There is often a situation when one router is simply not enough. In the sense that it cannot provide the required range of Wi-Fi network coverage. In some rooms, or premises, there is simply no Wi-Fi signal. I think this is familiar to everyone who made a Wi-Fi network in a large house, apartment, or office. In such a situation, of course, you need to install additional equipment, and somehow expand the wireless network. This is not difficult to do. There are several options that we will look at in this article.
I will try to explain everything in detail and in simple language. We will look towards installing two or more routers, and combining them into one Wi-Fi network (or creating several different networks). I will give links to instructions for setting up different schemes that should help you.
If you have installed a router and your Wi-Fi does not catch everywhere, then the most correct solution would be to install a repeater, or several pieces. These are special devices, they are also called repeaters, which are created to expand the Wi-Fi network. You can see, for example, setting up the TP-LINK TL-WA850RE repeater. But, even repeaters cannot always help in such a situation. Especially when you need to distribute a Wi-Fi network over a very large area. Installing a large number of repeaters is also not an option. Everything will work, but believe me, the network is unlikely to be stable.
Therefore, many are considering the option of creating a Wi-Fi network from two or more routers. Now we will understand this issue. Everything can be done without any problems, and everything will work. One more point. If you have the ability to connect the devices with a cable, then you can install one router and the required number of access points (these are separate devices, read more here), instead of routers.
How to combine two routers into one Wi-Fi network?
It is clear that in order to combine, for example, two (or more) routers into one network, they need to be somehow connected together.
There are two ways here:
- Connecting two or more routers by cable... It is necessary to lay a network cable from one router to the second. This is not always convenient, and it does not always work. But, this is the most reliable and stable way. If you need a stable network, with good speed and for a large number of devices, then it is best to connect the routers with a cable.
- Connecting routers wirelessly, via Wi-Fi... In this case, the connection is in bridge mode (WDS), client, or repeater mode. In essence, they are the same thing. It's just that on different routers, different manufacturers, these settings are made differently.
With this sorted out. For example, we have a main router to which the Internet is connected, and it distributes a Wi-Fi network. We need to install another router, for example, in another room, or on a different floor. We can connect the second router to the first one via cable, or via Wi-Fi. Almost all modern routers have this feature.
Also, we need to decide, we need one Wi-Fi networksimply reinforced by a second (third, fourth) router, or each router must create separate network, with a different name and password. The mode of operation of the router that we need to configure depends on this. Basically, you need one wireless network, just amplified. So that the devices themselves, and seamlessly switch between access points.
Let's now look at both ways of connecting: wirelessly and using a cable.
How to link two routers via Wi-Fi into one network?
Most often, routers communicate over the air. This is understandable, because there is no need to lay a cable. But, if you need a stable network, without loss in speed, then it is best to use a cable, I will write about this below. Although, wireless routers also connect and work.
I think it's best to consider specific connection methods for each manufacturer:
- TP-LINK... If the router that you want to use to expand your wireless network is from TP-LINK, then to connect it to another router, you need to use bridge mode (WDS). This is not a repeater mode, therefore, there will be two Wi-Fi networks. But, you can try to set exactly the same Wi-Fi settings on it as on the main router (SSID and password). Then there will be one network, just reinforced. Detailed instructions: configuring a Tp-Link router in bridge mode (WDS). We connect two routers via Wi-Fi.
- ASUS... Everything is a little simpler here, because on the routers of this manufacturer there is a repeater mode, which I wrote about setting up in the article: setting up an Asus router as a repeater.
- Zyxel Keenetic... These routers also have a Wi-Fi network repeater mode. Everything is set up very simply, here are the instructions: setting up Zyxel Keenetic in repeater mode. Besides, you can also use the client (bridge) mode. Here you need to look at what suits you best.
- D-LINK... We configure everything through a single "Client" mode of operation. Everything works, proven. Recently I wrote an instruction: "client", "bridge" and "repeater" mode on a D-LINK router.
- Netis... These routers also have different modes of operation. Among them is the repeater mode, which we configured in this article.
If I have not written about your router, this does not mean that it cannot be combined into one Wi-Fi network with other routers. Look in the settings, look for information on the Internet. Over time, I will try to add information on other manufacturers.
One more point: not necessary, so that the devices are of the same manufacturer (but desirable).
In the question of creating one Wi-Fi network from two or more routers, I think we figured it out. If there are any incomprehensible moments, then ask in the comments.
Wi-Fi network of several routers connected by cable
As I wrote above, the cable connection is the most stable and reliable. Well, there will be no loss in speed, and if there is, then the minimum. Compared to a wireless bridge connection.
On setting up such a connection, I wrote a separate article: how to make a router a Wi-Fi access point. All that is needed is to connect the required number of routers using a network cable and perform simple settings. On the devices of some manufacturers, you just need to activate the access point mode, and if it is not there, then just turn off the DHCP server, and a couple more functions, and our router turns into a regular access point.
And if you need one Wi-Fi network, and not different ones, then set the same wireless network settings (name and password) on all access points. Everything should work, I checked it myself.
Or maybe distribute the Internet over wiring
There is also such a joke as HomePlug AV. This is when the Internet can be transmitted through ordinary electrical wiring. And in the necessary places, simply plug in the PowerLine adapters that can distribute Wi-Fi, or connect routers to these adapters. There are many options. If interested, read the article on configuring the TP-LINK TL-WPA4220KIT adapter kit.
If you have any other solutions and ideas on how to build a network of several routers, be sure to share them in the comments. You can also leave questions on the topic of the article there. Good luck!
