EDUP RT2983 OPENWRT AX1800 WiFi 6 Router User Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the EDUP RT2983 OPENWRT AX1800 WiFi 6 Router. This high-performance dual-band gigabit router is designed to provide a fast, stable, and secure wireless network experience for your home or office. Featuring the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology, MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and Mesh support, it ensures wide coverage and efficient data transmission. With a powerful dual-core CPU, ample memory, and pre-installed OpenWrt firmware, the RT2983 offers advanced customization and robust network management capabilities, including VPN support and intelligent device management.

Figure 1: EDUP RT2983 Router Overview

2. Package Contents

Please check the package carefully for the following items:

• 1 x EDUP RT2983 OPENWRT AX1800 Dual Band Gigabit WiFi 6 Router
• 1 x Power Adapter

Figure 2: What's in the Box

3. Physical Overview

3.1 Front Panel and Indicators

The front panel of the RT2983 router features several LED indicators to show the device's status:

• Power LED: Indicates power status.
• WiFi LED: Indicates wireless network activity.
• WPS LED: Indicates WPS function status.
• WAN LED: Indicates WAN port connection status.
• LAN LEDs (x3): Indicate LAN port connection status.

Figure 3: Front Panel with LED Indicators

3.2 Rear Panel and Ports

The rear panel provides all necessary connection ports and buttons:

• WAN Port (1x Gigabit): Connects to your modem or internet service provider.
• LAN Ports (3x Gigabit): Connects to wired devices like computers, smart TVs, or gaming consoles.
• WPS Button: For quick and secure connection to WPS-enabled devices.
• Reset Button: Used to restore factory default settings (press and hold for 5-10 seconds while powered on).
• Power Port: Connects to the included power adapter.

Figure 4: Rear Panel with Ports and Buttons

3.3 Antennas

The router is equipped with four external 5dBi high-gain omnidirectional antennas, strategically placed for optimal signal coverage and reduced interference.

Figure 5: External Antennas

4. Setup Guide

4.1 Hardware Connection

1. Power On: Connect the power adapter to the router's power port and plug it into a power outlet. Wait for the Power LED to light up.
2. Connect to Internet (WAN): Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to your modem's LAN port and the other end to the router's blue WAN port.
3. Connect Wired Devices (Optional): Connect your computers or other wired devices to the router's yellow LAN ports using Ethernet cables.

4.2 Initial Configuration

1. Connect to the Router:
   • Wireless: Search for the default Wi-Fi network name (SSID) printed on the router's label and connect using the default password.
   • Wired: Ensure your computer is connected to one of the router's LAN ports.
2. Access Web Interface: Open a web browser and enter the default IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1) in the address bar. Press Enter.
3. Login: Enter the default username and password (usually root and no password, or admin/admin, check the router's label for specific details).
4. Follow Setup Wizard: The OpenWrt interface may guide you through an initial setup process. Configure your WAN connection type (PPPoE, Dynamic IP, Static IP) as provided by your ISP.
5. Configure Wi-Fi: Set up your desired Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and a strong password for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
6. Save Settings: Apply and save your configurations. The router will reboot if necessary.

5. Operating Modes

The EDUP RT2983 supports multiple operating modes to suit various networking needs:

• Router Mode: The default mode, where the device acts as a central hub for your network, providing internet access to all connected devices and managing IP addresses.
• Access Point (AP) Mode: Extends an existing wired network to a wireless one. The router connects to an existing router via an Ethernet cable and broadcasts a Wi-Fi signal.
• Wireless Bridge Mode: Connects two separate wired networks wirelessly.
• Wired Bridge Mode: Connects two separate wireless networks via a wired connection.

6. Advanced Features

6.1 Powerful Performance

The RT2983 is built for powerful performance, incorporating several advanced technologies:

• Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): The latest Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity.
• Gigabit Ports: All WAN and LAN ports support gigabit speeds for high-speed wired connections.
• IPv6 Support: Ready for the next generation of internet protocols.
• WPA3 Security: Enhanced wireless security for your network.
• MU-MIMO: Allows the router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, improving efficiency.
• OFDMA: Improves network efficiency and reduces latency, especially in high-density environments.
• Dual Frequency in One: Combines 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands into a single SSID for seamless connectivity.
• Mesh Support: Enables creation of a unified network with multiple compatible routers for extended coverage.

