How to Connect Two Wireless Routers: A Complete Guide to Extending Network Coverage
In a home or office environment, the signal of a single wireless router may not cover all areas, resulting in network dead spots. By connecting two wireless routers, you can effectively extend the coverage of your wireless network. This article will introduce two common connection methods in detail, and provide operation steps and precautions.
1. Two main methods to connect two wireless routers

| method | Applicable scenarios | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wired connection (LAN-LAN) | Cables can be routed between the two routers | High stability, speed is not affected | Need to lay network cable |
| Wireless Bridging (WDS) | Unable to route the wiring | No wiring required, flexible and convenient | Speed may be reduced |
2. Wired connection (LAN-LAN) setting steps
1.Preparation:Make sure the main router is connected to the Internet normally, and prepare the network cable and second router.
2.Physical connection:Use a network cable to connect the LAN port of the main router to the LAN port of the secondary router (note that it is not a WAN port).
3.Secondary router settings:
• Log in to the secondary router management interface (usually the address is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1)
• Turn off DHCP function
• Set wireless network name (SSID) and password (can be the same or different from the main router)
• Save settings and restart router
4.Test connection:Connect the device to the wireless network of the secondary router and test whether it can access the Internet normally.
3. Wireless bridging (WDS) setting steps
1.Confirm support:Check that both routers support WDS functionality (most modern routers do).
2.Main router settings:
• Record the SSID, encryption method and password of the main router
• Fixed the wireless channel of the main router (it is recommended to choose 1, 6 or 11)
3.Secondary router settings:
• Log in to the secondary router management interface
• Enable WDS bridging function
• Scan and select the SSID of the primary router
• Enter the encryption method and password of the main router
• Set the IP address of the secondary router (same network segment as the primary router but different address)
• Turn off DHCP function
• Save settings and restart router
4.Test connection:Move the device near the secondary router and test whether it can connect and access the Internet.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
| question | solution |
|---|---|
| Can't access the Internet after connecting | Check whether DHCP of the secondary router is turned off and whether the IP address is set correctly. |
| Wireless bridge is unstable | Try to fix the wireless channel and adjust the router position |
| Significant decrease in speed | Wireless bridging will reduce speed, it is recommended to use wired connection first |
5. Things to note
1. The IP addresses of the two routers must be on the same network segment but cannot be the same.
2. When wireless bridging, it is recommended to place the two routers in a location with good signals from each other.
3. If using a wired connection, it is recommended to use Cat5e or higher level network cable.
4. For best performance, it is recommended that both routers use the same wireless standard (such as both supporting 802.11ac).
6. Extended suggestions
For large homes or complex environments, you can consider using a Mesh network system, which can provide a more intelligent and seamless roaming experience. But for most home users, connecting two routers through the two methods introduced in this article can already solve the signal coverage problem well.
With the above steps, you should be able to successfully connect two wireless routers to extend the wireless network coverage in your home or office. If you encounter problems during the setup process, you can refer to the router's manual or contact the manufacturer's technical support.
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