How to Connect a Wi-Fi Router to Another Router Wirelessly: 3 Proven Methods

Expanding Wi-Fi coverage or setting up a complex network with multiple access points are typical tasks for homes with thick walls, multi-story apartments, or offices. Connect one router to another wirelessly There are at least three ways to do this, each with its own nuances. The main thing is to avoid common mistakes that can cause the speed to drop by 2-3 times or cause devices to refuse to "see" each other.

Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply set up a second router in repeater mode (repeater) — and the problem is solved. In practice, this approach only works in 60% of cases: different Wi-Fi standards, incompatible channels, or conflicting IP addresses interfere. In this article, we'll look at all working methods (WDS, client mode, bridged mode), we will compare them in terms of speed and stability, and also provide checklists for popular models TP-Link, ASUS And Keenetic.

If you've never set up a network yourself, don't be intimidated by terms like SSID or DHCPWe'll explain them in simple terms and show you exactly where to find them in the router interface. And for experienced users, we've added a section with configuration options. Telnet - this will help to bypass firmware limitations.

📊 Which router connection method have you tried before?
Never tried it
Repeater mode
WDS bridge
Client Mode

1. Preparation: What you need to know before setting up

Before connecting two routers over the air, check three critical parameters, on which the success of the operation depends:

✅ Wi-Fi Standards CompatibilityIf the main router is operating in the mode 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4), and the second one only supports 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5), they won't be able to exchange data at full speed. Optimally, both devices support at least 802.11n on frequency 2.4 GHz - this guarantees minimum compatibility.

✅ Channels and channel widthRouters must work on on the same channel (for example, channel 6) and the same channel width (20 MHz or 40 MHz). If the channel width is different, the speed will drop by 2-4 times. You can check the current settings in the main router's web interface in the Wireless → Wi-Fi Settings.

✅ Security modeBoth routers must use one type of encryption - perfect WPA2-PSK (or WPA3, if supported). Mixed mode WPA/WPA2 often leads to connection breaks.

  • 🔧 Main router (the one that already distributes the Internet) must have a static channel (not Auto).
  • 📡 Second router must support the regime WDS, Repeater or Client Mode (check the model instructions).
  • 🔄 IP addresses routers should not conflict. For example, if the main one has 192.168.1.1, the second one should be 192.168.1.2.

A critical detail: if the second router is running in repeater mode, the overall Wi-Fi speed will drop by at least 50%. This is a physical limitation of the technology—data is transmitted back and forth over a single channel. For minimal losses, use the mode WDS or bridge (Bridge).

2. Method 1: Connecting via WDS (wireless bridge)

WDS (Wireless Distribution System) — is a technology that allows you to connect two routers via Wi-Fi so they function as a single network. Its main advantage over repeater mode is: the original SSID is preserved (network name), and devices automatically switch between access points.

Disadvantage: Not all routers support WDS. For example, budget models Tenda or old ones D-Link may not have this feature. You can check for support in the instructions or in the web interface (section Wireless Mode → WDS).

Step-by-step WDS setup:

  1. Setting up the main router:
    • 🔒 Fix the Wi-Fi channel (for example, channel 6) in the section Wi-Fi settings.
    • 📝 Write it down SSID (network name) and password - you will need them for the second router.
    • 🔄 Turn on DHCP server (usually enabled by default).
  2. Setting up a second router:
    • 🛠️ Go to Wireless Mode → WDS (or Bridge).
    • 🔍 Click "Search" and select the main router's network from the list.
    • 🔑 Enter your main network password.
    • 📡 Specify the same SSID and the same channel as on the main router.
    • 🚫 Disable DHCP on the second router (to avoid IP conflicts).
  • Saving and reloading:
    • 💾 Save the settings and reboot both routers.
    • 📶 Check that the second router is connected to the main one (the WDS/Wi-Fi indicator should be constantly on).

      • Set a fixed channel on the main router|SSID and password match on both devices|DHCP is disabled on the second router|IP addresses of the routers do not conflict (for example, 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.1.2)|-->

      If after setup the devices do not see each other:

      1. Check that on the main router WDS mode is enabled (sometimes it needs to be activated manually).
      2. Make sure both routers support the same Wi-Fi standard (e.g. 802.11n).
      3. Try changing the channel to a less busy one (use apps like Wi-Fi Analyzer for ether analysis).
      ⚠️ Attention: Some routers (eg. Keenetic) require manual entry of the second device's MAC address in the WDS settings. Find it on the label of the second router or in the section Status → Local Network.

      3. Method 2: Repeater mode

      If your router does not support WDS, you can use the mode repeater (Repeater or Range Extender). This method is easier to set up, but has two serious drawbacks:

      1. Wi-Fi speed is decreasing 2 times (since data is transmitted back and forth over one channel).
      2. Devices will not automatically switch between routers; you will have to do this manually.

