How to find a second router on the network. An approximate diagram of connecting a router to a router looks like this

15.08.2019 Programs

A router (router) is a specialized network device through which users can connect to the Internet. But it is also possible to connect two different routers located at a distant distance from each other into one common network. Most often, the need to create such a network consists either in expanding the Wi-Fi connection zone, or in the use of one Internet connection by two users at the same time.

Ways to connect two routers to a single network

There are four actual and proven (stable working) ways to connect two routers into a single network space:

use of WDS technology, when one of the routers acts as a "repeater";
creation of a Wi-Fi bridge using WDS technology;
connecting a second router in the "client" mode;
connecting two routers via a network cable.

Each of the methods has both advantages and disadvantages. The router configuration algorithm depends on the selected connection method.

Let's take a closer look at specific examples of all options for connecting two routers. "Experimental network equipment" will be routers of well-known brands ASUS, TP-Link and D-Link (specific models of routers are not taken, since in this case it does not matter).

As an illustrative example, the models ASUS RT-AC86U, TP-Link TL-WR740N 15 and D-Link DSR 150 A2A are presented

Connecting routers using WDS technology (option "Base station" - "Repeater")

To create a single network for two routers, relying on WDS technology, it is necessary to configure the operation of network equipment. The first router will play the role of a "base station" (source of the Internet signal), the second - the role of a "repeater" (signal amplifier or its "repeater"). This method is intended to expand the existing Wi-Fi signal coverage area..

Thanks to WDS technology, you can significantly expand the coverage area of the Wi-Fi signal by connecting several "repeaters" at once

Connecting a pair of ASUS routers

To begin with, let's configure the "base station", taking the ASUS brand router as a basis:

Now let's move on to the settings of the second router ("repeater"). An illustrative example is also the equipment from ASUS:

Go to the router interface through an Internet browser.
In the root directory of the settings, select the item "Additional settings" / "Administration", where in the "Mode of operation" tab, mark the value "Repeater mode" with a marker.
If necessary, you can disable the "Repeater Mode" and return the router to the standard operating mode (for this, just put the marker in front of the "Wireless Router" parameter)
After clicking the "Save" button, a window with a list of available network points will appear. Find your network name (“base station” name) and click Connect.
Before connecting, in the "Network Key" line, you must enter the password for your Internet connection
Check the "Use default settings" checkbox and click on the "Apply" button.
The "Network name" and "Network key" data will match the data of the "base station" (the first router)
Done, after the automatic reboot of the router, it will start working in the "repeater" mode.

Video: connecting an ASUS router in the "repeater" mode using the "Quick Setup Wizard"

Connecting a pair of D-Link routers

Now let's look at a way to connect D-Link routers to a single network.... The "base station" is configured as follows:

Now go to the “repeater” setup (also D-Link). For this:

Go to the router's web interface menu.
Expand the "Network" directory, click on the WAN line, click on the "Add" button and select the "Static IP" value in the "Connection type" line.
After selecting "Connection type" save the settings (the corresponding button will appear)
After saving the settings, a new settings window will automatically open. Find and change the "Interface" value to Repeater. After that click on the "Apply" button.
Before saving the settings, also give a name to your "repeater"
Go to Wi-Fi / Client options. Next to the "Enable" column, activate the marker, then select your Internet connection in the list of wireless networks (the name of "base station") and click "Apply".
If the list of wireless networks is empty, click on the "Search for networks" button and wait until the search process ends
Done, your "repeater" is set up.

Based on personal experience, I can say that using this method of connecting two routers to a single network (option "Base station" - "Repeater"), there are no visible differences (or advantages) in whether you will connect the network equipment of one and the same manufacturer or different. In this case, only the operating capacity of the routers themselves will play a dominant role, and not their compatibility.

Connecting routers using WDS technology (option "Base Station" - "Client")

The second method of connecting two routers is also based on the use of WDS technology. However, the option "Base station" - "Client" is relevant only when the user needs to pass the Internet signal through the second "client" router to a remote device (for example, to a stationary PC or TV). In this case, the second router will only act as a Wi-Fi adapter, i.e. it will not be able to transmit the Wi-Fi signal. To connect another device to the Internet through it, you will need to use an Ethernet network cable.

