- Can Two Routers Be Used on the Same Home Network?
- In This Article
- Can Two Routers Be Used on the Same Home Network?
- How to Choose a Router
- How to Use Two Routers in One House
- Alternatives to a Second Home Router
- Can I use two Wi-Fi routers?
- How do I setup 2 routers on the same network?
- Can I use a second router as a Wi-Fi extender?
- How do I connect a second wireless router?
- What happens if you connect two WiFi routers together?
- How to connect multiple WiFi routers and Expand WiFi signal (Step by step)
- How to use two routers in one house?
- How can I improve my WiFi signal strength?
- What is the difference between a router and a modem?
- Do you need both a modem and router for Internet?
- Is it better to connect to 5GHz or 2.4 GHz?
- Do you always need a modem with a router?
- Will a better router improve Wi-Fi?
- Should router be placed high or low?
- Where is the best place to put a Wi-Fi extender?
- Is it good to have 2 wifi routers in one house?
- Is it better for WiFi router to be upstairs or downstairs?
- Does Wi-Fi go through walls?
- Should router be on ceiling or wall?
- What is the lifespan of a router?
- What is a good router to buy?
- How often should you replace your router?
- What is the difference between internet and WiFi?
- Is Netgear a modem or router?
- How can I get WiFi without an Internet provider?
- Does 5 GHz WiFi go through walls?
Can Two Routers Be Used on the Same Home Network?
An MIT graduate who brings years of technical experience to articles on SEO, computers, and wireless networking.
Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years’ experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.
In This Article
If you have a large home network, you may encounter difficulties connecting to that network wirelessly from specific points in your home. A second router can improve network performance and help you stay connected from anywhere in your home.
Can Two Routers Be Used on the Same Home Network?
Yes, using two (or even more than two) routers on the same home network is possible. The benefits of a two-router network include:
- Support for more wired devices: If the first router is wired Ethernet, it supports a limited number of connected devices (typically only four or five). A second router provides more open Ethernet ports, allowing additional computers to join the network.
- Support for mixed wired and wireless network setups: If you have a wired home network and want to connect Wi-Fi devices to it, installing a wireless router as the second router allows those devices to communicate while allowing the rest of the network to remain on Ethernet. Conversely, a second router also helps when most clients in the home are wireless, but a few Ethernet devices in one room (like game consoles and file-sharing servers) could benefit from a wired setup.
- Improved wireless reach (signal range): Adding a second wireless router to an existing Wi-Fi network can extend its reach to accommodate far away devices.
- Network isolation: If you heavily utilize the network connection between specific computers (such as frequent large file transfers or LAN gaming), installing those computers to run from one router keeps that network traffic from affecting the other router and its attached devices.
How to Choose a Router
There are many types of routers available. From routers that cost less than $50 to the best-rated long-range routers, here are some of the top ones on the market, and all are available on Amazon.com:
- Linksys EA6500: This is the first smart Wi-Fi router from Linksys and gives owners complete mobile control of their home wireless network.
- Netgear AC1750 (R6300): A perfect option for bigger homes with 12 or more wireless devices.
- Netgear N300 WNR2000: A great router that comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
- TP-LINK TL-WR841N: TP-LINK routers are some of the most popular in the industry. The TL-WR841N features external antennas that make for superior signal reception.
- Netgear WGR614: The WGR614 is a high-quality router with above average signal range (great for homes with brick walls or similar obstructions). It also comes with a three-year warranty.
- Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G: People have said that this Linksys router is a cinch to install and consistently has a strong signal range. If you run into problems, their customer support is helpful.
How to Use Two Routers in One House
Installing a router to work as the second on a home network requires a special configuration.
Setup involves choosing a good location, ensuring the right physical connections, and configuring IP address settings (including DHCP).
Alternatives to a Second Home Router
Instead of adding a second wired router to an existing network, add an Ethernet switch. A switch accomplishes the same goal of extending the size of a network, but it does not require any IP address or DHCP configuration, greatly simplifying the setup.
For Wi-Fi networks, add a wireless access point rather than a second router.
Can I use two Wi-Fi routers?
One router is enough for most homes. However, if you live in a large home or have dead spots—and your budget allows—it’s easy to add a second or third wireless access point (AP) to expand your Wi-Fi coverage or look into upgrading to a Mesh system.
How do I setup 2 routers on the same network?
Set the Internet Gateway of router 2 to router 1’s IP address. Connect the two routers using a wired connection from any of port 1-4 in router 1 to any of port 1-4 in router 2. You can use a Wireless Media Bridge or Powerline Ethernet Kit to create a wired connection. DO NOT use router 2’s WAN port.
Can I use a second router as a Wi-Fi extender?
Yes, you can extend the range of your WiFi with another router, either by connecting the two routers together using an Ethernet cable or by setting up the new router to function as a wireless extender.
How do I connect a second wireless router?
First router: Connect the Internet (or WAN) port to your modem. Second router: Connect one of the other ports (not Internet or WAN) to the same port on the back of the first router. If your ports on your routers are WAN, 1, 2, 3, 4, then connect the first and second router together in port 1.
What happens if you connect two WiFi routers together?
