Possible Ways of Using Two Routers

[Eli Heimsoth]

I know there are a few ways to use two routers in one home. At one point I knew what the difference between some of the ways were, but since I got my network hooked up I forgot. Well I'm redoing my network and I wanted to know the possible ways of using two routers. My purpose is so that the downstairs gets good wifi signal and so does the upstairs.

What I am looking for specifically is a way to use the two routers on the same SSID while at the same time not losing bandwidth in my network. I remember that is possible, is it? I have no problem using a wire to connect the two routers. I just want them to both be the same SSID so I don't have to switch networks constantly, and I also want to be able to do so without losing bandwidth.

My main router is a router/modem combo from Century-Link/Qwest
My Secondary is just a router.
I can provide model info if needed 😀

Help me out? Please.

Thanks!

Eli H.

 

[Eli Heimsoth]

I would set both wireless access points to the same SSID, along with the same security settings. Next, set the radio channels to opposite ends of the spectrum, or at least 3 channels apart. That's just about all you need to do. Good luck!

What all settings need to be the same? Do I connect the second router via WAN or LAN, and do I have to mess with any settings such as DHCP or static/dynamic IP? I remember last time I did this there was some messing with settings that had to go on.

 

[Eli Heimsoth]

I want it to basically be the same network. That's possible right? So like I could stream music from my iphone to apple tv even if they are using separate routers (but they'd be the same network)

 

[Eli Heimsoth]

Connect your second wireless router to your cable moden/router with a Ethernet (CAT 5 or better) cable.

Configure the first router to have SSID XXXX and set the channel to something like 1. Set up your wireless security however you like, but I do suggest you put something, at least WEP. Leave the IP address assignment set to DHCP.

Configure the second router to have SSID XXXX also, and set the channel to something like 11. You want both wireless routers to have channels at least 3 numbers apart. Set your wireless security up the same way on this second router, and set the IP address assignment to DHCP as well.

This setup will allow your laptop to use the same wireless profile for both access points and your wireless software should select the access point with the stronger signal.

And that will act on not only the same SSID but will also be technically the same network? Like say my Iphone is connected to the 2nd router and my apple tv is connected to the primary. Are they going to be able to see each other and communicate, like through airplay? Same with any other devices, will they see each other if they are on opposite routers?

 

[Eli Heimsoth]

Yeah, they should all be OK and talk to each other. The default settings should allow this. In fact, with consumer grade routers, I would be surprised if you could easily mess it up. If they all don't talk, come let us know.

As for AirPlay, I have not used it so I would have to defer to someone else on that. But I think you're going to be fine.

Thanks! I'll let you know how things go