How Can I bridge Two Routers?

Question

I have two AirPort Extreme Base Stations, each connected to different internet routers, which makes me have to switch from each WLANs whenever there's an internet connection issue with the one I'm connected to, thus losing the ability to reach all peripheral devices connected to one of the base stations, such as my printer, external hard drive and a Mac Mini Server.

What I'd like to know is if there's any way I can bridge the two LANs and if so, what kind of network equipment do I need to buy if any required, in order to help me achieve this. Is there any kind of home network bridge out there you'd recommend me? Is it possible to do this the "software way" with my Mac Mini Server? Will I have any DHCP issues? I used to do this with a Windows machine, but that's not a option right now.

Answer 1

Why not just buy a 4-port switch and use Ethernet to wire the printer and server to the switch, and then connect the external hard drive into the server (as a network shared device)? That way, you only need one Base Station and will only have one LAN.



Mack

Answer 2

You don't. You should by no means have 2 routers on the equal connection. They may be able to cause conflicts and discontinue the connection, at first-class they double all routing and dns lookups inflicting velocity losses. You must either use a community swap if you need extra wired connections, or a wi-fi entry point or variety extender if you would like more wi-fi variety. A variety extender is the first-rate option because it needs no community cabling. It simply desires energy and to be placed inside the range of the router, then it relays a similar range past that.

Answer 3

Why do you need 2 internet routers?



If this is one building you may want to explore getting rid of one of the wifi routers and the internet. Take that saved money and apply it to an Access Point

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_nkw=engenius 2611 p&_fscr=1

Hardwire the Access Point to the Router. Set identical SIDs on both device, but use seperate channels on the devices. Done deal.

Or you can use something like this:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=engenius+7550&_sacat=0&_odkw=engenius+2611+p&_osacat=0

Then you can throw this in the middle of the building and use the dual radio device to expand the reach of you wifi signal with no wiring at all. (besides the power source)



I have both device and I can't say enough positive things about either.

Answer 4

"whenever there's an internet connection issue with the one I'm connected to"



Seems to me the reasonable thing to focus on is getting one reliable internet connection.