Using Huawei HG8145V5 as a Wired Switch and Wireless Access Point

To configure the Huawei HG8145V5 as a wired switch and wireless access point, disable its DHCP server, connect your main router to one of its LAN ports (not the WAN/Internet port), and set the HG8145V5 to an IP address on the same subnet as your primary network. This setup allows devices connected to the HG8145V5 to receive IP addresses from your main router while utilizing the device’s Wi-Fi and additional Ethernet ports.

Understanding the Network Topology

When you repurpose a router like the Huawei HG8145V5 into an access point, you are essentially converting it from a standalone gateway into a bridging device. The primary goal is to extend your existing network infrastructure without creating a separate sub-network or double NAT scenario. In this configuration, the main router retains control over IP address distribution, routing, and firewall rules, while the HG8145V5 simply passes data through its Ethernet switches and broadcasts the Wi-Fi signal. It is crucial to understand that the physical connection points matter significantly. Unlike standard router setups where the internet cable plugs into the WAN port, an access point mode requires the incoming network cable to plug directly into a LAN port. This ensures that the traffic flows through the internal switch rather than being processed by the router’s NAT engine. If you incorrectly use the WAN port, the HG8145V5 will attempt to create its own private network, isolating devices connected to it from your main local area network. For more details on managing multiple routers in a complex setup, see How to setup a second router behind a different router without changing the operating mode.

Pre-Configuration Steps

Before connecting the HG8145V5 to your active network, it is best practice to configure it independently. This prevents conflicts with your existing network settings and allows you to access the administrative interface easily. First, ensure the HG8145V5 is powered off or disconnected from any network cables. Connect a computer directly to one of the LAN ports of the HG8145V5 using an Ethernet cable. Alternatively, you can connect via Wi-Fi if you know the default SSID and password printed on the device label. Next, power on the device. Open a web browser and navigate to the default management IP address, which is typically 192.168.100.1 for Huawei ONT/Router devices. Log in using the default credentials, often found on the sticker at the bottom of the device. Common defaults include admin for both username and password, or specific codes provided by your ISP. If you have previously changed these credentials, you may need to reset the device to factory settings by holding the reset button for about 10 seconds until the lights flash. Once logged in, verify that you have full administrative access. You will need this level of permission to modify network settings and disable critical services like DHCP.

Configuring the Local Area Network Settings

The most critical step in this process is disabling the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server on the HG8145V5. If DHCP remains enabled, the HG8145V5 will try to assign IP addresses to devices on your main network, causing IP conflicts and connectivity issues. Navigate to the network settings section within the admin panel. Look for "LAN Settings" or "Local Network." Here, you will find the option to enable or disable the DHCP server. Select "Disable" or "Off." Save the changes immediately. Note that disabling DHCP might temporarily disconnect your management session if you are connected via Wi-Fi, so using a wired connection is recommended during this phase. After disabling DHCP, you must assign a static IP address to the HG8145V5 itself. This IP should be within the same subnet as your main router but outside the range of IPs assigned by your main router’s DHCP pool. For example, if your main router uses 192.168.1.1 and assigns IPs from 192.168.1.100 to 192.168.1.200, you could set the HG8145V5 to 192.168.1.2. Ensure the Subnet Mask matches your main network (usually 255.255.255.0) and set the Default Gateway to the IP address of your main router (192.168.1.1). If you encounter issues with network segmentation, refer to Configuring a New Router with Different Networks for broader context on network alignment.

Setting Up Wireless Parameters

Now that the wired networking aspects are configured, adjust the wireless settings to match your existing network environment. Navigate to the Wi-Fi or Wireless settings section. You can choose to keep the existing SSID and password identical to your main router to allow devices to roam seamlessly, or you can create a distinct SSID to differentiate between the two access points. Ensure that the wireless channel is set to a non-overlapping channel relative to your main router’s Wi-Fi to reduce interference. For 2.4 GHz networks, channels 1, 6, and 11 are standard. For 5 GHz networks, select a channel that does not conflict with adjacent APs. Save these settings.

Physical Connection and Final Testing

With all configurations saved, disconnect the computer from the HG8145V5. Take the Ethernet cable coming from your main router’s LAN port and plug it into one of the LAN ports on the HG8145V5. Do not use the WAN/Internet port. Power cycle the HG8145V5 if necessary to ensure all settings take effect. Once the device is back online, connect a test device (laptop or smartphone) to the HG8145V5 via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Verify that the device receives an IP address from your main router (check that the gateway is your main router’s IP, not 192.168.100.1). Test internet connectivity and local resource access to confirm successful integration. If you experience slow speeds after this setup, check Troubleshooting Slow Download Speed in Wi-Fi Client + AP Configuration for optimization tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the WAN port on the HG8145V5 for this setup?

No, you must use a LAN port for the incoming cable from your main router. Using the WAN port creates a secondary subnet and enables double NAT, which breaks local network communication between devices on the HG8145V5 and your main network.

What happens if I forget the HG8145V5's new IP address?

If you cannot locate the device on your network, perform a hard factory reset by holding the reset button for 10 seconds. This restores the default IP (192.168.100.1) and re-enables DHCP, allowing you to reconfigure it from scratch.

Will devices automatically switch between my main router and the HG8145V5?

Not entirely. While they will be on the same network, automatic roaming depends on Wi-Fi client support and matching SSIDs/passwords. To improve roaming, ensure both access points use the same security type (WPA2/WPA3) and consider adjusting transmit power to avoid excessive overlap.

Does this configuration affect port forwarding rules on my main router?

No, port forwarding rules remain on your main router. Since the HG8145V5 acts as a transparent bridge, any port forwarded to a specific IP address on your main network will still work, regardless of whether the device is connected to the main router or the HG8145V5.

Is there a performance penalty for using a consumer router as an access point?

There may be a slight reduction in throughput compared to a dedicated enterprise access point due to CPU limitations and shared memory. However, for typical home usage, the difference is negligible. Ensure you use Cat5e or higher Ethernet cables to maintain gigabit speeds.