Change the subnet mask for your Xiaomi Mi 4A router.
Change the subnet mask for your Xiaomi Mi 4A router.
I possess the router with a title and wish to address some problems caused by my Internet provider's modem-router on my network. The issues I face include: no ability to modify the IP address or subnet mask, a chaotic DHCP process, inconsistent IP assignments (e.g., x.x.x.200), and frequent connection resets when the lease expires, even after waiting up to 5 minutes. QoS remains unresolved. I’m unsure whether I lack the skills to adjust settings, but I need clearer guidance. Should I prioritize certain protocols like VoiP or RSTP? How can I restrict speeds for specific SSIDs, especially for guest devices? I’m seeking more information and would appreciate advice on configuring priority settings or changing the subnet mask. Is this feature available in Mi Router, and where can I find it? Would purchasing new equipment be necessary to achieve my goals?
You need to adjust the subnet mask because the IP range shown in your screenshot uses a 255.255.255.0 configuration. The DHCP server assigns IP addresses based on lease expiration and doesn’t enforce a specific order. Devices will also check with the DHCP server to see if an IP needs renewal. Most routers include DHCP functionality that works well; this issue isn’t preventing you from getting the right IPs. Are you facing any conflicts? Generally, the Xiaomi Mi Router 4A offers basic QoS options in its Advanced settings. It seems it mainly lets you prioritize traffic types like video or VoIP. At this price, you probably won’t get much finer control. For detailed bandwidth management on standard firmware, consider network equipment designed for businesses. If you’re fortunate, you might discover third-party firmware that adds extra capabilities. But be aware that not all routers run smoothly with third-party software, and you’re taking on some risk when installing it.
Due to the constraints, I adjusted the lease duration and even bypassed DHCP changes. The IPs returned were 192.168.1.x, up to 192.168.1.10. The router refused the requested time and the device couldn't connect. This issue occurs with my ISP router (not Xiaomi) and also with Xiaomi devices, which have QoS limitations. I believe openWRT can help achieve my goal, but I'm unsure about its stability. Other routers under $100 don't allow subnet changes, so I need reliable QoS settings.
Instead of using DHCP on a server, consider deploying it on a dedicated server. Home-based routers typically lack the necessary features for this setup.
I see the importance of additional IP addresses in crowded client setups, yet why limit them to just a few minutes? A one-hour lease in open hotspots or guest networks works perfectly. If it’s shorter, your DHCP server is handling too much and you risk frustrating users. A home router wouldn’t solve this issue either.