Wi-Fi Network of Two (Several) Routers

There are often situations when one router is simply not enough. In the sense that it can not provide the necessary radius of coverage of Wi-Fi network. In some rooms or premises, there is simply no wi-fi signal. I think this is familiar to everyone who made wi-fi network in a large house, apartment, or office. In this situation, of course, you need to install additional equipment, and somehow expand the wireless network. To do this is not difficult. There are several options, which we will consider in this article.

I will try to explain everything in detail and in simple language. We will look at installing two or more routers and combining them into one Wi-Fi network (or creating several different networks). I’ll give you links to instructions on how to set up the different schemes, which should help you.

If you have installed a router, and you have Wi-Fi coverage not everywhere, then the best solution is to install a repeater, or several pieces. These are special devices, also called repeaters, that are designed to extend your Wi-Fi network. You can see for example how to set up a repeater TP-LINK TL-WA850RE. But, even repeaters can’t always help in this situation. Especially when you need to distribute the Wi-Fi network to a very large area. Installing a large number of repeaters is not an option either. Everything will work, but believe me, the network is unlikely to be stable.

Therefore, many consider the option of creating a Wi-Fi network of two or more routers. Now we will understand this issue. Everything can be done without problems, and everything will work. One more point. If you have the opportunity to connect devices with a cable, then you can install one router, and the necessary 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 connected somehow.

Here there are two ways:

Connecting two or more routers with a 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, it is the most reliable and stable way. If you need a stable network, with good speed and for a large number of devices, it is best to connect routers with a cable.
Connection of routers without wires, via wi-fi. In this case, the connection is used in bridge mode (WDS), client, or in repeater mode. In essence, it’s the same thing. Just on different routers, different manufacturers, these settings are made differently.

We’ve sorted this out. For example, we have a main router, to which the Internet is connected, and it distributes Wi-Fi network. We need to install another router, for example, in another room, or on another floor. We can connect the second router to the first one by cable, or by wi-fi. Almost all modern routers have this option.

Also, we need to decide whether we need one Wi-Fi network, just reinforced by the second (third, fourth) router, or each router should create a separate network, with a different name and password. The router mode we need to configure depends on this. Basically, we need a single wireless network, just amplified. That the devices themselves, and discreetly switch between access points.

Let’s now look at both ways to connect: wirelessly, and with cable.

How to link two routers on wi-fi in one network?

Most often, routers are connected exactly by air. This is understandable, because you do not 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, over a wireless network routers also connect and work.

I think it’s better to consider certain ways of connection for each manufacturer:

TP-LINK. If the router you want to use to extend your wireless network is from TP-LINK, then to connect it to another router, you need to use the bridge mode (WDS). This is not a repeater mode, so, 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 amplified. Detailed instructions: configuring a Tp-Link router in bridge mode (WDS). Connecting two routers via wi-fi.
ASUS. Here everything is a little easier, because the routers of this manufacturer have a repeater mode.
Zyxel Keenetic. These routers also have a mode of repeater Wi-Fi network. Everything is configured very simply. In addition, you can also use the client mode (bridge). Here you need to look at what suits you better.
D-LINK. We configure everything through the only mode of operation “Client”. Everything works, tested. Recently wrote an instruction: mode “client”, “bridge” and “repeater” 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 didn’t write about your router, it doesn’t mean that it can’t be combined into one Wi-Fi network with other routers. Look in the settings, look for information on the Internet. I’ll try to add information on other manufacturers over time.

One more thing: it is not necessary that the devices are from the same manufacturer (but it is desirable).

I think we have solved the issue of creating one Wi-Fi network from two or more routers. If there are still some unclear points, then ask in the comments.

wi-fi network of several routers connected by cable

As I wrote above, the connection with a cable is the most stable and reliable. Well, there will be no loss in speed, and if there is, it will be minimal. Compared to the connection in the wireless bridge mode.

All you need is to connect the necessary number of routers with a network cable, and perform simple settings. On devices of some manufacturers, you just need to activate the access point mode, and if there is no access point, then just disable 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, not different ones, then set the same wireless network settings (name and password) on all access points. Everything should work, I checked it for myself.

And maybe give out the Internet on the wiring

There is also such a joke as HomePlug AV. This is when the Internet can be transmitted over ordinary electrical wiring. And in the necessary places just plug into the outlet PowerLine-adapters that can give out wi-fi, or to these adapters connect routers. There are a lot of options. If you’re interested, read the article on setting up the TP-LINK TL-WPA4220KIT adapter kit.

If you have any other solutions and ideas how you can build a network of several routers, then be sure to share them in the comments. There you can also leave questions on the topic of the article. Have a nice day!