Set WiFi to Client AP for internet access (WiFi WWAN)
This guide explains how to configure a Proroute router to use an existing Wi-Fi network as its WAN uplink — commonly referred to as Wi-Fi client mode or WWAN. This is useful when a wired or cellular WAN connection is unavailable and an upstream Wi-Fi network is the only available internet source.
Prerequisites: Confirm your router model supports Wi-Fi client mode. Check the router's wireless specification — some models support 2.4 GHz only (Wi-Fi 4 / 802.11n), others are dual-band 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz (Wi-Fi 5 / 802.11ac or Wi-Fi 6 / 802.11ax). You must connect to an upstream network that operates on a supported band. This guide assumes the upstream Wi-Fi network provides IP addresses via DHCP.
Configuration
Location in WebUI: Network > Wi-Fi > AP Client
Step 1: Connect and log in
- Start from factory default settings
- Connect a PC or laptop to a LAN port on the router via Ethernet
- Open a browser and navigate to
http://192.168.8.1 - Log in with the credentials on the device label and set a new password when prompted
Step 2: Scan for and join the upstream Wi-Fi network
- Navigate to Network > Wi-Fi > AP Client
- The router will display a list of available Wi-Fi networks
- Locate the upstream network required for internet access and click Join Network
- Enter the Wi-Fi passphrase and ensure Replace Wireless Configuration is ticked
- Click Submit
Step 3: Confirm Wi-Fi network settings
After submitting, the WebUI opens the Wi-Fi network settings page. In most cases the auto-filled values are correct and no changes are needed. Verify the following before saving:
| Setting | Required value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mode | Client | Must be set to Client — not AP or Monitor |
| Network / WWAN | Ticked | Associates this interface with the WWAN network zone |
| Operating frequency | Match upstream network | Mode, channel, and width must be compatible with the upstream AP |
- Confirm the settings above are correct
- Click Save and Apply
The router will now attempt to connect to the upstream Wi-Fi network and obtain an IP address via DHCP. Check Status > Overview to confirm the WWAN interface has an assigned IP and is active.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Resolution |
|---|---|
| WWAN interface shows no IP address | The upstream network may not be running DHCP. If a static IP is required, go to Network > Interfaces > WWAN > Edit > General Setup, change Protocol from DHCP Client to Static Address, and configure the IPv4 address, netmask, and gateway to match the upstream network. |
| Cannot see the upstream network in the scan list | Confirm the upstream AP is operating on a band supported by the router. Move the router closer to the upstream AP and rescan. |
| Connection established but no internet access | Verify the upstream network itself has internet access. Check that Default Route is enabled on the WWAN interface at Network > Interfaces > WWAN. |
| Router disconnects from upstream network intermittently | Likely a weak signal. Check signal strength at Status > Wi-Fi. Reposition the router or use an external antenna if supported by the model. |