How to Connect Two Routers properly

How to Connect Two Routers properly

Written by Deepak Bhagat, In Gadgets, How To, Updated On
June 13th, 2021
, 593 Views

We have a legion of devices around us that use the internet in our daily lives. To connect all these devices either with each other or to the internet, we use a router. But what if we want to connect much more networking devices or improve the network range?

We can connect two routers. Here’s to know how you can do that.

This article will provide a comprehensive set of information on how to connect two routers effectively. Consider having a huge family with a huge house and several devices that have been using one particular network, and, in this case, you could face various challenges like low internet speed, too much traffic, and various other technicalities. Now, think of adding another router that would help you get better coverage in terms of wired or wireless and impact the overall performance of the networks.

How to Connect Two Routers properly

Connecting Two Routers

connecting two routers

The obvious question which lies here is How do you connect two routers effectively? It is a simple process and provides you with two options, either through a wired or wireless connection. It is crucial to choose between the Primary router and the secondary router. It is a vital step. When choosing between two routers, you will ideally be going for the one which is faster, quick, highly featured, and newer to be your primary one. These factors play a vital role in deciding which router could be the primary one, and if we have to connect two routers with the same features, then anyone could be the primary one.

We can either connect a wired or wireless secondary router to the primary router.

It is important to keep in my mind to place the routers near the computer for easy configuration. Once the configuration is done, they can be moved to desire places. You can also easily learn how to port forward routers with this guide and many similar guides like this to help you.

Now that you have decided which router is going to be the primary one to connect two routers, you will have to place both the routers near the computer that will configure them one by one. Initially, the routers have to be near to ensure that the configuration takes place smoothly, and, at a later point, they can move to their destined locations. First, it has to be clear what you expect your second router to do.

 Secondary Wired Router

  • Now, to connect two routers, firstly connect the secondary router to the primary network using an ethernet cable.
  • Plug-in cable into the uplink port of the secondary router.
  • Plugin the other end of the cable into any port (excluding uplink port) of the primary router.

How to identify the uplink port?

On the backside of the router, we can find a port labeled as internet/WAN/a circle icon. This port is the uplink port.

Secondary Wireless Router

Find a gateway IP address if you don’t have it already. If you know about it, skip the following step and go to configuration.

To find gateway IP address:

Connect your computer with the secondary router’s WIFI network using the password (can be found on the bottom of the router or in the documentation) given with the secondary writer. Now open WIFI network settings and go through details of the WIFI network to find the gateway IP address.

CONFIGURATION:

  1. Open your browser and then enter the gateway IP address. A login page will open.
  2. Enter WIFI router login username & Password (information from the bottom of router or documentation).
  3. After successful login, you will find a column on the left side of the page click on DHCP. Disable DHCP address.
  4. Again, on the left side column, you’ll find wireless; click on it. Select WIFI settings, enable WDS (Wireless Distribution System).
  5. Scroll down and enter SSID and BSSID of the primary router.

In case if you don’t have SSID and BSSID details:

  • Then, click on a survey, a page with details of all nearby WIFI networks opens up.
  • Note down SSID, BSSID, WIFI password, and channel number of your primary router.
  • Click on connect that is against your primary network to bridge.

We can change the WIFI SSID name. Save the settings that we have configured and then reboot the router. Since SSID is changed, we will be disconnected from our network. Now connect to the new WIFI SSID name with the same password which we have used.

Points to Remember

  • If both the primary and the secondary routers are wireless, there might be disturbances in network connectivity due to the meddling of signals. In that case, make sure to choose different channels for the primary and the secondary channels.
  • Always place the primary and the secondary routers near the computer before connecting the routers.
  • They can be moved into their respective permanent places later on, after configuration, reboot, and set up of connecting routers.
  • Always remember the primary and the secondary routers for Compatibility.
  • Make sure that the router and receiving device have fewer obstacles between them.

What to expect after connecting two routers?

When two routers are connected properly, the connection allows the network reach to expand. And also increases the network potential of connecting with more devices. However, there might be some other circumstances that may arise when two routers are connected wirelessly, like access points.

When connected wirelessly, the secondary router acts as an access point.

Now, what is this access point, and how does it work?

An access point is a device that enables wireless devices to connect with an established wired local area network. This leads to the formation of a wireless local area network. Access points can increase the bandwidth in proportion to the number of devices connected concurrently. With access points equipped, the user can move from place to place without losing the device’s internet connection.

By establishing a chain of access points, we can have a smooth transition of the internet network even while moving without any interruptions.

Router vs. Access points

Routers help us to connect our devices to the internet provided by the local area network. They also protect passwords and firewalls. However, access points only allow devices to just connect at other locations within the network area and take in more devices onto the network. Wireless routers can be used as access points, but access points cannot always be used as routers.

Just like routers and access points, we also have hubs and switches to connect devices together over a network. However, unlike switches, hubs cannot recognize the source and destination of data and end up sending data to all connected devices, including the actual device that was the initial source of data.

Precautions

  • Make sure that computers and routers are near the establishment.
  • Have an adapter with you in case ethernet ports are not available on your pc.
  • Reboot router only after saving settings at end of configuration.
  • Check the IP address of routers after configuration. We can observe that both routers have the same IP address; this shows that you were successful in the process to connect the two routers properly.

Conclusion

To sum it up, these are a couple of ways to connect two routers properly, either wired or wireless. As mentioned before, if we check and find that the IP address of both routers is the same address, we can confirm that the routers are connected properly.  Although But, first are other ways of setting up the secondary router that includes the wireless option that could be used to connect two routers. All in all, if this process followed efficiently, then the results tend to be positive, and you would be able to enjoy further wireless coverage.

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