It is important that the second router ("client") has Wi-Fi wireless functionality

Connecting ASUS routers

Configuring routers is not fundamentally different from the configuration process shown in the first method. The algorithm for setting up the "base station" remains completely identical for both ASUS and TP-Link routers. Therefore, we will analyze only the step-by-step instructions for setting up the "client". For ASUS "client" router you need:

Go to the equipment web interface.
In the root directory of the settings, go to the "Additional settings" / "Administration" parameters, where in the "Operation mode" tab put a marker next to the "AP access point mode" item and click "Save".
For some versions of the router firmware, this item may be called "Client Mode"
In the list of available connections that appears, select your network and click "Connect", and then check the "Use default settings" checkbox and click "Apply".
Using the default settings duplicates the settings of the "base station"
Go to the parameters "Additional settings" / "Internet", where in the "Type of WAN connection" line, set the value Automatic IP. Save your changes.
Automatic IP (or dynamic) is designed so that each device connected to the client router has its own IP address
Done, your client router is configured. Now, using a LAN cable, you can connect third-party devices to it.

Connecting TP-Link Routers

For the routers of the manufacturer TP-Link, the step-by-step configuration of the "client" is as follows:

Based on my personal experience in connecting "clients" routers, I can say that the optimal distance between two points ("base station" and "client") for stable operation of the Internet connection (without interruptions in connection and data transfer rate jumps) is several dozen meters. That is, it is better to use such a connection option within one apartment or in two adjacent separate rooms.

Connecting routers by creating a Wi-Fi bridge

Wi-Fi bridge is one of the variants of a local network, with the help of which the user is able to create two network points that are remote from each other (the source of the Internet signal). This method of connecting two routers to one network is suitable for those users who need to create a network connection over a long distance (from one hundred meters to hundreds of kilometers). Moreover, both routers (both "base station" and "receiver") can distribute Wi-Fi.

To create a stable-working Wi-Fi bridge over a distance exceeding 70 ~ 100 meters, it is necessary to use specialized network equipment (a certain kind of router).

The quality of the transmitted signal is also affected by various types of interference (buildings, radio waves, etc.)

When creating a Wi-Fi bridge, the settings for the "base station" (the first router) are completely identical to the settings shown in the "Base station" - "Repeater" option. Therefore, let's move on to analyzing the settings of the second router ("receiver"). To set up your ASUS router, you need to:

Let's take a router from the manufacturer D-Link as a second illustrative example. The algorithm for setting up the "receiver" is as follows:

Open the router's web interface (for D-Link equipment, enter the address 192.168.0.1) and go to the Wi-Fi / Client settings. Follow these steps:
On the settings panel, go to the "Network" / WAN category. Click the "Add" button and select the "Dynamic IP" connection type in the list that appears, accept the changes.
After selecting "Connection Type", the "Apply" button will become available to you (to save the settings)
After selecting the type of connection, the “Main settings” window of the WAN network will appear on your screen. In the "Interface" parameter, set the value to WiFiBridge and click "Apply".
In the "Name" field, enter any value (responsible for the name of your connection)
Done, your router is configured.

Video: creating a Wi-Fi bridge for two TP-Link routers

The maximum distance at which I was able to configure the Wi-Fi bridge through two conventional TP-Link routers was approximately 100 meters. At the same time, the quality of the transmitted signal was far from ideal: the data transfer rate periodically dropped to zero, the Wi-Fi connection itself rebooted (reconnected again). If you decide to create a Wi-Fi bridge, it is better to use specialized networking equipment (for example, Ubiquiti Nanostation or LigoWave routers).

Connecting two routers using a LAN cable

This method is the most effective in terms of the quality of the transmitted signal, but it requires additional financial and physical costs (purchase and work on laying an Ethernet cable). This method of creating a single network implies two connection options (LAN-LAN and LAN-Internet modes)... Let's consider both types of connection.

LAN-LAN mode

With this connection, the second router will act as a "receiver" of the signal, i.e. all third-party devices will also need to be connected to the router using a network cable.

This connection method is a "wired" analogue of the WDS wireless method ("Base Station" - "Client")

There is no need to configure the "base station", but in the settings of the second router you need to enable the DHCP server function and manually register a new IP address. For example, for a TP-Link router, this is done as follows:

LAN-Internet mode

With this connection, the second router will act as an active source of the Internet signal, i.e. all third-party devices can be connected to this router via Wi-Fi.

However, with such a connection, the speed of the Wi-Fi Internet on the second router will be relatively lower than that of the "base station"

The first router does not need to be configured, and for the second router it is enough to change only one setting parameter by assigning it a dynamic IP address. For example, for a TP-Link router, this is done in the "Network" / WAN parameters of the router interface settings.

