How to connect two routers?

Why is it necessary to connect two routers?

 

As a rule, in large rooms or places where the arrangement of rooms has obstacles in the form of thick walls, the Wi-Fi signal may not reach the entire area. Therefore, in such cases, you can purchase a second router and connect it to the main signal transmitter. In other cases, you can use a special device - a repeater. But, in this article, we will describe how to connect a second router to expand the radius of Internet coverage.

 

Ways to connect two routers

 

There are two ways to connect routers to each other - wirelessly or via cable. The two options have their pros and cons.

 

Wi-Fi network connection:

 

+ wireless connection of devices;

- possible unstable connection and slowdown.

 

Network cable connection:

 

+ Internet without interruptions and at the selected speed;

- pulling the cable, which can be inconvenient if connected in another room or floor.

 

Connecting routers via Wi-Fi network

 

In this type of connection, there must be a main router that will distribute a Wi-Fi signal. We immediately answer a possible question - it is not necessary to connect two devices of the same model and manufacturer. But, we recommend that you still connect the same devices in order to avoid unforeseen situations. For example, it is better to connect the same ASUS routers, as different sources write that there are difficulties in connecting devices of different models.

We have chosen the most popular manufacturers of Internet equipment - TP-Link, Asus, D-Link. Using their example, we will show how to connect two routers on our own. You can buy routers on our website in the "Equipment" section.

 

Instructions on how to connect two routers

 

TP Link

 

1. You need to change the network channel on the main router. Go to the router settings, in the “Wireless” tab. In the "Channel" line, highlight any channel, and then click "Save".

2. Next, you need to correct the static address of the device so that it is configured in WDS mode. To do this, in the “Network - LAN” tab and in the IP line, correct the last character so that your 2 devices “do not conflict” with each other. After these manipulations, you must click “Save” and restart the router.

3. In the “Wireless” tab and in the “Wireless Network Name” line, write the name of the second Wi-Fi network, and in the “Channel” field, write the identical channel that was specified in the settings of the main router. After that, check the box next to “Enable WDS Bridging”. Click "Survey".

Important!

Determine the network you need from which the router will receive the Internet and click "Connect".

4. Select the type of security for your network in the Key type menu, and in the Password line write the password for this network. Then click "Save" and reboot your router.

5. After the reboot, go to the settings and in the “Status” tab, find the “Wireless” field, where “Run” will be indicated opposite “WDS Status”, which means that 2 routers are on the same network and the connection was successful.

Be sure to create a strong Wi-Fi password.

 

ASUS

 

Synchronization of two routers is a rather complicated process for this manufacturer. We recommend you go to the official website. It is also important to use the same models of routers so that there are no difficulties when establishing a connection. We offer instructions for setting up ASUS routers as a repeater.

 

1. You need to change the operating mode of the router using the control panel. In the address bar of the "search engine", enter the address 192.168.1.1, fill in the Login and Password fields (if you have not changed the factory settings, then enter the word admin in each line).

2. In the “Settings” section, go to the “Administration” tab, then “Working mode”. Turn on the toggle switch and save the actions.

3. In the window that appears with a list of available Wi-Fi networks, select the one you want to expand.

4. Enter the wireless network password and click “Connection”.

5. Check the box “Use default settings” and click “Apply”. After the download process, the device will be connected.

 

D-Link

 

The first step is to connect the router via cable to go to the device settings (192.168.0.1).

1. Go to the “Wi-Fi” - “Customer” tab and click on the “Turn on” toggle switch.

2. In the list of all connections, select your network, and in the “WPA encryption” tab, enter the password and click “Apply”. Then a window will open with a message about changing the channel, confirming the action by pressing the “OK” button.

3. Then go to the “Network” - “WAN” tab. All tags that are listed there must be removed.

4. Then click “Add” and select “Dynamic IP” from the list. In the “Interface” tab, find the WiFi Client item and click “Apply”.

5. Click the “System” - “Save” tab. After that, return to the “System” tab and select “Reload”.

After setting up two routers on the same network is successful, you need to correctly place the router. It is desirable that the device is located in an open area, nothing interferes with its operation, and it is within the coverage radius of the main device. We described the rules for placing a router in the article “How to strengthen the signal of a router?”.

 

Description of the connection of two routers by cable

 

No configuration is needed on the main router, however, make sure that a DHCP server is running on it.

 

On the master router, connect the cable to the LAN connector, and on the second router, to the WAN connector. The second device will receive a signal from the head, and will be able to give it wirelessly or via cable.
If after connecting the second router does not work, reset all settings to the factory settings and check the establishment of obtaining an IP address automatically. Reboot devices.

 

Creating a pair of routers is not a difficult task, given the ability to connect via cable, you can quickly expand the Internet coverage area. The virtual network instructions are simple and clear, which will make it possible to independently connect two routers. If you have additions to the article or questions, write in the comments.