Figure 6: Powerful Performance Features

6.2 Dual-Band AX1800 Speeds

The router offers a combined wireless speed of up to 1800Mbps, utilizing both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands:

• 2.4GHz Band (up to 574Mbps): Provides longer transmission distance and better wall penetration.
• 5GHz Band (up to 2402Mbps): Offers higher speeds and less interference for demanding applications.

Figure 7: Dual-Band Speed Capabilities

Figure 8: Lightening-fast Dual-Band WiFi 6 Speeds

6.3 Mesh Networking

The RT2983 supports Mesh arbitrary networking, allowing you to expand signal coverage throughout your home without complex wiring. By connecting multiple compatible wireless routers, you can create a seamless 360° network with full coverage and no dead zones.

Figure 9: Mesh Network Coverage

6.4 Network Management

Easily manage your network with features like visitor network support, which separates guest access from your main network for enhanced security. Device management functions allow you to set allowed internet access times for specific devices, useful for parental controls.

Figure 10: Network Management Features

6.5 VPN Support

The router supports OpenVPN and WireGuard in both client and server modes, enabling secure remote access to corporate internal resources or creating private encrypted tunnels for your network traffic.

Figure 11: Remote Office VPN Access

6.6 TWT (Target Wake Time)

Target Wake Time (TWT) technology effectively minimizes power consumption in connected devices, prolonging their battery life. The RT2983 router optimizes this feature for improved energy efficiency.

Figure 12: TWT Battery Life Extension

7. Specifications

7.1 Hardware Specifications

Table 1: Hardware Specifications

7.2 Software Specifications

• Version: OpenWrt v23.05
• Operating Modes: Router, AP, Wireless Bridge, Wired Bridge
• WAN Settings: PPPoE, Dynamic IP, Static IP
• System Settings: Time management, firmware upgrade, factory reset, reboot, password management, configuration backup & restore
• Supported Protocols: IEEE802.11/b/g/n, IEEE802.11ax, IPv6, IPv4, ARP, DHCP, PPP, HTTP, ICMP
• VPN Support: OpenVPN client & server, WireGuard client & server

8. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your router, try the following solutions:

• No Internet Access:
  • Check all cable connections (WAN, LAN, Power) to ensure they are secure.
  • Verify that your modem is working correctly.
  • Log into the router's web interface and check your WAN settings (PPPoE, Dynamic IP, Static IP) to ensure they match your ISP's requirements.
  • Reboot both your modem and router.
• Weak Wi-Fi Signal or Dead Zones:
  • Relocate the router to a central location, away from obstructions and interference sources (e.g., microwaves, cordless phones).
  • Ensure the antennas are oriented correctly.
  • Consider utilizing the Mesh networking feature with additional compatible routers to extend coverage.
  • Update the router's firmware to the latest version.
• Cannot Access Router's Web Interface:
  • Ensure your device is connected to the router (wired or wirelessly).
  • Verify that you are entering the correct IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
  • Try clearing your browser's cache or using a different browser.
  • If you've forgotten the login credentials, you may need to perform a factory reset (see section 3.2).
• Slow Speeds:
  • Ensure your internet plan supports the speeds you expect.
  • Check for network congestion; too many devices or bandwidth-intensive activities can slow down the network.
  • Use the 5GHz band for devices that require higher speeds and are closer to the router.
  • Ensure your devices support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) to take full advantage of the router's capabilities.

9. User Tips

• Optimal Placement: Place your router in a central, elevated location in your home, away from large metal objects, concrete walls, and other electronics that might cause interference.
• Regular Firmware Updates: Periodically check the EDUP website or the OpenWrt community for firmware updates. Keeping your router's firmware up-to-date ensures optimal performance, security, and access to new features.
• Strong Passwords: Always use strong, unique passwords for your Wi-Fi network (WPA3 recommended) and the router's administration interface.
• Guest Network: Utilize the guest network feature to provide internet access to visitors without giving them access to your main network and connected devices.
• Explore OpenWrt: Since the router comes with OpenWrt, advanced users can explore its extensive customization options, install additional packages, and fine-tune network settings for specific needs.

10. Warranty and Support

The EDUP RT2983 router typically comes with a 1-year manufacturer's warranty. For detailed warranty information, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or contact EDUP customer support.

If you require technical assistance or have questions about your product, please contact EDUP Official Store support through their official channels. Be prepared to provide your product model (RT2983) and a detailed description of your issue.