Set Up Router-Level IP Routing for Multiple Devices with OpenWRT

For professionals managing multiple online accounts, maintaining distinct IP addresses for each device is crucial to avoid account association. This article provides two methods to configure an OpenWRT router to assign unique node IP addresses to devices, enhancing security and streamlining network management. The first method involves assigning a unique IP to each Wi-Fi network, while the second caters to assigning unique IPs to individual devices under a single Wi-Fi network. Both methods leverage the Passwall plugin for node management and chain proxy configurations.

Method 1: Assigning a Node IP per Wi-Fi Network

This approach is suitable for routers that support multiple Wi-Fi SSIDs. Each SSID will be configured to route traffic through a different node IP address.

1. Create Multiple Wi-Fi Networks: Access the OpenWRT interface and navigate to the Wireless settings. Create new Wi-Fi networks (SSIDs) for each node IP you intend to use.
   

   

2. Configure Network Interfaces: For each Wi-Fi network, create a corresponding network interface and assign it a unique subnet. For example:
   • Wi-Fi 1 (TK01): 192.168.11.1/24
   • Wi-Fi 2 (TK02): 192.168.12.1/24
3. Set up DHCP: Enable the DHCP server for each interface, ensuring that devices connecting to these SSIDs receive IP addresses within the assigned subnet.
4. Install and Configure Passwall: Install the Passwall plugin if it’s not already installed. Reset Passwall to its default configuration.
5. Import Nodes: Import your desired residential IP nodes into Passwall. This may include SOCKS proxies or nodes from a VPS.
6. Configure Chain Proxy: Set up chain proxy to route traffic through a stable upstream node (e.g., a personal or commercial VPN) before reaching the residential IP node. This adds an extra layer of security.



7. Create Firewall Rules: Create traffic rules that direct traffic from each subnet to its corresponding node IP. For example, all traffic from the 192.168.11.0/24 subnet is routed through residential IP node 1.

Method 2: Assigning a Node IP per Device on a Single Wi-Fi Network

This method is ideal for scenarios where the router does not support multiple Wi-Fi SSIDs or when it’s preferable to manage devices under a single network.

1. Identify Device IP Addresses: Determine the IP addresses assigned to each device on the network. These IPs are typically assigned via DHCP.
2. Configure Passwall Rules: In Passwall, create traffic rules that direct traffic from each device’s IP address to a unique node IP.
   

   

   • Device 1 (192.168.2.235) -> Residential IP Node 1
   • Device 2 (192.168.2.222) -> Residential IP Node 2
3. Static IP Configuration (Optional): To ensure that device IP addresses do not change, configure static IP addresses for each device within the router’s DHCP settings. This can be done by binding the device’s MAC address to a specific IP address.

Final Steps and Verification

After configuring either method, it is essential to verify that traffic is being routed correctly. Connect each device to its assigned Wi-Fi network or use its designated IP address. Use online IP lookup tools to confirm that each device is using the correct residential IP address.

• Check Logs: Monitor the router’s logs to ensure that the routing rules are functioning as expected.
• DNS Configuration: Configure DNS settings to prevent DNS leaks and ensure that DNS queries are routed through the appropriate channels.

Conclusion

By implementing these methods, professionals can effectively manage multiple online accounts with distinct IP addresses at the router level. This approach centralizes node management, enhances security, and ensures that each device operates with a unique residential IP, mitigating the risk of account association.