Two routers on the same wifi network. Setting up routers in a peer-to-peer network. A small video tutorial on setting up a bridge

If you need to connect more computers or other devices to your home or small corporate network but you have no free ports, try adding another router. In addition to expanding network resources, in order to increase wireless network coverage, a second router can also be installed in places with signal obstruction (basements or rooms with concrete walls). Learn how to install an additional router in your home or small business network.

Necessary equipment

Designate the routers with which you have to work. In the context of this guide, we will call the router (router) that has access to the Internet "Router 1", and new router- Router 2.

1. Free up your computer to connect to routers. To set up routers, you need to connect them to your computer via a twisted-pair or Wi-Fi network. It doesn't matter which operating system is on the computer.

• If you use a wireless network to connect to your routers, write them down and the encryption key. Without them, you won't be able to connect to routers over the wireless network.
• Get one twisted pair ( network cable) for each device. If you're going to be connecting computers and other devices on a non-wireless network, you'll need to get a twisted-pair cable for each device.
  • For example, you need one twisted pair cable to connect Router 1 to Router 2.
  • To connect two more computers to the network, prepare one twisted-pair cable for each device (unless you intend to connect them via Wi-Fi).
• Make sure you have enough outlets to connect two routers and additional devices.
• Turn off the power on both routers. Before you start laying the network, you must turn off all equipment.

Installing Router 1

1. Connect one end of the twisted pair cable to the WAN port of Router 1 and the other end to the WAN/Internet port of the high speed modem. If Router 1 is your high speed modem, you can skip this step.
   • The WAN port may be labeled "Internet".
2. Using another twisted pair, connect one of the LAN ports of Router 1 to a port on the computer.
   • If you wish to connect your computer to your router wirelessly, refer to your router's user manual for this.
3. Turn on the modem and router. Wait until they are fully turned on.

• Launch your web browser. To access the administration menu of Router 1, you will need a web browser.

• To connect to Router 1, enter it. This address should be printed somewhere on Router 1.
  • Below are some standard IP addresses of the most common router manufacturers:
    • 2Wire: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.254, 10.0.0.138
    • Apple: 10.0.0.1
    • Belkin: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.2.1, 10.0.0.2, 10.1.1.1
    • DLINK: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, 192.168.0.101, 192.168.0.30, 192.168.0.50, 192.168.15.1, 192.168.254.254, 192.168.1.254, 192.168.0.10, 10.0.0.1, 10.0.0.2,, 10.0.0.2,, 10.0.2, 10.1.1.1, 10.90.90.90,
    • Netgear: 192.168.0.1, 192.168.0.227

• Enter the menu by entering the administrator login and password. They, like the IP address, must be on Router 1.
  • If the administrator login and password are printed on your router, type in the browser search engine: “the default password is the router [brand of your router]”.
  • If you entered the correct password, but still cannot log in, reset the router to factory settings by inserting the end of a paper clip into the “Reset” connector.
• Make sure the protocol is enabled on Router 1. This will allow Router 1 to assign IP addresses to all devices on the network.
  • Not all routers have their DHCP settings in the same place, but you can usually find them under Network settings or LAN settings. local network).
  • Most often, DHCP is enabled by default.
• Check your network and internet connection. Try visiting a website to see if you have Internet access. Also make sure that there is at least one free LAN port on Router 1.
• Pull out the twisted pair connecting Router 1 and the computer. Leave everything else as is.

Installing Router 2

1. Connect Router 2 and then turn it on. Now we need to configure Router 2 as the second router on the same subnet. Thus, all devices on the network will have access to each other.
2. Connect a computer to the LAN port of Router 2 using a twisted pair cable.
3. Enter the administration menu of the router from the browser. In the same way that you logged into Router 1 as an administrator, you need to do the same with Router 2. Use the administrator password and login to log into the modem. Find out the router's IP address. Standard addresses most routers: 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, or 10.0.0.1.
4. Disable DHCP on Router 2. You are already using Router 1 to assign IP addresses. Find the DHCP settings (just like you did for Router 1) and disable DHCP.
5. Assign Router 2 a new IP address. Most likely, at the moment Routers 1 and 2 have the same IP address. This needs to be fixed.
   • On the router page, open the tab labeled "LAN" or " local network". One of the fields should contain the current IP address (the one you entered into the browser).
   • Enter a new IP address to replace the old one. The new address must be on the same subnet as Router 1, which means that the first three sets of digits (out of four) must be the same as Router 1. Also, the address must not be the same as the address of another device.
   • If the IP address of Router 1 is set to 192.168.0.1, then Router 2 can be set to 192.168.0.100. Because the computer is the only device on the network, the chance of an IP address conflict is minimal.
6. Set the same wireless network names and passwords for Router 2 and Router 1. If Router 2 is not wireless router, you can skip this part. Otherwise, give it the same SSID (Wi-Fi hotspot name) and password as Router 1.
   • You can find all the necessary settings in the menu called "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi setup".
   • If you forget the SSID and password of Router 1, they should be printed on the device.

