Cisco 891w config

vsta.2017 · ‎10-27-2017

Hello,

Just a cisco novice that have a few questions about the cisco 891w router, and hope that I can get some expert answers.

I've just purchased a cisco 891w and use it as my home router/gateway via an external hdsl modem. I've managed to get the basic to work (pppoe, LAN, WAN, 3 vlan: 1 - wired, 3 - 2.4 Ghz wireless & 9 - 5.0 Ghz wireless), just some further configurations that I can't seem to be able to find

1. Is there a way for me to access the external hdsl modem (Smart/RG sr505n) from the LAN side!?

2. From the Cisco Configuration Professional Express, it states that the WAN interfaces are not configured. The modem is connected to the GigabitEthernet0 interface. So in this case, what is the primary WAN interface!? The hdsl modem (dialer1) or the GigabitEthernet0 interface!? I tried the GigabitEthernet0, but that removed the NAT inside statement and ... couldn't route, so I think it'd be the dialer1, but that interface is not edit-able. So for this particular case, how do I go about to configure the primary WAN interface or that is NOT possible!?

3. The wireless signal doesn't seem to cover my whole house, so I'm looking at getting another 891w that can be wired to the existing one. Is it possible for me to configure the AP on 2nd one as the extension of the 1st one with the same ssid, vlan etc.!? If so, can you give some clues!?

Thanks in advance for your helps.

Leo Laohoo · ‎10-27-2017

@vsta.2017 wrote:

3. The wireless signal doesn't seem to cover my whole house, so I'm looking at getting another 891w that can be wired to the existing one. Is it possible for me to configure the AP on 2nd one as the extension of the 1st one with the same ssid, vlan etc.!? If so, can you give some clues!?

That's a very expensive exercise. Don't get another 890W. Get a wireless access point and plug it back to the router. If the AP happens to support Mobility Express (which turns the AP into a WLC) then it'll make your life a little bit easier (configuration-wise).

vsta.2017 · ‎10-27-2017

Hi Leo,

Thank you very much for your reply.

I can actually get a used 891w for approx. $60 USD, which is quite decent price (compare to those Linksys, Netgear, ...). But the used APs seem to be quite a bit more expensive (2 to 3 time as much). Furthermore, the ... sort of man cave that I plan to install the 2nd router to also needs a number of wired connections, which makes the router be a more suitable choice.

From your reply, I'm guessing it's ... doable, but can be quite a challenge!?

While waiting for your respond, I'll do some research on mobility express capability on the 891w.

Again, many thanks.

Leo Laohoo · ‎10-27-2017

I was wrong to recommend Mobility Express. It seems the 890W's AP, an AP801, isn't supported with Mobility Express.