How to Connect One Router to Another to Expand a Network

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Identify the routers with which you will be working.

   For the purpose of this guide, we’ll call the router that’s connected to the Internet “Router 1” and the new router “Router
   2.”
2. 2

   Step 2: Have a computer available to set up the routers.

   To configure routers, you’ll need a computer that can connect to them via an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi.
   
   The operating system of the computer doesn’t matter.
   
   If you’ll be using Wi-Fi to connect to the routers, take note of the SSID and passkey for each router.
   
   You’ll need this information to connect to each router via Wi-Fi. , If you plan to connect computers and other devices to the network without Wi-Fi, you’ll need an Ethernet cable for each device.
   
   For example, you’ll need one Ethernet cable to connect Router 2 to Router
   1.
   
   If you wanted to connect two additional computers to the network, have additional Ethernet cables available for each device (unless you plan to connect them via Wi-Fi). ,, You’ll want to start wiring the network with the equipment turned off. , The WAN port may be labeled “Internet.” , If you’d prefer to connect the computer to the router wirelessly, use your router’s instructions to do so. , Wait a few moments for them both to come back up. , You’ll need a web browser to connect to the admin interface of Router
   1. , This address is printed somewhere on Router
   1.
   
   Here are some default IP addresses for common router brands: 2Wire:
   192.168.1.1,
   192.168.0.1,
   192.168.1.254,
   10.0.0.138 Apple:
   10.0.0.1 Belkin:
   192.168.1.1,
   192.168.2.1,
   10.0.0.2,
   10.1.1.1 Dlink:
   192.168.1.1,
   192.168.0.1,
   192.168.0.101,
   192.168.0.30,
   192.168.0.50,
   192.168.15.1,
   192.168.254.254,
   192.168.1.254,
   192.168.0.10,
   192.168.15.1,
   10.0.0.1,
   10.0.0.2,
   10.1.1.1,
   10.90.90.90, Netgear:
   192.168.0.1,
   192.168.0.227, These credentials, like the IP address, can be found printed on Router
   1.
   
   If there is no username and password combination printed on your router, search the internet for “default router password for ”.
   
   If you’re using the right password but still can’t connect, reset the router to its default settings by inserting the end of a paperclip into its “reset” port., The DHCP settings are located in different places across different types of routers, but you’ll usually find them under “Network settings,” or “LAN settings.” In most cases, the DHCP server is turned on by default. , Visit any website (like https://www.LifeGuide Hub.com) to verify that you can connect to the Internet.
   
   Make sure that the physical configuration of your network leaves room for one LAN port to be open on Router
   1. , Everything else can remain on and plugged in. , Now you’ll configure Router 2 as a second router on the same subnet.
   
   This means all devices on the network will be able to access each other. ,, Just as when you logged into Router 1 as an administrator, you’ll need to do this to Router
   2.
   
   Log in to the router’s admin interface using your credentials.
   
   Check and see what the IP is; most routers default to
   192.168.0.1,
   192.168.1.1, or
   10.0.0.1. , Locate the DHCP settings (as you did earlier for Router 1) and switch the DHCP server to “Off.” , That needs to change.
   
   Find the area in the router admin website called “LAN” or “Local Network.” There should be a blank that contains the current IP address (the one you connected to in your web browser).
   
   Type a new IP address in place of the existing one.
   
   The new address must be on the same subnet as Router 1, meaning the first three sets of numbers (out of four) in the IP address must be the same as Router
   1.
   
   It also can’t be an IP currently assigned to another device.
   
   If Router 1’s IP address is
   192.168.0.1, for example, Router 2 can be
   192.168.0.100.
   
   Since the computer is the only other device on the network, there’s little risk for an IP address conflict. , If it is, assign it the same SSID (the name of the Wi-Fi access point) and passkey as Router
   1.
   
   You should find these settings under a menu called something like “Wireless” or “Wi-Fi setup.” If you’re unsure of Router 1’s SSID and passkey, it should be printed on the device. , Now that Router 2’s all set up, it’s a good idea to give it a restart—though, for now, leave the power unplugged instead of turning it right back on. , Make sure you’re not plugging it into the WAN port (they look similar). , When the router comes back up, it will have the IP address you configured.
   
   As long as Router 1 has Internet access, Router 2 will now also be online. ,, Router 1’s DHCP server will automatically assign each device its own IP address in the same subnet.
   
   Enjoy your expanded network!
3. 3

   Step 3: Have one Ethernet cable (also called “network cables”) available for each device.

4. 4

   Step 4: Make sure you have enough power outlets available to plug in two routers

5. 5

   Step 5: plus any additional devices.

6. 6

   Step 6: Unplug the power from both routers.

7. 7

   Step 7: Run an Ethernet cable from the WAN port of Router 1 to the WAN/Internet port of the high-speed modem.If Router 1 doubles as your high-speed modem

8. 8

   Step 8: you can skip this step.

9. 9

   Step 9: Run an Ethernet cable from one of Router 1’s LAN ports to the computer’s Ethernet port.

10. 10

    Step 10: Turn on the modem and router.

11. 11

    Step 11: Open a web browser.

12. 12

    Step 12: Bring up the router’s admin interface in your web browser.The web address you’ll be connecting to is Router 1’s IP address.

13. 13

    Step 13: Log in using the router admin username and password combo.

14. 14

    Step 14: Make sure that DHCP is enabled on Router 1.This will enable Router 1 to assign all of the IP addresses in your network.

15. 15

    Step 15: Test your network and internet connection.

16. 16

    Step 16: Remove the Ethernet cable between the Router 1 and the computer.

17. 17

    Step 17: Plug in Router 2 and turn it on.

18. 18

    Step 18: Run an Ethernet cable from the LAN port on Router 2 to the computer.

19. 19

    Step 19: Open the router’s admin interface in a web browser.

20. 20

    Step 20: Disable DHCP on Router 2.You are already using Router 1 to assign IP addresses.

21. 21

    Step 21: Assign a new IP address to Router 2.As of now

22. 22

    Step 22: there’s a good possibility that Routers 1 and 2 have the same default IP address.

23. 23

    Step 23: Configure Router 2's Wi-Fi name and passkey to be identical to Router 1.If Router 2 is not a wireless router

24. 24

    Step 24: don’t worry about this part.

25. 25

    Step 25: Disconnect the power from Router 2.

26. 26

    Step 26: Connect an Ethernet cable from a LAN port on Router 1 to the first LAN port on Router 2.

27. 27

    Step 27: Plug Router 2 back in and turn it on.

28. 28

    Step 28: Restart the computer that’s connected to Router 2.

29. 29

    Step 29: Connect other computers and devices wirelessly

30. 30

    Step 30: or via Ethernet cables to open LAN ports on either router.

Detailed Guide

About the Author