Network launch

1. Turn off the power on Router 2. Now that Router 2 is configured, it's a good idea to restart it, but for now, leave it off.
2. Connect a twisted pair cable to the LAN port on Router 1 and to the first LAN port on Router 2. Make sure it's not a WAN port (they look the same).
3. Turn on Router 2. As a result of your manipulations, it should now be located at the IP address you specified. As long as Router 1 has access to the Internet, Router 2 will also have access to the global network.
4. Restart the computer connected to Router 2.
5. Connect all other computers and devices via a wireless network or twisted pair cable to the LAN ports on one of the routers. Router 1 will automatically assign each device its own IP address on this current subnet via DHCP. Enjoy the benefits of an extended network!

• Write down the IP addresses of your modem, routers, and any connected PCs. This will then allow you to identify and troubleshoot any network problems.
• For an extra layer of security, consider purchasing a third (NAT) router. If you decide to connect a third router (Router 3), run a twisted pair cable from its WAN port to the LAN port of one of the remaining two routers. Then enable DHCP on Router 2 and move it to a subnet other than the main network.

With great difficulty, I managed to come up with the right title for this article. Still, I'm not sure that it really reflects the essence correctly. Just in case, more options:

• Setting up a peer-to-peer LAN;
• How to make an access point from a router;
• Two routers. Shared network resources;
• Cascading connection.

Given:

Two offices located in the same building but not side by side. A twisted pair is stretched between them. One of the offices has Internet. And there are also two routers with wi-fi.

Task :

Connect computers in two offices to one local network. Laptops must be connected to each office via Wi-Fi and have access to network resources and printers. And, of course, the Internet should be everywhere.

Note:

In the task at hand, I had two routers at my disposal TP-Link 741ND. After the work done, I already tested the solution to this problem at home on two other routers and ASUS RT-G32. Everything is working!

Reflections:

Fast and inexpensive!
Alexander. Private computer master.
+7-915-453-37-31

Solution :

About the operating modes of the router: You do not need to change anything. Just leave everything on default. (Like after pressing reset)

About Wi-Fi: Wireless networks on routers A And B You can set the same or different. In any case, devices connected to one of these wireless networks will have access to ALL network resources and printers.

Settings for router A:

1. Set up an Internet connection;
2. Enable DHCP;
3. Set up Wi-Fi and encryption;
4. Set router IP address 192.168 .1.1
5. Save settings and reload.
6. Connect the cord that goes to the second office to the LAN port.

Settings for router B:

Important ! Do not connect the cord that comes from Router A until you reach step 5!

How to connect router to router via wifi? This question is often asked by users who want to expand the coverage area of ​​the router.

By using two connected devices, you can significantly improve the quality of your Internet connection and increase the Wi-Fi coverage area by almost two to three times.

You can expand the coverage area of ​​the router by using an antenna booster. You can also not amplify, but separately buy and install a more powerful antenna.

This method is less expensive, because you do not need to buy another new router.

However, if the antenna enhancement method did not bring any results, you can try to configure the access point of two routers at the same time.

First you need to determine the approximate scheme of mutual connection of two devices.

Schematic example of connecting two routers

If you want to connect yes to a router in order to transmit a signal over longer distances, you should familiarize yourself with the basic connection diagram of these two devices.

It can be used to connect the network in the apartment and in any other private sector.

An example diagram looks like this:

According to this scheme, there are only two ways to interconnect two routers: through a wire and a wireless connection method. Let's consider them in more detail.

Connecting two routers using a wire

The easiest way to connect two routers to one access point is the wired method. To work, you will need the most common UTP cable, its other name is twisted pair.