After saving the settings, it is advisable to reboot both routers

As you can see, there are many options for connecting two routers to a single network. At the same time, the algorithm for configuring network equipment for any of the methods is not complicated and does not require any highly specialized knowledge in programming.

Fast connection of two Wi-Fi routers and setting in one network is possible by applying some actions. Two routers or routers can communicate with each other over the same network. In practice, options are often used:

the routers are connected via a wireless network - WI-FI.
connecting routers using a network cable.

It is worth noting again: in both versions, the routers work in the same network and distribute the Internet using a cable or WI-FI.

Before starting the story about connecting two routers to the same network, it is worth asking questions: what is the connection scheme of two routers used for, and why they should be configured.

Cases are different. One of them is the need to expand the coverage area of the Wi-Fi network (although it is more desirable to use the recommendations and use repeaters in such matters, or routers that can work in repeater mode).

With an installed and configured router (or modem) that distributes the Internet, everything is simple.

Another router is connected to the installed one (hereinafter referred to as the dominant router) using a network cable or wireless network.
Installing the router in the desired room is also suitable for the option of placing it on another floor, where it distributes WI-FI further. This method is well suited for connecting to a neighbor's Internet. There is a charge per connection, although the network is split into two routers.

Advice : if you want to make a circuit solely with the idea of increasing the territorial coverage of a wireless network, you can use a router in repeater mode that supports this function. Devices from most companies have this function by default:

Setting up an Asus router as a repeater (Wi-Fi network repeater mode).

Routers and options for their connection.

As previously mentioned, routers can be connected in two ways. It is worth analyzing each of these options in more detail.

Compound via Wi-Fi network... This connection is often referred to as bridged mode or WDS mode, and they are one and the same in nature. The advantages of WI-Fi are known to everyone - the network allows you to connect routers at great distances from each other. And the cables do not get in the way under your feet. In addition to a significant plus, there is also a minus. Everyone is aware of working on WI-FI and at least once in their life faced instability. If it is not possible to lay the cable, then establishing a wireless connection is a good alternative to replace it. And not every router can support WDS mode (especially if you take into account old devices).
Compound with a network cable... A variant that has been showing its efficiency in work, functionality and reliability for many years. However, it is often necessary to lay the cable over rather long distances, which can be quite costly and inappropriate.

Wireless network connection.

It is better to analyze this type of network immediately on the example of routers. Brands of the most popular manufacturers will be used as routers.

As it was previously determined: the presence of a dominant router, which is already busy distributing the Internet, is a prerequisite for the operability of the future scheme. To be more precise, for the correct operation of the second router, which will later be assigned the role of distributing the wireless network. Routers from different companies can be used as routers, but those who know a lot and who have seen a lot recommend using devices from one company.

Do I need to change the settings of the main router?

The answer to this question is yes. A prerequisite for the functional operation of the connection will be to set the value in the settings of the distributing router to the static channel of the wireless network. For the first time, you can use the value 6.

Asus router setting WDS mode.

The peculiarity of setting the WDS mode (or it is also called the bridge mode) of the Asus router is the use of two devices of the same Asus company in the circuit. In direct order, they should write the MAC addresses, etc.

Setting up an Asus router can be considered in more detail in the source https://www.asus.com/ua/support/faq/109839. Often the WDS mode of Asus routers is advised to configure it in repeater mode. Following the link will allow you to do it faster and more correctly.

Tp-Link router and its configuration for bridge mode (WDS).

The scheme is a combination of routers: Tp-Link routers of the same type are used as the main and attached router. The steps for implementing their configuration in such a scheme are indicated in: Configuring a Tp-Link router in bridge mode (WDS).

D-Link router in client mode, via Wi-Fi.

A couple of routers are considered here: D-Link - Asus. The Asus router is dominant over the router, which will subsequently distribute the Internet further.

First, you need to connect to the D-Link router via cable, then go to the settings at 192.168.0.1. Go to the tag right away Wi-Fi — Customer... Check the box next to the label Turn on, go to the list of networks, find your network, you should mark it. Then it's worth going to the field WPA encryption, here you should specify the password from the network of the main router and click on the button Apply... A message about channel change may appear, in this case, press Ok.

After all the actions, you should go to the button Add, use the tag to select: Dynamic IP... In field Interface- select WAN, and press the button Apply.

All previous actions must be recorded - saved. To implement this action, go to item System, select - Save... After saving, move the mouse over the System item and select the mode Reboot.

Having done all the above steps correctly, after rebooting, D-Link will be able to take the Internet from the dominant router, and then distribute it over a wireless network, or over a network cable. Do not forget to use the authorization function when connecting the network and put a password on the Wi-Fi network.

