Client Bridge + WPA Fails

[wiredfool]

I've got 2 (apparently) identical WRT54GL routers (call them experimental) running 1.3.9, and an older buffalo running OpenWRT White Russian (call it stable).

I'm trying to extend the signal from my stable router into my livingroom so that netflix and airplay and all that stuff works without dropouts and stuttering. Unfortunately, there are 2 external walls and one internal one between the DSL drop and the living room, so things get sketchy.

I've been trying combinations of WDS, Client Repeaters, and running the experimental ones back to back, one as a client, one as an AP, and I can't get either of the experimental ones to connect to any of my APs in either WPA mode. I need some security, so WEP is right out. Client bridge mode _does_ work with no encryption (at least, I've tested the two experimental ones).

Any Ideas?

[DoesItMatter]

The WRT54GL's running 1.3.9

Have you tried to configure them and get them running while they
are in the same room to verify they talk with each other?

If they work like that, but don't work with the distance/walls,
you need to put some larger antennas or increase the output.

If you can't get them to work in the same room, there is definitely
something wrong, and you should re-flash and re-configure them.

If all you are using is the wireless, not QoS or Bandwidth monitor,
etc, or need those features, you should run the older version 1.2.5

Try flashing 1.2.5 on those 2 WRT54GL's and see if that works for you.

[wiredfool]

Sorry, I should have been more clear -- They are currently in the same room, and within a few feet of each other. When they're running in no encryption mode, they get -7db signal and -73db noise.

I'm not running QOS right now, but I'm considering it to combat bufferbloat issues. (I've got 2 mb of buffer on my upstream, very noticable on the wired computers when sending a virtual machine up the wire to colo).

I'll try 1.2.5 to see if it will work on the client side at least.

[wiredfool]

Looks like the bridge works in WPA mode on 1.2.5. Thanks.

[DoesItMatter]

The 1.3.x series is using Backfire OpenWRT

The 1.2.5 series and earlier uses the prior OpenWRT - I think
its also White Russian, or is it Kamikaze?
Whichever build, its the one right before Backfire.

I don't know why they wouldn't communicate with each other,
but as long as you got it working, thats what counts!

The Devs might have to look into this - maybe a bug somewhere?

[wiredfool]

The 1.2.5 series and earlier uses the prior OpenWRT - I think
its also White Russian, or is it Kamikaze?
Whichever build, its the one right before Backfire.

Kamikaze.

FWIW, 1.2.5 is working as a client bridge for me to APs running Backfire and White Russian. 1.3.9 doesn't work as a client bridge at all if you want WPA.

Now I'm discovering that this doesn't quite get me where I want to go, since mdns isn't crossing the client bridge for some reason. Either I have to explicitly allow multicast, or.... I'm not sure yet. I might try WDS instead of a client/ap bridge set.