** is the Guest WiFi hotspot isolated in a separate subnet.

*Note: "xxxxxx" indicates the MAC address of the WiFi AP module.*

### Device Configuration

#### Tab: General Setup

Monitor the WiFi hotspot status and configure general WiFi settings as below. Keeping the default settings is recommended to avoid conflicts.

* **Operating Mode** - Leave 802.11n standard (N mode) as default for maximum compatibility.
* **Channel** - Use the default Auto channel selection to let the router choose an unused channel. Or, if setting a manual channel, choose a lower channel <11 to ensure legacy device compatibility after setting the country code.
* **Operating Width** - Default 20MHz width instead of 40MHz helps avoid interference in dense WiFi environments.
* **Transmit Power** - Leave it in "Auto" mode to let the router adjust within regulatory limits. The max transmit power may be restricted below 21dBm depending on the country code for legal compliance.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/QtiQuve6E955yiBA3uI1" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>WiFi General Setup - Mode Channel Width &#x26; Power</p></figcaption></figure></div>

#### **Tab: Advanced Settings**

Additional WiFi hotspot options can be configured under the "Advanced Settings" tab. These levers allow fine-tuning performance in challenging RF environments but require advanced wireless expertise. Misconfiguration can severely impact connectivity.

* **Country Code** - Select the appropriate country to ensure WiFi operates on legal frequencies and power levels.
* **Fragmentation Threshold** - Packet size before link layer fragmentation. Lower settings can help noisy links. 2346 bytes is generally recommended.
* **RTS/CTS Threshold** - Frame size threshold for RTS/CTS handshake. 2347 bytes is typically optimal.
* **Beacon Interval** - Configure the packet broadcast frequency. Lower times increase roaming support at the cost of throughput. Default 100ms is recommended.

### Wi-Fi SSID & Password

Scroll down to the "**Interface Configuration**" section to edit the WiFi SSID (WiFi hotspot name) and WiFi password.

#### Tab: General Setup

* **Mode** - Leave as Access Point
* **ESSID** - Enter the WiFi hotspot name (SSID) for the WiFi hotspot. It is recommended not to include spaces or special characters.
* **Network** - Leave as the default LAN network
* **Hide ESSID** - Enable this option to disable SSID broadcast.
* **WMM Mode** - WiFi Multimedia is an automated way of handling Quality of Service (QoS). Turn it off for more compatibility with legacy WiFi devices.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/XNeH3dUo60uOjH46D8Yh" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Wireless WiFi - ESSID Hotspot Name</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/LAE0fJmNyeXgBIDlEzu0" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Wireless WiFi Security Encryption Method</p></figcaption></figure></div>

#### **Tab: Wireless Security**

Next, click the "Wireless Security" tab to set up a WiFi password.

* **Encryption** - Select the encryption method. Using "WPA2-PSK" or "Mixed WPA/WPA2" encryption with a strong password is highly recommended to prevent unauthorized access.
* **Cipher** - The recommended default is "Auto."
* **Key** - Enter and confirm a password (at least eight characters) that clients will use to connect. Do not leave this option empty after choosing the "Encryption" method above.

Finally, click the **"Save & Apply"** button to apply the new settings. The WiFi hotspot will reboot in 2-3 minutes to apply the updated settings.&#x20;

Then, refresh network scans and reconnect your devices to the newly renamed/secured wireless network.

***

## WiFi Relay

The EZR23T router can be configured in WiFi client mode to connect to an existing WiFi hotspot as a client device. When joining another WiFi network, the router will obtain internet connectivity through that target wireless access point.

Check the [WiFi relay tutorial](https://how.router.works/net/wifi/relay).