In this guide I will show you how to setup a WiFi hotspot with DD-WRT firmware and EasyHotspot nano.

Upgrade to DD-WRT Firmware

First of all you need a router which is capable with DD-WRT firmware (not mini or micro versions, because they don’t have Hotspot capabilities). To check to see if your router is supported by DD-WRT go to:
http://www.dd-wrt.com/site/support/router-database.
Enter your router model name. The example that I will use here is linksys WRT54GL. Also, please take note of the additional information and follow the instructions provided to avoid any errors in the flashing procedure.

For Linksys WRT54GL you must flash to ‘mini generic’ version of DD-WRT for initial flashing from a new router, then you can flash to ‘standard generic’ version which has the hotspot capabilities. Download the ‘mini generic’ version for initial flashing and also the ‘Standard Generic’ version of DD-WRT with the recommended supported by build.

Once you have downloaded the DD-WRT firmware that you need, you can upgrade your routers firmware from the router admin page.

Make sure to connect your router to the LAN port on your computer / laptop. Go to you Routers Admin page, type the default IP address for your router: “192.168.1.1″ on a browser address bar and login with your username and password. (the default are username: ‘admin’ and password: ‘admin’)

Go to Administration -> Firmware Upgrade. For a new router (Linksys WRT54GL) and still on the original firmware, choose the ‘mini generic’ version firmware that you previously downloaded for initial flashing.

After you have chosen your correct version, Press ‘upgrade’. DO NOT INTERRUPT the rourter when it is upgrading the firmware, wait upto 5 minutes until the message: ‘upgrade in successfull’ shows up, otherwise leave the router alone!

When the ‘Upgrade is successful’ message shows up, click continue. Your router should restart and you can access the new DD-WRT admin page on the default ip address 192.168.1.1. If you cannot access the router yet, try to restarting the router by unplugging and replug in the power cable.

Once you have upgraded your router firmware with DD-WRT ’mini generic’ version you must  upgrade it again to the ‘standard generic’ version of DD-WRT. Go to Administration -> Firmware Upgrade, and choose the ‘Standard Generic’ DD-WRT version that you have downloaded earlier. Then Click Upgrade and wait for the router to restart.

Configuring DD-WRT for EasyHotspot nano

For this step you must be connected to the internet with your router. Check that your WAN settings (Status -> WAN) are correct. Try browsing the internet through your router. If you can connect to the internet then you can continue to the next step.

Get DD-WRT router commands:
Login to manage.easyhotspot-nano.com with your username and password. Go to ‘Hotspots’ tab and click on ‘Get Configuration’ on the Hotspot you want to configure. Pick on DD-WRT on the configuration popup.

Copy the Command Codes on this page which are specific for your hotspot, then follow the next steps.

Open the router admin page on 192.168.1.1, if you already haven’t done so, enter a new username and password to secure your router admin page. Then you should be able to access the DD-WRT control panel.

Go to Administration -> Commands. Paste the commands you previously copied from your hotspots page in the commands text box, and then click “Run Commands”.

The commands should run, don’t interrupt the router and wait for your router to restart. One the router has restarted, you need to reassign DHCP for your PC / laptop because your router has a new IP address, or disconnect your LAN cable then reconnect it. You can now access your router admin page at the new IP address “192.168.10.1″

If you have configured your router successfully, your wireless network name should be changes to ‘EasyHotspot’. Now you can try to connect to your routers wireless network and start browsing the internet. You should be redirected to a login page of your hotspot.

Congratulations! you have just successfully created a WiFi Hotspot with DD-WRT firmware and EasyHotspot nano. What next? Go to your manage page, create some vouchers and start selling them to your customers!

About the Author

Pandu Hartanto

Partner at Inovasia Kreatif