How to Configure the MERCUSYS Travel Router in Hotspot/WISP Mode

The MERCUSYS Travel Routers support multiple operating modes to accommodate diverse connectivity needs, including Wireless Router/Access Point/Range Extender/Client/Hotspot mode. This article provides step-by-step instructions for configuring them in hotspot mode effectively.

When operating in hotspot/WISP Mode, the device establishes connectivity with public wireless networks and distributes the connection to client devices. This mode is especially effective for accessing restricted networks that limit clients or require authentication credentials.

If it doesn’t match your network environment, please identify which operation mode is suitable for you first.

Note: This guide uses MR84X-Travel as reference models to show the installation steps. The actual interface and function options shown in this FAQ may vary slightly from those of your product model. For more details, please refer to your router's User Guide.

Step 1. Power on the travel router near the public Wi-Fi network (Public Hotspot), and then wait until the LED turns solid (red or blue) before moving on.

The network topology when the travel router is working in hotspot mode.

Step 2. Connect one computer to the travel router wirelessly or via a wired connection.

Wirelessly: Connect your computer to the router’s Wi-Fi. The default wireless network name (SSID) and wireless password are printed on both the Wi-Fi info card and the label at the bottom of the router.
Wired: Turn off the Wi-Fi on your computer and connect to the LAN port of the router with an Ethernet cable.

Step 3. Open a browser and go to mwlogin.net or 192.168.1.1, then create a local password to sign in to the web management page.

Note: If it asks you to enter the local password, it means the router has already been configured before. It's recommended to get a pin to press the reset hole for 6 seconds to perform a hard reset. Once finished, access the web management to start Quick Setup.

Step 4. After logging in, configure your time zone and set Wi-Fi as the internet source. Then click NEXT.

Screenshot showing Wi-Fi selected as the Internet source.

Step 5. Select the host network you want to extend, and enter the correct password to establish the connection.

Select Host Network.

Screenshot showing the password entry to connect to the network.

Step 6. Select the Connection Type, and click NEXT.

When using the router in a hotel room or a small office, select the Dynamic IP. For other connection types, please enter the relevant parameters as needed.

Screenshot showing how to select Static IP or Dynamic IP as the Connection Type.

Step 7. Select Use Default MAC Address (recommended for most configurations). Then click NEXT.

Selecting the router MAC address page.

Step 8. Either customize your local network SSID and Wireless Password for the 2.4GHz/5GHz network or click USE THE CURRENT Wi-Fi SETTINGS to keep the default ones, and then click NEXT.

Note: Selecting NEXT activates the updated Wi-Fi configuration immediately. If you are using a wireless device to access the web management, manually reconnect to the router's network, including scenarios where the default Wi-Fi settings are kept.

The page of personalized wireless settings.

Step 9. Then complete the setup by following the on-screen instructions.

To get to know more details of each function and configuration, please go to the Download Center to download the manual for your product.