You can buy it at any communications store.

The average market value of this type of cable is 20-30 rubles per meter. Appearance twisted pair internet cable is shown in the figure below:

To connect two routers using twisted pair, follow the instructions:

• Make sure both sides of the cable have adapters. Also make sure that the cable size matches the distance from one router to another;
• Take two routers;
• Connect them with a cable. Connect the twisted pair cable to the LAN port of the router that is configured to connect to the Internet. Plug the other end of the cable into an unconfigured router into the WAN connector. Another router will transmit the signal over a long distance;
• Now just set up your internet connected router in a standard way, and assign a dynamic ip to another router.

Advice! The disadvantage of this connection method is that in some cases it is inconvenient to lay the cable over long distances (when you want to create coverage between several floors, for example).

Also, the cable may eventually be subject to mechanical breakdowns, which cannot be fixed, and then you will have to buy a new cable.

Wireless connection of two routers

This type of connection does not require any wires. However, the complexity of this method lies in the fact that it is very important to correctly configure the equipment:

• Take a router to which the Internet will be connected;
• The second router will be the access point;
• Set up the first router in the standard way, as if you were using only one router;
• Now connect your computer to another router;
• Using the control panel, open the wireless network settings window, in which select the Internet protocol selection window.
  Select the second router and configure the IPv protocol for it Then click on the properties tab and enter in the usage field next address such text (without quotes) - "192.168.1.254";
• Save your settings and open your browser. Enter "192.168.1.254" in the address bar. The settings menu of the second router will open;

• Click on the "search" button;
• A window will open with a list of available wireless networks. Select the network of the first router and press the save key;

• Reboot both access points.

Outcome

Thus, you can connect several routers to one wireless network in order to increase the Internet speed and signal coverage area.

After connecting two devices, be sure to restart them and only then connect them to subscriber devices.

More detailed connection diagrams for two routers can be seen in the videos below.

Thematic videos:

How to make a Wi-Fi network between routers. (WDS)

Local network between routers, set up a wireless bridge between two routers via Wi-Fi.

Setting up a wireless bridge (WDS) between two wi-fi routers. WiFi repeater.

It is briefly described how you can configure routers to connect a wireless bridge (increase the range of a Wi-Fi network) using WDS technology.

In this article, we will consider two options that can be used to connect routers to each other in the same network. The first option is to connect two routers via Wi-Fi, and the second option is to connect routers via a network cable. In any case, the routers will work on the same network, and each will distribute the Internet both via cable and via Wi-Fi.

Why set up such a scheme at all and why connect one router to another? There are different situations. Most often, this is an extension of the coverage area of ​​​​a Wi-Fi network, although, for such tasks, I recommend using. Everything is very simple here. We have already installed and configured a router, or a modem that distributes the Internet. We connect a second router to this router, wirelessly, or using a network cable. By installing a second router in another room, or on another floor, it will distribute Wi-Fi further.

Or in this way you can connect the Internet from a neighbor. Pay for one connection, and divide it into two routers. In fact, there are a lot of options. And if you have already visited this page, then most likely you already know why you need to connect one router to the second. So let's get down to business.

Advice! If you want to configure such a scheme solely to expand an existing Wi-Fi network, then it is best to configure the router in repeater mode if it supports this function. Devices from Asus and Zyxel can do this, here are the instructions:

Two routers on the same network: connection options

There are two options:

• Connect routers via Wi-Fi network. In WDS mode, or bridge mode. It is the same. In this case, you can install them at a relatively large distance. Well, you don't need to run cables. But there are also disadvantages, the Wi-Fi connection is not very stable, also speed will drop over a wireless network. If you can't manage to use a cable to connect, then the wireless option will suit you. Well, not every router supports WDS mode. (especially from older devices).
• The second option is to connect two routers with a network cable in the same network. The method is reliable, proven, but it is not always suitable due to the fact that you have to lay a cable, and the cable itself, as a rule, needs a long one and you either need to buy it or make it yourself. You can use the one that comes with the router, but it is short.

I think you have already chosen the connection method that suits you. Now let's look at them in more detail.

We connect two routers via Wi-Fi (in WDS mode)

We will consider the example of the most popular manufacturers: Asus, Tp-Link, Zyxel, and D-link.