    Instructions for Repeater mode:

    1. Resetting the second router:
      • 🔄 Click the button Reset for 10 seconds to reset to factory settings.
      • 📡 Connect to its network via Wi-Fi (type name TP-Link_Extender).
    2. Selecting Repeater mode:
      • 🛠️ In the web interface (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) find the section Opening hours or Operation Mode.
      • 🔄 Choose Repeater or Signal amplifier.
    3. Connecting to the main network:
      • 🔍 Click "Search for networks" and select your primary Wi-Fi network.
      • 🔑 Enter your password.
      • 📝 Come up with a new name for the extended network (e.g. MyWiFi_Ext) or leave it the same as the main one.
  • Saving settings:
    • 💾 Save the changes and wait for the reboot.
    • 📶 Check that the second router is connected to the main one (the Wi-Fi indicator should be constantly on).

    Example settings for TP-Link TL-WA850RE: 

    1. Connect to the repeater network (e.g. TP-Link_Extender).

    2. Open 192.168.0.254 in your browser.
    

    3. Select "Repeater Mode" → "Next".
    

    4. Enter the password for the main network → "Save".

    ⚠️ Attention: In repeater mode, the second router can't distribute internet via cable (The LAN port becomes inactive). If you need to connect devices via a wire, use the mode WDS or Client Mode.
    Parameter WDS Repeater
    Wi-Fi speed A drop of 30–40% A 50-60% drop
    Unified network (roaming) Yes No
    LAN port support Yes No
    Difficulty of setup Average Simple
    Compatibility with routers Not all models Majority

    4. Method 3: Client Mode + Bridge Mode

    This method is suitable if you want connect the second router to the first via Wi-Fi, but distribute the Internet via cable (for example, for Smart TV or computer). Unlike Repeater, here the second router works as main network client, and its LAN port remains active.

    How to set up Client Mode + Bridge:

    1. Setting up the main router:
      • 🔒 Fix the Wi-Fi channel (for example, channel 11).
      • 📝 Write it down SSID and password.
    2. Setting up a second router:
      • 🛠️ Go to Wireless Mode → Client Mode (or Client mode).
      • 🔍 Connect to the main network by entering SSID and password.
      • 🔄 In the section LAN or Net Change the IP address of the second router so that it does not conflict with the main one (for example, 192.168.1.2, if the main one 192.168.1.1).
      • 🚫 Disable DHCP on the second router.
  • Bridge setup:
    • 🔗 In the section LAN → Bridge Link the ports of the second router to the wireless connection.
    • 💾 Save the settings and reboot your device.

    Example for ASUS RT-N12: 

    1. Go to 192.168.1.1 → "Wireless Network" → "Client Mode".

    2. Select the main network and enter the password.
    

    3. Go to "Local Network" → change IP to 192.168.1.2.
    

    4. Disable DHCP in "Local Network → DHCP Server".
    

    5. Save and reboot.

    After setup, connect your device (eg. Smart TV) To LAN port of the second router — it will receive the Internet via cable, although the router itself is connected to the network via Wi-Fi.

    5. Common mistakes and their solutions

    Even with the correct settings, the routers may not connect. Here top 5 reasons and ways to eliminate them:

    • 🚨 The routers don't see each other.:
      • Make sure both devices are operating in the same band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
      • Make sure that the MAC address filter is not enabled on the main router.
      • Try changing the channel to a less busy one (use Wi-Fi Analyzer).
    • 🔌 No internet access:
      • Check what's on the second router DHCP is disabled (if it is not the main one).
      • Make sure that the routers' IP addresses do not conflict (for example, 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.1.2).
      • Reboot both routers one by one (first the main one, then the second one).
    • 📉 Slow Wi-Fi speed:
      • If you use Repeater, the speed will always be lower - this is normal.
      • Try reducing the channel width from 40 MHz to 20 MHz for more stability.
      • Make sure the routers are no more than 10 meters apart (for 2.4 GHz).

    If nothing helps, try alternative method:

    1. Set up the second router in mode Access Point (AP) and connect it to the main one via cable (at least temporarily).
    2. Check if the internet works in this mode. If so, the problem is with your wireless connection.
    3. Return to the WDS/Repeater setup, but this time be sure that the routers are working properly.
    What should I do if my router doesn't save my settings?

    Sometimes, after setting up WDS or Repeater, the router "forgets" the settings after a reboot. This is due to firmware errors. Solutions:

    1. Update your router firmware to the latest version (download from the official website).

    2. Perform a factory reset and repeat the setup.

    3. If the problem persists, try an alternative firmware (for example, DD-WRT or OpenWRT for supported models).

    6. Optimizing the network after connection

    After successfully connecting the two routers, there remains three key tasks:

    1. Provide seamless roaming (automatic switching between access points).
    2. Maximize speed and stability connections.
    3. Protect your network from external connections.

