ESP32 NAT Router Extended

This is a firmware to use the ESP32 as WiFi NAT router. It can be used as

• Simple range extender for an existing WiFi network
• Setting up an additional WiFi network with different SSID/password for guests or IOT devices

This is an extension of the great work of martin-ger's ESP32 NAT Router-project. I used his project as a starting point for learning microcontroller programming and extended it with some features for my use case.

Features / Usage scenarios

• Extend range of WiFi network (Repeater)
• Additional network for guests
• Portable usage with a small, low power device (battery powered)
• Bypass restrictions in public WiFis, like device and rate limit
• Scanning for APs (s. limitations)
• User friendly UI with mobile support
• Resetting the device in UI and with Pin/Button
• OTA-Updates
• Keep connection alive on networks with forced disconnect
• Secure frontend by password or complete disabling
• Show connected state and quality in UI
• Disable the on board indicator LED

First Boot

After first boot the ESP32 NAT Router will offer a WiFi network with an open AP and the ssid "ESP32_NAT_Router". Configuration can either be done via a simple web interface or via the serial console.

Web Config Interface

The web interface allows for the configuration of all parameters. Connect you PC or smartphone to the WiFi SSID "ESP32_NAT_Router" and point your browser to "http://192.168.4.1". This page should appear:

First enter the appropriate values for the uplink WiFi network, the "STA Settings". Leave password blank for open networks. Click "Connect". The ESP32 reboots and will connect to your WiFi router.

Now you can reconnect and reload the page and change the "Soft AP Settings". Click "Set" and again the ESP32 reboots. Now it is ready for forwarding traffic over the newly configured Soft AP. Be aware that these changes also affect the config interface, i.e. to do further configuration, connect to the ESP32 through one of the newly configured WiFi networks.

Screenshots

Flashing the prebuild binaries

• Download latest release
  • Download esp32nat_extended_full_vX.X.X.zip for fresh install
  • Download esp32nat_extended_update_vX.X.X.zip for update
• Install esptool

First install/ Reset

If your device was used before for other projects or you want to reset all setting from previous version. Complete data loss! Unpack archive first and then execute:

esptool.py write_flash 0x0 esp32nat_extended_full_vX.X.X.bin 

Update from older version

If this project was already installed. No data loss from previous version. The preferred way is with OTA-Updates. If you want to do it manually:

esptool.py write_flash 0x10000 esp32nat_extended_vX.X.X.bin 

General

If any problem occurs, erase flash manually before flashing the full version :

esptool.py erase_flash

Alternative way/ Graphical (Windows only)

As an alternative you might use Espressif's Flash Download Tools.

Check the marked parameters and files like below (ckeck the COM-Port for your environment).

Check the addresses like below:

First install/ Reset

Update from older version

Building the Binaries

see How to setup environment and build

Wifi scanning limitation

Due to technical limitations, a client cannot be simultaneously connected to the device and scan for Wi-Fi networks. Before the scan starts, all the clients will be disconnected. After that, the scan will be saved in NVS,and the device will reboot. Upon reconnecting to the device, you will be able to view the scanned networks.

An automatic redirect occurs the first time. Afterward, the scanned networks can be viewed three more times before they are deleted from the NVS to save storage space.

Misc

If you have any problems, suggestions for new features feel free to ask or raise an issue. This is a spare time project, I will answer if I'm free. If you like my work and want to support me, you can buy me coffee or send me a donation via PayPal

Advanced topics and configuration

see Advanced topics