Zyxel and WISP routers.

This part uses Zyxel Keenetic devices. Here the Zyxel Keenetic router is in WISP mode, or in bridge mode. The device itself must be correctly connected to the provider via a wireless network. In this case, the following episode is seen: the main router will play the role of a provider that is already distributing the wireless network.

Setting up Zyxel Keenetic as a repeater also takes place for implementation. In this work, he showed himself effectively from all sides. The difference between WISP mode is that in bridge mode, the second router will distribute the Internet over its Wi-Fi network, that is, in the general scheme there will be two of them. And in the future it will be possible to use all the functions of the router. And the repeater mode gives only one network, which is amplified by the second router.

Connection of two routers via cable.

This chapter describes in detail the option of connecting two instruments via a network cable. A good option if there are no problems with laying the cable into the room. In the event that you have to use a modem that does not transmit a wireless signal, it is also good practice to use a network cable. In this version, you can easily connect a Wi-Fi router to it according to the scheme.

However, before starting work, you should make sure that you have a network cable of the required length. To begin with, you can use the one that was provided with the router. If you need a more unique length of the network cable, you can use the services of any computer store and order it.

Further, after the implementation of the network cable has been implemented, it should be borne in mind that nothing needs to be configured on the main router (modem). The main condition for future work is the presence of an enabled DHCP server on it. Automatic distribution of IP addresses. In most cases, it will be enabled by default.

The screenshot below shows an example of connecting a router to D-Link, which in the figure looks black and in this case is the main, dominant one. As you can see, on the main router, a cable is connected to one of four LAN connector... On the Tp-Link router, it also connects only already in WAN connector... The routers are connected with a black cable. The white cable in the picture is the Internet connected to D-Link.

It can be seen that the Tp-Link router will soon start receiving Internet from D-Link, and will be able to distribute it wirelessly or via cable.

In practice, sometimes there are cases when, after connecting the circuit, the Internet from the second device does not work. In this case, you should use the advice: do a factory reset on it . After that, it is worth checking that in the settings of the connected router, a tag is set - automatically obtaining an IP address. When using Tp-Link, it might look like this:

When using other routers, these settings can be configured in the control panel, on the WAN tab, Internet, etc.

For example, another diagram is shown in which two routers are connected via cable: Tp-Link to Zyxel. In this case, Tp-Link takes over the role of the dominant router. He distributes the Internet.

The same scheme is used when connecting the router to an ADSL router. If you have any problems or questions, please write below.

The necessary amplification of the Wi-Fi signal of the router cannot always be achieved by connecting an additional antenna. And if you need to create a wireless network, for example, in a two-story house, and have access to the Internet anywhere, then you need to know how to connect two routers. You also need to know how to set up 2 routers.

Connecting a router to a router is possible in different ways and depends on what interface a given router model has. The easiest way to connect the router to the router is Ethernet. For this, a network UTP cable of the RJ-45 standard is used.

To increase the range of your wireless network, you can create a distributed network using multiple wireless access points. You will get internet through two routers. It is recommended to use routers of the same brand and model to connect 2 routers. You also need to make sure that the software versions for both devices match. Before linking two routers, you need to determine the places where they will be installed. The signal must be stable at all points necessary for operation.

Connecting an access point to a router

Before connecting 2 routers, you need to update the firmware of the routers. Consider setting up the connection of access points, connecting 2 routers in order to increase the range of the signal. Here access points AP1 and AP2 are enabled in mixed mode and ASUS WL-500gP V2 router models are used.

To configure the first access point AP1, you need to enter the address: http://192.168.1.1 in the address bar of the browser used, and press Enter. When the registration window opens, you must enter: in the Password: admin field, in the Username field: admin.

In the router menu, open the Wireless settings and select the Interface sub-item.

In the window that opens, you need to register the SSID “WL550gE” and select the WEP Encryption value - none.

After that, go to the router's IP Config menu and open WAN & LAN.

Write down the value of the IP address of the first access point equal to 192.168.1.1

Find Wireless in the menu and open the Bridge sub-item.

In the window that opens, find AP Mode and in the drop-down list find and select the Hybrid mode. To use the connection between two networks only as a Bridge, you need to select the WDS Only option.

After selecting WDS or Hybrid mode, a message will appear telling you to select a fixed channel.

In the new window, you need to select the fixed WDS channel. This example uses channel 3.

Then enable the Connect to APs in Remote Bridge List function, which is used to connect to APs that are listed on your sheet.

