Simple Guide on How to Connect 2 Internet Routers for Wi-Fi Boost

Set up your new router as an access point or range extender for an existing setup

Co-authored by Steven Racz and Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: April 1, 2024 Fact Checked

This wikiHow article will show you how to connect a new router to an existing network. This may come in handy when trying to expand the reach of your current network or when introducing a Wi-Fi access point where there currently isn't one. The process can seem overwhelming at first, but we've broken it down to make your handiwork as simple and smooth as possible!

Quick Steps

Plug the new router into power and make sure your new router's WAN is not already configured.
Connect the new router to your current network with an ethernet cable.
Log into your router and assign it to the same IP as your current network.
Finish setting up your router.

Steps

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You will need the router turned on to modify its settings in future steps.
2
Reset your new router's WAN connection to default. With your new router in hand, make sure its wireless Wide Area Network, or WAN, connection is on its default setting, indicating that it is unconfigured. ^{[1]
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- "WAN" refers to a wide area network, a telecommunications network that extends over a large geographic area. Every router has both a WAN and a LAN (local area network) connection. ^{[2]
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Your existing network should already have an access point (either another router or a wireless access point device). These are typically small boxes around which the rest of your networking devices revolve. ^{[3]
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4
Log into your router. You can log into your router a few different ways:
- a mobile app if your ISP provides one.
- going to your router's IP address in your browser, which is usually "https://192.168.1.1", "https://192.168.0.1", or "https://192.168.2.1".
- The username and password are usually located on a sticker on your router. If you changed and forgot them, you can easily reset them.
5
Assign your new router an IP address in the same subnet as the existing access point. Make sure it doesn't conflict with the existing DHCP (a separate network management protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses to partner devices).
- For two IP addresses to exist in the same subnet, they must share the same network number. Only the identifier at the end of the address differs. So, 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.1.2 would both exist within the same subnet. ^{[4]
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- The IP address must also not conflict with that of any other devices connected to the network, such as a printer or a desktop.
6
Configure your wireless router according to its setup instructions. Every router will have slightly different setup instructions. From here, simply complete the setup of your new router before continuing.
- If your initial router/access point is also wireless, use a different SSID for your new router.
- Be sure to disable DHCP on this new router as well. You only need DHCP enabled on the primary access point.
- A light should activate on both your access point and router, indicating a connection between the two.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How can I set up my new router's Wi-Fi so it automatically connects to both of my routers?

Steven Racz
Audio, Video, & Automation Expert
Steven Racz is an Audio, Video, & Automation Expert and Owner at Altitude Audio Video based in Littleton, Colorado. With over 15 years of professional experience, Steven and his team of technicians specialize in installing residential and commercial audio systems, theater design and installation, Josh Ai voice & control systems, and Control4 automation. At Altitude Audio Video, they strive to tailor the perfect system for your needs.

Steven Racz

Audio, Video, & Automation Expert

Expert Answer

The easiest thing that you can do is use the same access point or Wi-Fi name and password as your original router.

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Tips

Normally, you wouldn't use two routers for a personal network. Instead, you can use Wi-Fi range extenders to boost your Wi-Fi around your house.

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