You can certainly set up two routers, or even more if you’d like, on the same home network. The devices on your network will connect to whichever router has a better signal if you setup a second router to function as a range extender or to share the same SSID as the main router. In this article we are explaining methods of how to connect two routers to one modem and its benefits. Let’s step into it.
How to use 2 routers with 1 modem?
One router performs well, but you enjoy the most exceptional performance when combined with one more router. This rings true, especially if you have many devices connecting to your network.
Adding a second router enhances network performance and boosts wire and wire coverage. So, if you have an old router lying around at your place? Or do you want to experience fantastic network connectivity? You need to attach a second router to the modem.
This may sound super technical, but let me break the good news, it’s not as difficult as it may seem. All you need is to follow a few steps, and you are good to go. To help you out, here are a few methods that you can follow for connecting two routers with one modem.
Method 1 – Create a bridge mode (LAN/LAN Connection)
To set up a bridge mode or a bridging mode, ensure that the second router comes with a bridging mode. The bridging mode allows you to connect a secondary router to the main router to boost connectivity. To set up a bridging mode, you may need to follow the steps given below:
- First of all, you need to make sure that the router supports bridging mode.
- Once you are sure of it, now you have to determine which router will be the main router and which will be secondary. The main router is the one that is going to be connected to the modem.
- Getting an Ethernet cable long enough to connect both routers would be best.
- Make sure that your first router is connected to the central modem using the main LAN ports on the router.
- Now go to the admin website, and add your IP address in the browser.
- Log in to the admin website as an administrator.
- You may need to turn on the DHCP.
- Now you need to jot down the internet details from the primary router.
- Save all the changes that you make and log off.
- Now you need to set up the second router by connecting it to your computer.
- Log in to the router website of the second router.
- Now you need to enable the bridging mode on the second router.
- Once the bridging mode is set, you need to configure the settings on the second router.
- You need to put in your internet details on the second router.
- Once all is done, now connect the routers using an Ethernet cable.
- Restart both devices and start enjoying an enhanced network setting.
Method 2 – Connecting two routers and one modem using a network cable
You can also connect two routers and one modern using a network cable or a LAN/WAN Connection. Here are a few steps that you can follow.
- Connect the LAN port of the primary router with the WAN or internet port of the secondary router.
- Now connect the primary router to your PC and check if it has DHCP server enabled under the DHCP / DHCP Settings.
- In case if DHCP is not enabled then you may need to enable it. Now open the Network / WAN option and change the connection type to Dynamic IP.
- Make sure that the IP address of the two routers do not clash with each other. But you need to check if the range of the secondary router is within the limits of the primary router.
- You will be able to create a separate access point using this method enabling both routers to have internet connectivity.
Read: Why does my Router have a USB Port?
Benefits of Using 2 routers with 1 modem
There are several benefits of using 2 routers with 1 modem.
- It offers more connectivity for wired devices, especially if your primary router has limited ports for connectivity.
- Adding a second router helps boost wireless connectivity, especially if the router is placed at one end of the place.
- It helps give dedicated connectivity to specific devices without affecting the speed of the other devices connected to the network.
- A second router helps improve the WiFi coverage all over the place, giving a stable connection all over the place.
- A second router is handy, especially if the first one stops working or gets a fault. You still be connected to the network.
Read: How many Watts do a Modem and Router use?
Do we face any problem if we use 2 routers and 1 modem?
There will be no problem if you use two routers with one modem only if the second router is an access point. Usually, modern routers scan themselves on all channel bands and configure themselves automatically.
Even if the two routers are configured on the same channel, both will scan each other and avoid overstepping. In case there are some problems in the performance of either on multiple access points on the same channel.
Then you may need to go into the configurations of both routers and check if they are transmitting on different channels as different SSIDs (networks).
Read: How to move Router and Modem to another Room?
Final Thoughts
Adding a second router to your current home setup work is the easiest way to give your home network a boost. This may sound like a dream come true, especially if you have an extensive home network and may face difficulties connecting to WiFi from some points at your home.
Adding a second router to a router and modem setup will surely help enhance performance and provide a stable connection all over. But, you may need to follow a particular configuration to install another router to your existing setup.