So, you must have a main router that should distribute wifi network, to which we will connect the second. He can be anyone. In the sense that it is not necessary that these be, for example, two Tp-Link routers (although desirable).

Do I need to change the settings of the main router? Yes. In the settings of the main router, you need to set the static channel of the wireless network. Otherwise, there may be problems with the connection. How to change the channel on different routers, I wrote. Set for example static channel 6. And remember it, we will still need it.

That's it, no other settings of the main device need to be changed.

Setting up a WDS connection on a Tp-Link router

By setting up such a scheme on Tp-Link, we have a separate, detailed instructions: . If you have Tp-Link (TL-WR740ND, TL-WR841N, TL-WR941ND, TL-MR3220, TL-WR842ND, etc.), you can safely follow the link.

Everything is very simple there: go to the settings, change the IP address of the router, and configure the WDS mode. I will not describe everything in detail here, since the link above has a very detailed instruction. We figured out Tp-Link, let's move on to models from other manufacturers.

Setting up bridge mode on an Asus router

I just sat for more than an hour, figured out what and how it was with the bridge mode on Asus routers, and I can say that they did everything very complicated and confusing there. As far as I understand, you can configure WDS on an Asus router only if your main router is also Asus. There, on both routers, you need to register MAC addresses, etc. Maybe I'm wrong, correct me (in the comments). Tested on Asus RT-N12, and RT-N18.

Here at Tp-Link without all these troubles everything works. I give a link to the setup instructions on the official Asus website: https://www.asus.com/ua/support/faq/109839. And I will definitely deal with these settings, and prepare a separate article on setting up the bridge mode on Asus routers.

We need a simple network cable. For example, the one that came with the router. If you need a longer cable, then you can order it from some computer store, they should make the cable the length you need.

Nothing needs to be configured on the main router (modem). The main thing is that the DHCP server is enabled on it. Automatic distribution of IP addresses. It is most likely enabled by default.

I will show an example of connecting a Tp-Link router to D-Link (he is our main and black). So we take the cable, and on the main router we connect it to LAN connector (one of four if you have 4). And on the second router, connect the cable to WAN connector. See screenshot below. My routers are connected with a black cable. The white cable is the Internet that is connected to the main router.

It turns out that Tp-Link will receive the Internet from D-Link, and distribute it wirelessly, or via cable.

If, after connecting, the Internet from the second router does not work, then first of all, and then check that in the settings of the router we are connecting, automatic obtaining of an IP address (Dynamic IP) is set. On Tp-Link, it's done like this:

On other routers, these settings are set in the control panel, on the WAN, Internet, etc. tab.

For example, here is another diagram for connecting two routers via cable: Tp-Link to Zyxel. In this case, we have the main Tp-Link. Internet is connected to it.

In exactly the same way, the router is connected to the ADSL modem.

Afterword

Everything that I wrote in this article, I myself checked, and everything works. I tried to prepare as simple as possible, and clear instructions. But, if something didn’t work out for you, then you can describe your case in the comments, I will try to advise something.

Well, share your experience. If it will be helpful information I will definitely update the article.

If the power of the router is not enough to provide a stable Wi-Fi coverage of an apartment, house or office, there is a need for additional devices. There are three ways to enhance weak signal main router: install an additional antenna, repeater or another router. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, let us dwell on the third option in more detail.

How to set up a router

To configure the router, connect a computer or other device with an installed web browser to it:

• You can connect your computer with a cable by connecting network card PC with a free LAN port of the router;
• You can connect via a Wi-Fi wireless network to the router using a laptop, tablet or smartphone.

By default, the wireless network is assigned a name (SSID) identical to the name of the router model, and access to the distributed Wi-Fi network is not protected by a password.

After establishing a connection with the router, open in the computer or in the connected wireless device web browser and type the IP address of the router in the address bar. For example, for TP-LINK router the address will be: http://192.168.0.1

Illustrations taken from settings TP-LINK router TL-WR 1045, the control panel looks different from other manufacturers, but general principles, abbreviations and terms will be the same.

Entering the IP address of the router in the address bar of the browser will open access to the control panel

The correct IP address, login and password required to enter the control panel are indicated on the plate attached to the bottom of the router.

