This wikiHow teaches you how to connect two routers (routers). By connecting two routers, you can expand the range and the maximum number of connections your internet network can handle. The easiest way to connect two routers is to use ethernet, although you can also use a wireless router to connect to the main router.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using Ethernet
Step 1. Define the router you want to be the primary router
This main router will be connected to a modem or wall outlet. In general, we recommend that you use the latest router with more complete features to be your primary router.
If you have two identical routers, you can choose one
Step 2. Define the router you want to be the secondary router
The secondary router serves to extend the coverage of the original internet network. We recommend that you use an older router.
This router will control the secondary network when you create a LAN to WAN network (see below)
Step 3. Place both routers near the computer
When you go through the initial setup process, place the router near your computer so you can access it easily. You can place it in a permanent location later.
Step 4. Decide whether you want to use a LAN to WAN or LAN to LAN connection
While you can use an ethernet cable for both connections, there are slight differences in how they are used:
- LAN to LAN - Extends Wi-Fi coverage by including a second router. You can also use this connection to share files between network-connected devices, such as computers, smartphones, and others.
- LAN to WAN - Creates a second network within the main network that allows you to place restrictions on computers, smartphones, or other devices connected to the network. You cannot use a LAN to WAN network to share files.
Step 5. Perform the initial setup on the router
Connect the main router to the modem via an ethernet cable, then connect the computer to the router via another ethernet cable.
- If you are using a Mac computer, the Ethernet port is usually not available. You can purchase an Ethernet to USB-C adapter (also known as "Thunderbolt 3") to work around this.
- If you are using a Windows computer that does not have an ethernet port, purchase an ethernet to USB adapter.
Step 6. Make the settings on the router
Since the router is responsible for handling the connection to the internet, set it up as if you were only using one router.
- Most routers can be accessed by entering the router's IP address in a web browser.
- Each router model has different settings. If you can't find a specific setting or segment on your router's page for this method, read your router's manual or visit help pages on the internet.
Step 7. Change DHCP settings
If you want to create a LAN to WAN network, go to the router page and set the DHCP service on the main router to assign an address between 192.168.1.2 to 192.168.1.50.
- If you create a LAN to LAN network, you can leave DHCP at the default setting.
- Disconnect the computer from the router when you have finished setting up.
Step 8. Perform settings on the second router
Disconnect the first router from the computer if necessary, then connect the second router to the computer. Next, do the following things:
- Go to the router page.
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Change the IP address to match the first router, then change the penultimate digit to a higher number (eg from 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.2.1).
If you want to create a LAN to WAN network, change the secondary router's WAN IP address to 192.168.1.51
- Make sure the " Subnet mask " number matches the number on the main router.
- Disable UPnP on the second router if the option is available.
Step 9. Set up a DHCP server on the secondary router
If you create a LAN to LAN network, turn off the DHCP service on the secondary router. When you create a LAN to WAN network, the DHCP server on the secondary router must assign an address between 192.168.2.2 to 192.168.2.50.
Step 10. Change the wireless channel
If you are using two wireless routers, adjust the channels manually so the signals don't clash. This can be done by setting the primary router on channel 1 to 6, and placing the secondary router on channel 11.
Step 11. Place the router
When everything is set up, you can place your router where you want it. Remember, you must connect both routers using an ethernet cable.
- You can stick an Ethernet cable on the wall if you want to direct it to another room.
- For convenience, we recommend placing the main router near the modem.
Step 12. Connect the two routers
Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into any LAN port on the main router, then plug the other end into the LAN port on the back of the second router.
If you are creating a LAN to WAN network, plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into the WAN (or " Internet ") port on the secondary router
Method 2 of 2: Using Wireless
Step 1. Check if your equipment is compatible
While most wireless routers can be used as wireless access points (also known as range extenders), most routers cannot be used to create their own network within the main router network.
- If you want to create a separate wireless network within the primary router's network, the secondary router must have the capability to run "bridge" or "repeater" mode.
- Check your router's manual to see if your router has bridge mode. You can also read the help pages for these routers online.
Step 2. Place both routers near the computer
The setup process will be easier if you can quickly access both the router and the modem. Once the setup is complete, you can place the router in a permanent location later.
Step 3. Perform the initial setup on the router
Connect the main router to the modem using an ethernet cable, then connect the computer to the router with another ethernet cable.
- If you are using a Mac computer, the ethernet port is usually not available. You can purchase an Ethernet to USB-C adapter (also known as "Thunderbolt 3") to work around this.
- If you are using a Windows computer that does not have an ethernet port, purchase an ethernet to USB adapter.
Step 4. Make the settings on the router
Since the router is responsible for handling the connection to the internet, set it up as if you were only using one router.
- Most routers can be accessed by entering the router's IP address in a web browser.
- Each router model has different settings. If you can't find a specific setting or segment on your router's page for this method, read your router's manual or visit help pages on the internet.
Step 5. Go to the configuration page for the secondary router
Connect the secondary router to the computer using an ethernet cable, then open its configuration page. The router does not need to be connected to the modem. Look for the "Wireless" or "Internet" settings page after you log in.
Step 6. Enable Brigde Mode
Select "Bridge Mode" or "Repeater Mode" in the "Network Mode", "Wireless Mode" or "Connection Type" menu on the Wireless page. If you don't see a menu for this option, your router may not support bridge mode. However, you can still manage it via ethernet.
Step 7. Assign the secondary router's IP address
Enter the IP address in the main router range. For example, if the primary router's IP address is 192.168.1.1, enter 192.168.1.50 or another number that is within the primary router's DHCP range.
Make sure the " Subnet mask " number for the second router exactly matches the subnet mask for the main router
Step 8. Enter a unique name for the second router
This is useful for knowing the router you are using to connect on the network.
- For example, you could name the primary router "Home", and the secondary router "Additional".
- Make sure the security type for both routers is WPA2, and use the same password for both.
Step 9. Place the secondary router
After setting up the secondary router, you can place it where you want the signal to be retransmitted. To produce a good connection, the router must be located in a location where the signal strength of the main router is at least 50%.