    How to set up seamless roaming:

    • 📡 Use the same SSID and password on both routers (works only in WDS mode).
    • 🔄 Set different channels for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (for example, channel 6 for 2.4 GHz and channel 36 for 5 GHz).
    • 📱 On devices (smartphones, laptops), disable the "Auto-connect to weak networks" feature - this will speed up switching.

    How to increase speed:

    • 🔗 If both routers support 5 GHz, set up a connection on this frequency - it is less busy.
    • 📶 Reduce the channel width to 20 MHz for greater stability (especially in Repeater mode).
    • 🔋 Change the location of the routers: they should be able to "see" each other, but not too close (optimally 5-10 meters).

    How to protect your network:

    • 🔒 Use WPA2-PSK or WPA3 (Not WEP or Open network).
    • 🔄 Change your Wi-Fi password regularly (every 3 months).
    • 🚫 Turn it off WPS - This function is vulnerable to hacking.
    • 📋 Enable MAC address filtering if there are few devices on the network.
    ⚠️ Attention: If you are using the mode Repeater, then all devices connected to the second router will have the same external IP addressThis may cause problems with some services (for example, online banking or IP-TV). In this case, go to WDS or Client Mode.

    7. Configuration via Telnet (for advanced users)

    If the router's web interface does not allow you to configure WDS or Client Mode, can be used console commands through TelnetThis method is suitable for advanced users and is supported by most routers based on OpenWRT or DD-WRT.

    Example of setting up WDS via Telnet for TP-Link: 

    1. Connect to the router via Telnet:

    telnet 192.168.1.1
    

    Login: admin
    

    Password: [your password]
    


    2. Enable WDS:
    

    uci set wireless.@wifi-iface[0].mode='sta'
    

    uci set wireless.@wifi-iface[0].ssid='[SSID_of_the_primary_network]'
    

    uci set wireless.@wifi-iface[0].encryption='psk2'
    

    uci set wireless.@wifi-iface[0].key='[network_password]'
    

    uci set wireless.@wifi-iface[0].wds='1'
    


    3. Disable DHCP:
    

    uci set dhcp.lan.ignore='1'
    


    4. Save and apply the settings:
    

    uci commit
    

    /etc/init.d/network restart

    For ASUS with firmware Merlin the commands will be different: 

    nvram set wl0_mode="ap"

    nvram set wl0 closed="0"
    

    nvram set wl0_wds="[MAC address of the main router]"
    

    nvram set wl0_ssid="[SSID_of_the_primary_network]"
    

    nvram set wl0_wpa_psk="[password]"
    

    nvram commit
    

    reboot

    If you are unsure of the commands, it is better to use the web interface or the official documentation for the router. Errors in Telnet may lead to complete loss of access to the device.

    8. FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to connect a router to a router without losing speed?

    It is impossible to completely avoid speed losses when connecting wirelessly, but they can be minimized:

    • Use the mode WDS instead of Repeater (losses ~30% instead of 50%).
    • Set up a connection on a frequency 5 GHz (if both routers support it).
    • Reduce the channel width to 20 MHz for greater stability.

    If maximum speed is critical, connect routers via cable (even a short patch cord will give better results).

    Which router should I choose to expand my network?

    For wireless connection, models with the following characteristics are optimal:

    • Support WDS or Client Mode (For example, TP-Link Archer C6, ASUS RT-AC66U).
    • Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz) for flexibility.
    • Powerful processor (from 800 MHz) for stable operation in repeater mode.

    Budget option: TP-Link TL-WA850RE (Repeater mode).

    Premium option: ASUS RT-AX88U (support MU-MIMO And Wi-Fi 6).

    Why doesn't the second router distribute internet via cable?

    This is a typical problem when using the mode RepeaterSolutions:

    • Switch to mode WDS or Client Mode + Bridge.
    • Check what's on the second router DHCP is disabled.
    • Make sure that the IP address of the second router is in the same subnet as the main one (for example, 192.168.1.x).
    Is it possible to connect three routers to one network wirelessly?

    Technically yes, but with some caveats:

    • The first and second routers are connected via WDS.
    • The third router connects via WDS to the second or to the first (but not to both at the same time).
    • The speed will drop with each "hop": if the first router gives out 100 Mbps, then the third will receive ~20–30 Mbps.

    For stable operation it is better to use mesh systems (For example, TP-Link Deco or ASUS AiMesh), which are optimized for such scenarios.

    How do I reset my router if it's not responding?

    If the router freezes after setup:

    1. Press and hold the button Reset (usually it is recessed into the body) during 10-15 seconds.
    2. Turn off the power for 30 seconds, then turn it on again.
    3. Connect to the router via cable and access the web interface using the standard IP (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).

    If the button Reset it doesn't work, try hard reset through 30-30-30:

    • Hold Reset 30 seconds.
    • Without releasing the button, turn off the power for 30 seconds.
    • Turn on the power and hold Reset another 30 seconds.

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