How to Connect Two Routers

Decide which router is the primary device. This is the router connected to the modem. In general, it is recommended to use the latest and fully functional router as a root device. If there are 2 identical routers, choose either one.

Decide which router is the slave device. This is the original network extension router. Usually this router is older, it will control the subnet if you create a LAN-to-WAN (see below).

Place 2 routers near the computer. During the fishing process, you should place the router near the computer to connect them easily. Once done, put it back in place.

Decide between LAN-to-LAN and LAN-to-WAN connections. LAN-to-LAN (Intranet Connection) connection expands the range of connections, allowing more devices to connect. Devices can share files or resources with other devices on the same network. LAN-to-WAN (Extended Network Connection) creates a secondary network (LAN) inside the main network (WAN) allowing you to set limits on how many devices can connect to the secondary network. The downside is that they cannot share files and resources with the main network.

• The LAN-to-WAN setup allows you to tune private DNS on the subnet. It is difficult for hackers to penetrate secondary network-connected devices. This is very suitable for parents who want to monitor and control their children’s internet access.

Connect the main router to the modem, then connect the computer to the router with a network cable. Configure as you set up the network. Since the router also connects to the internet, you can set it up as if you were using a router.

• You can connect to most routers by entering the address 192.168.1.1 , 192.168.2.1 or 192.168.0.1
• Make a note of the router’s IP address and subnet mask. The IP address is the one you use to access the router configuration page. The subnet mask is usually 255.255.255.0 .
• If you create a LAN-to-WAN, set the router’s DHCP address from 192.168.1.2 with 192.168.1.50 . If you create a LAN-to-LAN network, you can keep the default DHCP settings.
• Disconnect the computer from the router when the configuration is complete.

Connect the computer to the secondary network. Open the configuration page. If you create a LAN-to-LAN network, change the IP address so that it matches the first router, the last digit increases (e.g. 192.168.1.1 turns to 192.168.1.2 ). If creating a LAN-to-WAN network, change the IP address to coincide with the first router, the second digit from the bottom increases (e.g. 192.168.1.1 turns to 192.168.2.1 ). Make sure the subnet mask is the same as the main router.

• If creating a LAN-to-WAN network, change the WAN IP address at the secondary router to 192.168.1.51 .

If the router has a UPnP option, disable it on the secondary router.

Configure the DHCP service on the secondary router. If you create a LAN-to-LAN network, you should disable the DHCP service on the secondary router. If creating a LAN-to-WAN network, you should set the DHCP address on the secondary router from 192.168.2.2 to 192.168.2.50 . ^[1]

Select a wireless channel. If both routers are wireless, you should set up the channel yourself so that the signals of the two devices do not interfere with each other. Set the channel for the main router from 1-6, the secondary router from 7-11.

Find the location for the router. Once everything is configured, you can place the router where you want it. Always keep in mind that you need to use a network cable to connect the 2 routers. You can wire the network hidden in the wall if you put 2 routers in 2 different rooms. For convenience, you should place the main router near the modem.

Connect 2 routers. Plug one end of the network cable into the LAN port on the main router.

• If creating a LAN-to-LAN network, plug the other end into the LAN port of the secondary router.
• If creating a LAN-to-WAN network, plug the other end into the WAN port of the secondary router.