Connecting a router to another router isn’t just possible, it can be a great solution to annoying dead spots and a simple way to expand or improve your WiFi coverage.
I am a long-time technology user who has created and tinkered with tons of different internet setups over the years. To do so, I’ve had to learn the ins and outs of routers, including how they work both individually and in pairs.
This guide goes into deeper detail on that subject by providing insight into the best way to set up two routers, how they work together, and the ups or downs of having more than one.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Connecting two routers together is a rather simple process that anyone with a bit of technical knowledge can do.
- When setting up two routers, always make sure they are in the range of each other and don’t readily cause any interference.
- Multiple routers can cause fewer connectivity drops and increase wireless range, but they also take a bit more work to set up and can up your technology budget.
Linking a Router with a Router
Typically, routers stand on their own. The devices aim to make sure everything connected to your home network works together, and they do so by making your connection operate without any drops or lag. However, it’s rarely such an easy process.
Most homes have some type of interference or obstacles that can get in the way or hamper internet connections. Other times, they are simply too big for a specific router and it can’t cover the entire space. In either situation, a second router can make things better.
Most people only use a single router setup, but it’s more than possible to connect two together in a process known as daisy chaining. That will greatly increase the signal, and enable your home internet to get to parts of your house it normally wouldn’t be able to reach.
That process also helps eliminate any dead zones too. It’s easy to set up and doesn’t hamper your internet in any way.
How to Connect Two Routers
Once you understand that you need two routers, the next step is actually setting them up together. That’s not a simple process, but it’s something that can be done as long as you follow a few simple steps.
First, figure out where you want to place your second router. As your first one should be near the center of your house where it can reach all of your devices, the second one needs to be closer to the areas where you’re having issues.
It’s also important to keep the router next to a computer when setting it up. You can always move it later, but connecting the device directly to a computer via an ethernet cable will make it much easier to work with.
Next, check if your second router has wireless capability. If it doesn’t, connect it to the first router through an ethernet cable. If it does, then you can set both up wirelessly. Just follow the instructions laid out by the model’s manufacturer.
However, also note that in most configurations the second one will only function as a wireless access point. If you want to access its full potential, it first must be set up in client mode.
In that way, there are two ways to use routers. You can run each of them on their own network or use the second as a pseudo-extender to get more range. It’s completely up to you.
Using Two Routers: Pros and Cons
There are several reasons to daisy chain or have two routers in a single building, but there are a few downsides you need to think about as well. Balancing both is a critical part of choosing when to connect your routers, and when to go with another setup.
In terms of benefits, the biggest is that two routers will typically increase connectivity and performance for your home network. More devices across a larger area will almost always allow your signal to project out much further than it would with one.
Next, an extra router will also give you the ability to use more wired devices. Each router has a set limit of such machines that they can handle, due to their limited number of ports. The more ports you can plug into, the more you can do with your wireless setup.
There are some drawbacks to be aware of as well. The biggest is that you’ll have to spend more time getting everything setup, which can be a bear for people who don’t have a ton of technical know-how. That’s especially true if you want them to work on the same network.
In addition, budget can be an issue too. Routers are not exactly cheap, especially if you want a quality device. The only good news is that they do last a long time, so it’s a worthy investment.
FAQs
This section tackles some of the most common questions about daisy-chaining routers.
Is It Ok to Put Two Routers Next to Each Other?
Yes. While having some space between routers is recommended, especially if you are using two to get better coverage, they won’t interfere with each other if they are in close proximity.
Can I Use a Second Router as an Extender?
Yes. As long as you keep it within range of your first router and use a proper setup, a second router can help increase your WiFi signal’s range.
Can Two Routers Interfere with Each Other?
Yes. Always make them operate on different channels if possible to limit the chances of such interferences and make everything run more smoothly.
Final Words
Connecting two routers is not something that comes up too often, but it’s a great way to get more reliable internet or a much better signal. As long as you follow the above steps and understand what you want, it’s hard to go wrong.
Have you ever connected two routers before? What reasons did you have for that specific configuration? Let us know in the comments below!
