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PiFi with Router as Access Point

PiFi with Router as Access Point

PiFi → Router Access Point.

Want to use PiFi as the brains of your network but have another access point for wider range?
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This guide will show you how to go from:

Modem > Router

To

Modem > Raspberry Pi (PiFi) > Router

So that PiFi effectively provides the brain including high-speed VPN and AdGuard for your entire network

Step 1: Modem to Raspberry Pi (WAN)

The first step is to get Raspberry Pi online via cable, then we’ll share the connection with other devices.

1.1 Confirm Raspberry Pi is configured for WAN

By default, the port on Raspberry Pi is set to WAN (this means it receives internet (gets online) via ethernet cable rather than shares internet-out (LAN) which would allow a connected device to get online.

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You can verify your Raspberry Pi port is WAN by checking PiFi App > Settings > Network Settings > Port (WAN/LAN) which should show WAN

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1.2 Connect Cable from LAN Port on Modem to WAN Port on Raspberry Pi

The first step is to get Raspberry Pi online. To do so, we will connect from a LAN Port on the modem to the WAN port on the Raspberry Pi.

If you are now online you’re ready to continue to step 2. If not, there may be some additional configuration required such as PPoPE in settings that are not covered in this guide. If you can’t get online on this step, try posting on PiFi community with your setup and we’ll share some tips.

Step 2: Connect to Router

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As Raspberry Pi has a single ethernet port, which we used in step 1 for WAN, we need to make use of a USB-to-ethernet adapter or ethernet HAT

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Tip: If using USB 3.0 accessories such as a USB-to-ethernet adapter or PiFi Kit it’s especially important to ensure you are using a power supply delivering sufficient power, the minimum requirement is 5v3a for Raspberry Pi 4 and 5v5a for Raspberry Pi 5 (see here for more)

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2.1 Connect USB-to-Ethernet Adapter

Connect a USB-to-ethernet adapter into one of the blue USB ports on Raspberry Pi (most are supported - you can find examples here and here)

2.2 Connect Ethernet from USB-to-Ethernet Adapter to Router (WAN)

Next, connect an ethernet cable from the USB-to-ethernet adapter to a WAN port on your router

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How it Works

All USB-to-ethernet adapters or ethernet HATs default to LAN mode.

This means the Raspberry Pi's built-in ethernet port acts as WAN (internet access), while any additional ethernet accessory (e.g., USB-to-ethernet adapter) acts as LAN (shares internet with other devices).

That's why PiFi connects from LAN (USB-to-ethernet) to WAN (router), providing internet access to the router.

2.3 Confirm Online

You have now performed the steps necessary for PiFi to provide the brains for your router (AP).

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You can now connect to your routers WiFi, and it be powered by PiFi. To quickly verify:

  • Connect to your router in WiFi Settings.
  • Open 192.168.3.14 in your browser. You should see the LuCI interface.
  • Alternatively, open the PiFi App; it should detect your PiFi router.

2.4.1 Troubleshooting - Quick Checks

If 2.3 does not show PiFi, it’s likely an issue with the configuration at the router-level.

Quick checks:

  • The simplest check is make sure it’s connected to the routers WAN port.
  • Also, make sure your power supply is sufficient so that the USB-to-ethernet is functioning as required (5v3a for Raspberry Pi 4 and 5v5a for Raspberry Pi 5) - you can also check USB 2.0 (grey port)

2.4.2 Troubleshooting - Ensure Router is DHCP Mode

Ensure your secondary router's WAN interface to DHCP

Setting your secondary router’s WAN to DHCP means configuring its WAN interface to automatically request an IP address and other network settings (gateway, DNS servers) from the Raspberry Pi (PiFi) LAN.

In the configuration on this guide:

  • The Raspberry Pi acts like your main router.
  • The secondary router’s WAN port becomes a client to the Pi, and should therefore request network information via DHCP.

If the secondary router’s WAN interface isn't set to DHCP, it won't know how to talk to the Pi properly, resulting in no internet access.

How to Set WAN Interface to DHCP:

  1. Log in to the router’s admin page:
  • Usually accessed via:
    • http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.1.1

You can likely find this on the sticker on the router or via router documentation

  1. Navigate to the WAN/Internet settings page.
  2. Find the WAN Connection Type or similar setting.
  3. Select DHCP or Automatic IP (DHCP).

      4. Example options:

    1. Automatic IP (DHCP)
    2. Dynamic IP (DHCP)
  4. Save the settings.
  5. Reboot the secondary router to ensure settings apply.
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Still having issues?

Please reach out via the PiFi Community and let us know where the issues occur i.e “Steps 1 worked ok and Raspberry Pi is online but on 2.3 it’s not online” etc - the community will be happy to help you get everything up and running.