Setting up BrightBox 2 as a bridge and access point

[PS56]

If this query should be in another forum location please advise.

Hi All.

I want to link a couple of PCs to a 2.4GHz hotspot using a BrightBox2 as a bridge and switch. There have been some articles on the forum whose links give me an unhelpful access denied page so I'm requesting help here. I'm not looking for alternative solutions just the ability to set the BB2 so it will connect to the 2.4GHz only hotspot as some form of cabling is not possible.  A bonus would be for the BB2 to be able to become a local 5GHz access point.

[XRaySpeX]

This isn't gonna work. While you can connect devices to a router & use its bandwidth, you  can't in reverse connect a router to a WiFi hotspot.

[PS56]

The focus of my enquiry is not to seek an alternative solution but utilise the hoped for bridging functionality of the BB2. This is in part because I could be interacting elsewhere with a remote solar powered area which by definition is not mains supported. 

[PS56]

I'm aware that not all routers are equal and often have their functionality crippled for a particular ISP who is providing the equipment. Over twenty years ago I was blowing my own firmware but things have moved on. I was hoping that there was enough functionality in the BB2 even if it means alternative firmware bricking an example to meet my needs. Without any evidence I get the feeling that there may be a hidden menu that enables the handshaking functionality, all the hardware is there.

[PS56]

I was aware of this video as I also have a TalkTalk Dlink DSL 2780 but my attempts were unsuccessful and the video can be infuriating. As I have several BB2s I am hoping that the effort would be worthwhile with minimum outlay.

[XRaySpeX]

Having seen that video there is no reason why you can't do the same with a BB2. But not with a BB2 alone. You still need to have a wireless bridge. The BB2 is not a wireless bridge.

[Mustrum · Accepted solution]

@PS56   re the video, it uses the wireless bridge to convert the hotspot wireless signals into ethernet internet signals. The Brightbox and most routers do not have the functionality to receive wireless signals, only to transmit them.

No hidden menus are going to magickly open up a wireless receiver on the BB.

As before, a mobile router would do what you want.