For the option of access to the network for everyone, it is necessary to mark Yes next to the Allow anonymous field. The option selected here is No.

After that, you need to enter the MAC address of AP2. Its value should be 00: 0E: A6: A1: 3F: 6E. When you enter the MAC address, then click on the Add button.

Then click on the Finish button.

Click on the "Finish" button

In the new window, click on the Save & Restart button

Setting up AP2

The connection of the second router and it is performed in the same way as the first. Open the router menu and write down the SSID. Make sure the SSID of AP2 matches AP1. Then open WAN & LAN -> IP Config in the menu.

In the window that opens, write the IP address of AP2 equal to 192.168.1.2.

After that, you need to disable the DHCP server. Then go to the IP Config menu and open the DHCP Server.

In the window that opens, select No in the Enable DHCP Server settings and click on the Apply button.

Then open the Bridge menu as for AP1. Make sure you have selected the same channel for AP2 and AP1. You need to enter the MAC address for AP1. Its value should be 00: 0E: A6: A1: 3F: 87. After entering the MAC address, click on the Add button.

To complete the configuration, click on the Finish button, and then on the Save & Restart button as for AP1. After restarting, the network should work.

How to connect two routers

Before combining two routers, you need to select a connection option. There are two ways to connect a router to a router: via a wireless Wi-Fi network or using a network cable.

If you connect two routers using a network cable, and one of the routers is connected to the Internet, then you must do the following:

To connect the router through the router, you need to insert one end of the network cable to the LAN port of the main router, and connect the other to the Internet (WAN) port.
Turn on DHCP function on the main router.
In the menu of the second router "IP-address" activate the item "Obtain an IP-address automatically" by checking the box there.

DHCP mode allows the used router to automatically distribute addresses to all computers on the network.

How to set up a wifi router through a router

If you need to connect two routers via a wireless Wi-Fi channel, then you need to open the settings of the second router and activate the search for wireless networks to connect two wifi routers. After that, connect to the Wi-Fi network that was created by the first device. To complete the configuration, you need to enable the DHCP function in the main router and activate the "Obtain an IP address automatically" item in the menu of the second router.

How to set up a router through a router

Before configuring two routers, you need to check that different subnets are set in the LAN settings. If the address is 192.168.1.1, and the subnet mask for the first router is 255.255.255.0, then for the second router, 192.168.0.1 is used, and the subnet mask for the second router is 255.255.255.0.

It is necessary to connect the WAN port of the second router to the LAN port of the first router. The second router must be configured in the “Dynamic IP” mode (in this case, the IP address is obtained via DHCP) or in the “Static IP” mode (the DHCP server is disabled in the modem). With this setting, through the second router, it will be possible to access not only the Internet, but also the first router (at 192.168.1.1).

If you want to increase the productivity of your home network, then you should seriously consider buying two routers. By connecting two routers over one local network, you will provide an increased range of Wi-Fi network operation, which is great for both home and office premises. There are two methods of connecting routers over the network.

1. We connect wireless Wi-Fi routers to a local network

Step 1

The first step is to determine if your routers are compatible for bridging. You can see it both in the router documentation and on the Internet. If you find that your router does not support bridge modes ("bridge" / "repeater"), you can always download the DD-WRT program, it will help you to introduce this function if you install two routers connecting them into one network.

Step 2

Install the routers nearby, so it will be much easier to perform further manipulations with the connection. At the end of the merger, the equipment can be returned to its place.

Step 3

Choose the main router from the two, the main thing is the presence of stronger antennas, which will help you easily install a second router. After connecting the main router to the modem, connect it to one shared local network of your PC, we carry out the manipulations as with a simple wireless network setup. Do not forget about the IP address, DHCP range, do not forget about the mask.

Step 4

Connect the second router to a PC or laptop using an Ethernet cable for this, but for this you do not need to connect the router to a modem. After that, open the router settings window on your computer. Find the Wireless and Internet tabs.

Step 5

If the router can support a bridge connection, then open the Network Mode (Wireless Mode / Connection Type) configuration, select Bridge Mode (Repeater Mode / Repeater Bridge)

Step 6

Check that the secondary router mask is identical to the primary one. Set the IP range. (For example, the primary router is 186.567.1.1 then the secondary will be 186.567.1.5)

Step 7

Name the two Wi-Fi connections different names to know which one is the main one, but the passwords for the connection type must match.

Step 8

At the final stage, it is worth installing the secondary router in place, but the distance between it and the main one should not exceed more than half the range of the main one.