Table of Contents Hide
Do you have a bunch of Multy M1 units and a strong DIY urge? Want to turn your home into a WiFi wonderland? Let’s dive into setting up a WiFi Mesh using OpenWRT and your beloved Multy M1 devices.
Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds. With a bit of patience and a pinch of fun, you’ll be the neighborhood’s WiFi hero!
What’s a WiFi Mesh, Anyway?
Imagine your main router is a lighthouse. But lighthouses don’t always light up every corner. Sometimes there’s a WiFi “dead zone” behind the couch or in the garage.
A mesh network uses multiple devices (called nodes) to spread the signal evenly. No more dropped Zoom calls in the kitchen!
And OpenWRT? That’s our magician. It’s cool open-source firmware that gives superpowers to regular routers. It unlocks features and gives you full control.
What You’ll Need
- At least two Zyxel Multy M1 devices
- A computer to flash and configure them
- OpenWRT firmware for the Multy M1
- A bit of time and coffee or tea (optional, but helps)
Step 1: Flash OpenWRT on the Multy M1
This is the heart surgery part, but it’s not too scary.
- Download the correct OpenWRT firmware for your Multy M1. Make sure it’s specifically for this model.
- Connect the M1 to your computer via Ethernet.
- Use a TFTP client or a web UI (if it has one) to flash it. Follow the OpenWRT guide exactly!
- Once flashed, open a browser and go to 192.168.1.1. You’re in!
Tip: Always flash your secondary nodes first, then your main one.
Step 2: Pick the Master Node
Choose one Multy M1 to be the main node. This baby will connect to your modem.
Once OpenWRT is up and running, set the WAN port to connect to the internet and assign a static IP if needed.
Now set up the WiFi SSID and password under the “Wireless” tab. You’ll want all your nodes to use the same SSID later for seamless roaming.
Step 3: Add the Satellite Node
Connect the second Multy M1 to a power socket in another room. Make sure it’s still in range of the first device.
Log into its OpenWRT interface at 192.168.1.1 and give it a different LAN IP (example: 192.168.1.2).
Now disable DHCP on this node. Let the master handle that.
Set the WiFi to match the main node: same SSID, same password, same channel. This creates a magic trick called fast roaming!
You can connect nodes via Ethernet or let them talk wirelessly. But Ethernet is better if you want top speed.
Step 4: Fine-Tune Mesh Settings
Time to sprinkle some mesh magic.
Head to the “Network > Wireless” section in OpenWRT. Enable options like:
- 802.11r – For instant client hand-off between nodes
- 802.11k – Helps devices pick the best node
- 802.11v – Optimizes network roaming experience
Don’t forget to hit Save & Apply.
You Did It!
Walk around your house and watch your phone keep steady WiFi bars. That’s mesh power in action!
Bonus Tips
- Use LuCI – OpenWRT’s web interface is user-friendly.
- Add more nodes – Just repeat the satellite steps.
- Monitor signal – Use tools like WiFi Analyzer for tweaking ranges and placement.
Final Thoughts
Building your own WiFi mesh with OpenWRT gives you power, flexibility, and a little geek pride. Plus, it saves money!
So next time someone mentions slow WiFi, you can say, “Let me tell you about OpenWRT…”
Happy meshing!
