How to Create Two Networks from One Connection

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Turn a single Ethernet connection into two WiFi networks

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Last Updated: November 8, 2024

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Using Hotspot

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Using Two Routers

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Q&A

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Tips

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It can be hard to get reliable Wi-Fi connectivity on multiple devices at the same time. Using a single network from one connection for four devices or more can cause slower speeds and lower performance, especially during peak hours of usage. Creating two networks can easily solve this issue. This instruction manual will provide you with two methods of creating two networks: the first method will use hotspot, while the second method will use a secondary router. The first method is easier to setup, but it is a temporary solution. It requires a laptop or a tablet with hotspot compatibility. The second method is a more permanent solution, but it requires additional hardware, more specifically an additional router.

Best Way to Make Two Separate Networks

To temporarily make a second network, turn on your computer's mobile hot spot setting, and connect your devices to it. For a more permanent solution, connect a second router to your primary router to set up another network in your home.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Hotspot

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The Windows key will have the Windows logo on it and it can be located on the bottom left side of most keyboards.
Settings can be located by either searching for “settings” in the search bar or clicking the settings icon on the bottom left corner.

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It will have globe icon.
This will be located in bottom left hand corner above data usage.
Click on the edit button and choose a name and password of your liking.
Turn on hotspot if it is not already on.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Two Routers

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Connect the power adapter to a reliable outlet and then connect it to your primary router.
Locate ISP cable and plug it into the primary router. The ISP cable will be coaxial cable and needs to be plugged into a coaxial port.
Connect the power adapter to a reliable outlet and then connect it to your secondary router.
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Connect secondary router to primary router. This can be done using Ethernet or Wi-Fi. The steps vary a little depending on your choice.
- Ethernet:
  - Use the Ethernet cable to connect both routers using the Ethernet port. Connect one end of the Ethernet cable into to the Ethernet port of the primary router and the other end into the Ethernet port of the secondary router.
- Wi-Fi:
  - Go to secondary router’s settings page and Login with credentials. Check the back or the bottom of your router for the address. The address might either be a link or a series of numbers. For example, http://login.net or 192.168.x.x. In most cases, the username and password can be found next to the address information. If username and password are not present, try “admin” for the username and “password” for the password. If this does not work contact ISP.
  - Locate and enter the secondary router's settings page. Find the setup/settings page for your secondary router.
  - Set up the secondary router. Click on the range extender button on the settings page in your secondary router.
  - Connect the secondary router. Search and connect the secondary router to the already existing network.
Change the network name and password for the secondary connection to your desired name and password.

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Question

Do I have to name my network as shown in the example, or can I call it anything I want?

Allan Cramer

Community Answer

You can typically name the networks anything you desire.

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Tips

If experiencing slower internet speeds make sure to reboot both the routers. If Wi-Fi was used to connect the routers, make sure to redo the Wi-Fi steps. If Ethernet was used to connect the router redo the last step.

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If experiencing problem while connecting devices to the secondary connection, make sure to have the right security credentials to join that network.

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If having trouble finding networks make sure you have airplane mode turned off and Wi-Fi on.

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