HomeLab Environment Configuration

Background and Objective

Home network configurations usually involve the Optical Network Unit (ONU) as the entry point for the ISP connection, the R4S soft router (NanoPi R4S based on OpenWrt), and a Linksys hard router for managing the internal network. The objective of this article is to optimize network performance through bridge mode, reduce NAT conflicts, and utilize the R4S and Linksys to achieve efficient network management and wireless coverage.

Topology Diagram

The ONU in bridge mode connects to the R4S WAN port. The R4S acts as the main router handling PPPoE. The Linksys connects its WAN port to the R4S LAN port and is set to bridge mode, functioning as a wireless access point.

ONU Bridge Configuration

Reasons for Bridging

• Prevent redundant NAT forwarding and avoid Double NAT issues that affect certain applications.
• Reduce the network load on the ONU, as the ONU only handles photoelectric signal conversion and not routing.
• ONU functionality is limited. After bridging, the R4S or Linksys can provide more powerful routing capabilities.
• The ONU's WiFi signal is weak. After bridging, the Linksys can be used to provide better wireless coverage.

Specific Configuration Steps

Hangzhou China Unicom ONU

• Login Information:
  • Address: http://192.168.1.1/cu.html
  • Account: CUAdmin
  • Password: CUAdmin
• PPPoE Settings:
  • Account: Usually starts with 0571 (Hangzhou area code), needs to be obtained from the backend.
  • Password: The last six digits of the account.
• Bridge Mode Setup: Find WAN settings through the login interface, adjust the mode to bridge, save, and reboot.

Hangzhou China Mobile ONU

• Login Information:
  • Address: http://192.168.1.1/
  • Account: CMCCAdmin
  • Password: aDm8H%MdA
• PPPoE Settings:
  • Account: Starts with hz, followed by the first letters of the district (e.g., Binjiang District is hzbj), and then an a-z letter based on the broadband activation order (e.g., the first line is hzbja).
  • Password: Try 000000, 888888, 123456, the last six digits of the account, or the last six/eight digits of the ID card.
• Bridge Mode Setup: After logging in, adjust WAN to bridge mode, save, and reboot.

Using PPPoE in Bridge Mode

After bridging, the R4S or Linksys must dial up the network using the PPPoE account and password to ensure normal internet connectivity.

Linksys Bridge Mode

Initial Configuration

Regardless of whether you plan to switch to "Bridge Mode" or "Automatic Configuration - DHCP" later, you must first perform the initialization setup. Follow the "Configuration Wizard" to set the router password and configure the WiFi password normally. If no extra configuration is needed and the network cable is fine, you should be able to access the internet normally.

Advanced Settings

Bridge Mode

1. Connection: Connect the R4S LAN port to the Linksys WAN port (Internet port).
2. Login Interface: Access the Linksys web interface (default 192.168.1.1), and skip the initial setup prompt.
3. Set Bridge Mode:
   • Go to Configuration > Connectivity > WAN Setup.
   • Select Bridge Mode to use the router as a wireless access point.
   • Select "Automatic IP address acquisition" or manually specify the IP (e.g., 192.168.31.2, default gateway is 192.168.31.1).
   • Save and reboot the router.

After configuration is complete, click "Save" to reboot the router

Additional Optimization

• Wireless Network - Advanced Settings - Roaming Assistant: Select Off, which can improve stability.
• Wireless Network - Advanced Settings - Region: Select Australia, which might enhance signal strength, but be mindful of compliance, as it may not be suitable for all regions.
• If using Homeassistant: It is recommended to disable WiFi dual-band merging mode to avoid compatibility issues.

Summary

This article provides detailed steps for ONU bridge mode, R4S PPPoE configuration, and Linksys bridge mode, ensuring efficient operation of the home network.