A second router can extend your internet signal and capacity and solve many of your home WiFi issues. This includes dead zones and patchy connections. However, using two routers can lead to signal interference. You will also experience a loss of connection as you transition between the two devices.
How to connect multiple WiFi routers and Expand WiFi signal (Step by step)
How to use two routers in one house?
Plug one end of the Ethernet cable to one of your primary router’s LAN (Ethernet) ports, and the other into to any available LAN port on secondary router. Restart both routers once connected. You can do this by unplugging each router’s power cable and plugging it back in a few seconds later.
How can I improve my WiFi signal strength?
- Choose a central location. .
- Move your router off the floor. .
- Replace your router’s antenna. .
- Reduce wireless interference. .
- Replace your device wireless card-based network adapter. .
- Add a wireless repeater. .
- Change your wireless channel. .
- Update your firmware or network adapter driver.
What is the difference between a router and a modem?
A modem is a box that connects your home network to your internet service provider, or ISP. A router is a box that lets all of your wired and wireless devices use that internet connection at once and allows them to talk to one another directly.
Do you need both a modem and router for Internet?
The modem and router are essential in ensuring a stable and reliable connection. Without a modem, the router would not be able to connect to the internet, and without a router, devices on the network would not be able to communicate.
Is it better to connect to 5GHz or 2.4 GHz?
If you want better range, use 2.4 GHz. If you need higher performance or speed, use the 5GHz band. The 5GHz band, which is the newer of the two, has the potential to cut through network clutter and interference to maximize network performance. Which means this band will be better for things like reducing game lag.
Do you always need a modem with a router?
Routers bring the Internet to your devices
The router manages all the information going to and from each device and the modem and makes sure it all ends up safely in the right spot. However, a router doesn’t need to connect to a modem to function. You can choose to create a LAN without Internet access.
Will a better router improve Wi-Fi?
A quality, new router can help maximize your internet speed, while an older one can slow down your connection. However, keep in mind your internet speed will only be as fast as the plan you pay for, regardless of the type of router you have.
Should router be placed high or low?
Routers tend to spread their strongest signals downward, so it’s best to mount the router as high as possible to maximize coverage. Try placing it high on a bookshelf or mounting it on the wall in an inconspicuous place.
Where is the best place to put a Wi-Fi extender?
The ideal location to place the Extender is half-way between your wireless router and your computer, but the extender MUST be within the wireless range of the wireless router. Tip: If you have to use a different location, move the Extender closer to the device, but still within the wireless range of the router.
Is it good to have 2 wifi routers in one house?
No, it will not be much better
Due to how wireless signals are transmitted and received, using two or more routers will not be much better. In fact, it is common for multiple wireless routers to interfere with each other rather than improve your network’s performance.
Is it better for WiFi router to be upstairs or downstairs?
Placing the router in an upstairs room is usually preferable to having it downstairs or in a basement. A Wi-Fi broadcasts starting from an elevated position will travel further.
Does Wi-Fi go through walls?
In theory, Wi-Fi signals are capable of passing through walls and other obstacles relatively easily. However, in reality, some walls are thicker or use reinforced concrete and may block some of the signals. Materials such as drywall, plywood, other kinds of wood and glass can be easily penetrated by wireless signals.
Should router be on ceiling or wall?
Consider even mounting the router on a wall or in a corner by the ceiling if you have two floors because radio waves generally spread out and towards the ground, not up. Think about putting your router on the second floor if you have one.
What is the lifespan of a router?
Many experts suggest that if you don’t use that many smart devices around your home, you can probably get away with replacing your router every five years.
What is a good router to buy?
- TP-Link Archer AX21. Best budget router. $75 at Amazon$103 at Walmart. .
- Linksys Hydra Pro 6 (MR5500) Best midrange router. .
- TP-Link Deco W7200. Best mesh router overall. .
- Asus RT-AX86U. Best gaming router. .
- Netgear Orbi (dual-band, AC1200) Best mesh router on a budget. .
- Tyler Lizenby/CNET. Netgear Orbi (tri-band, AX6000)
How often should you replace your router?
Generally, we recommend you upgrade to a new router every three to four years. That accounts for how often people typically upgrade devices like smartphones (every two years) and computers (every three to four years).
What is the difference between internet and WiFi?
WiFi is a wireless technology that establishes a wireless network to allow computers and devices with the required wireless capacity to communicate via radio waves. The Internet, on the other hand, is a global network of networks where computers communicate with each other via Internet Protocol.
Is Netgear a modem or router?
No need to worry – NETGEAR cable modems and cable modem routers work with major service providers for easy, hassle-free setup and use.
How can I get WiFi without an Internet provider?
Here’s a brief recap below of how you can get connected to the internet without an internet service provider:
- Connect to public unsecured Wi-Fi using a VPN for security.
- Use a new or existing mobile hotspot feature from one of your mobile devices.
- Buy a portable internet device.
Does 5 GHz WiFi go through walls?
5 GHz networks do not penetrate solid objects such as walls nearly as well as do 2.4 GHz signals. This can limit an access points reach inside buildings like homes and offices where many walls may come between a wireless antenna and the user.