The IP address, login and password of the control panel are indicated on the nameplate on the bottom of the router

The login and password indicated on the plate refer only to the control panel, and not to the wireless network distributed by the router. After entering the login and password, the main screen will appear, displaying information about the status of the device and providing access to menu items for setting modes.

Unless necessary, do not change the factory settings in the router settings. After making changes to the router settings, restart the device.

Video: setting up a Wi-Fi router

Two ways to connect routers

Routers are connected to one local network either by cable or by wireless channel. It is recommended to use devices from the same manufacturer.

Cable connection

A twisted-pair cable (UTP cable) is laid between the main and additional routers. In the main router, the cable is connected to the LAN socket, and in the additional router, to the WAN socket (this socket is highlighted in color and is sometimes called the Internet). With this connection, the additional router will be for the main network device, and the main one for the additional one will act as a provider, distributing the Internet and providing a dynamic IP address.

Before installing an additional router, consider how the cable will be laid and carefully measure the length of the future cable channel. When purchasing a cable, buy one meter longer than the measured one cable channel, and ask the seller to immediately compress the ends of the cable into the connectors. If the cable channel runs outside the premises and is exposed to natural influences, then purchase a cable with a reinforced sheath.

Advantages of the method:

• reliability and stability of the cable connection;
• ease of configuration of both routers;
• the installation location of the additional router is not limited to the wireless coverage area of ​​the main router.

Disadvantages of the method:

• the need to purchase and lay a cable;
• when transferring the router, the cable will have to be shifted to a new location.

Configuring routers when connected by cable

If the main router is already configured to work with the provider and there are no complaints about the work, then you do not need to change anything in the settings.

Make sure the DHCP function in the main router is enabled to automatically distribute IP addresses on the local network. The start and end IP addresses do not need to be changed.

Setting up an additional router

It is recommended to immediately reset the possible changes made to the router settings to the factory-preset ones. To do this, turn on the router, find the Reset button on the back panel, press and hold it for 5–7 seconds. To protect against accidental resetting, the button is hidden inside the case and you can press it through the hole with a needle or a bent paper clip.

An example of the location of the reset button on the rear panel of the router: the button is hidden inside, only the hole for pressing is visible

In the additional router, two settings are checked and set:

Making changes to the additional router's own IP address avoids conflicts of the same addresses on the same network

After changing the IP address of the router, enter the new address in the address bar of the browser to re-access the control panel.

There is a cable connection option in which the cable is connected to the LAN port of an additional router. This option requires complex configuration and does not provide any advantages over connecting through the WAN port.

Wi-Fi connection

Advantages of the method:

• does not require physical connection of routers with a cable;
• allows you to easily move an additional router if necessary.

Disadvantages of the method:

• relative complexity of customization;
• slow down the speed of the wireless network.

The main router receives the Internet from the provider and distributes it via the LAN1 wireless network; an additional router receives the Internet wirelessly from the main router and distributes it via a wireless LAN2 network

Configuring routers when connecting via Wi-Fi

When combining two routers in a local network via a wireless channel, a “bridge” connection is used, in English Wireless Distribution System (WDS), designed specifically to expand the Wi-Fi coverage area.

Understanding the Bridge Connection (WDS)

When this type of connection is established, the main router operates in standard mode, and the additional one acts as a Wi-Fi amplifier, receiving and distributing the signal further.

To connect routers in the "bridge" mode, you must establish a permanent (fixed) communication channel between them and specify the physical addresses of the connected devices in the settings. To set up the “bridge”, both routers are turned on, the main router is configured in advance for the provider, receives and distributes the Internet, and the settings of the additional one are preliminarily brought to the factory settings by pressing the Reset button.

Configuring the main router for WDS mode

We change the automatic channel selection mode to a fixed channel mode (for example, to the 11th channel).

Setting a fixed channel number prevents the router from automatically scanning the air and choosing the least loaded channel. Therefore, if outsiders work nearby wireless network, you may have to manually experimentally select the least loaded channel or use special program to search for a free channel. The channel number must be changed simultaneously on both routers - the main and additional.

Configuring an additional router for WDS mode

On home page on the control panel of the router, the line “WDS Status” should display “working”. This means that an additional router has connected to the main router and distributes the Internet.

Video: how to make a Wi-Fi network between routers (WDS)

Creating a complex network requires knowledge and experience. If you are confident in your abilities, use our instructions. If you doubt your abilities, it is better to seek help.