how do i add a second router to my home network?

Question

I'd like to extend the range of my wifi connection to my basement using an old router and reconfiguring it. ive seen it done but i need a little help haha. id like to have it so that i can move to the basement and NOT have to switch networks to have the extended range of the second router (placed in the basement). i know it involoves the IP settings and DHCP servers, but can someone walk me through it? money is too tight right now to buy a true range extender. the main router is a netgear and the old router that i want to use as the extension is a westell 7501. THANKS!

Answer 1

You can use the same SSID for both routers, but the change channel on one of them. You can use the same key for both. That way it will be able to switch from one to the other and keep the same IP address, and maintain your connection. Try to space the two routers about 50 feet apart. Leave DHCP turned on one, but disable it on the other. In the main router connect the WAN port to the Internet connection. Then run a straight through (normal cable) between the WAN port on the second and a LAN port on the first. The second router will add maybe 10-20 milliseconds of delay so you might want to try it to make sure that it does not lag too much if you are playing games. Anything else should be fine.

Answer 2

Run a wired connection between the 2 routers. Do not configure anything on the second router except for Wifi. You can receive the DHCP address from the first router. Use the same settings for Wifi as you have on the 1st router.

Answer 3

No. You should NEVER run more than one router on a connection. It will slow your network, can cause conflicts which cause network problems or even lose your connection. There is NO way to do this without switching networks anyway unless you use a proper wireless range extender. Also the second router will be trying to route to the Internet by its' WAN port, including trying to get a login from the ISP, and you must NEVER have more than one login to them. They can cut you off for that.

Answer 4

a second router would require a 2nd telephone line

Answer 5

ill give you the link i use to set mine.



http://www.togaware.com/linux/survivor/Router_Router.html