Owners of apartments with large areas or complex layouts often encounter a situation where the signal from the main router simply doesn't reach distant rooms. Dead zones, where internet connection is weak or disappears completely, are becoming a serious problem for comfortable work and entertainment. Instead of purchasing expensive mesh systems, many are finding an excellent solution in using an old or inexpensive second router.
Turning the second device into access point (Access Point mode) allows you to expand your network coverage while maintaining a single local network for all devices. This means you can seamlessly transfer files between computers connected to different routers and use shared resources such as network printers or NAS storage. This setup is the most flexible and functional for home use.
Unlike a simple repeater, which often cuts speed in half, setting up a second router as an access point provides a more stable connection. You'll only need a single Ethernet cable to connect the devices, or you can use a wireless bridge if wiring isn't possible. Let's break down all the details of this procedure so you can get the most out of your home network.
Selecting the right equipment and connection diagram
Before you begin setup, you need to decide on the physical connection method for your devices. There are two main options: wired (the most stable) and wireless (WDS bridge). If your apartment already has network cables or can be wired, wired connection via WAN/LAN ports will provide the best speed and minimal latency.
The second option involves creating a wireless bridge, where the second router receives the Wi-Fi signal from the first and distributes it further. This method is convenient if you don't want to drill holes in walls or run wires, but it requires both routers to support WDS technology or client mode. It's important to note that to create a bridge, both devices must operate on the same frequency, preferably 5 GHz, to avoid congesting the airwaves.
Make sure your second router has the ability to disable the DHCP server, as this is critical for it to function as an access point. Most modern models TP-Link, Asus, Keenetic And Mikrotik support this feature out of the box. However, if you have a very old device, its functionality may be limited.
⚠️ Note: Menu interfaces and item names may differ depending on your router's firmware version. If you don't find an exact match, look for similar sections in the manufacturer's documentation.
Preparing the main router for operation
Setup doesn't start with the second device, but with checking the configuration of the main router, which is already distributing the internet. You need to access its web interface, usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1First of all, check if it is turned on. DHCP server, since it is the one that must distribute IP addresses to all devices on the network, including the connected access point.
Write down or remember the range of addresses issued. For example, if DHCP distributes addresses from 192.168.1.2 to 192.168.1.254, it's best to set a static IP address for the second router outside this range or reserve it. This will prevent address conflicts that could cause network instability.
At this stage, it is also worth configuring the wireless network settings of the main router: select a free Wi-Fi channel and set a strong encryption type WPA2-PSK or WPA3These same settings will later need to be duplicated on the second device for seamless roaming, so that the phones can switch between points without losing the connection.
Changing the IP address of the second router
The most important step is changing the second router's IP address so it doesn't conflict with the primary one. Connect your computer to any LAN port of the second router (don't connect the internet cable yet!). Go to its settings. By default, the address may be the same as the primary one, for example, 192.168.0.1.
You need to change the last digit of the address. If the main router has an address 192.168.0.1, then ask the second one, for example, 192.168.0.250The key is that the address is in the same subnet (the first three numbers match) but is unique. After applying the settings, the router will ask you to reboot, and you'll need to enter the new address in your browser for further management.
If you skip this step, an IP address conflict will occur and the network will stop working correctly: devices will connect and then lose connection. Make sure the gateway and DNS settings on the second router are also correct—they usually point to the primary router's address (192.168.0.1).
☑️ Check network settings
Disabling the DHCP server on the second device
The key to turning a router into an access point is disabling the DHCP function. There should only be one DHCP server on the local network. Find the section DHCP Server or Local area network in the menu of the second router and select the option Disable (Disable).
After disabling DHCP, the second router will stop issuing IP addresses to devices connected to it. All address requests will pass through it to the primary router. Failure to do this may result in your devices receiving incorrect network settings and losing internet access, even within a strong signal range.
After applying this setting, the router will likely need to be rebooted. Keep in mind that after enabling the DHCP server, logging into the second router's web interface using the old IP address may become unavailable if the primary router attempts to assign that address to another device. Therefore, it's best to write down the new static IP address immediately.
⚠️ Important: After disabling DHCP, you can only manage the second router using its statically assigned IP address. Don't forget it, otherwise you'll have to perform a factory reset.
Wireless network setup and cloning settings
To create a unified Wi-Fi space, the network name (SSID) and password on the second router must match the primary routers. However, there's a caveat: the Wi-Fi channels must be different to avoid interference. If the primary router broadcasts on channel 1, it's best to set the second router to channel 6 or 11.
Go to the section Wireless or Wi-Fi. Set the same encryption type (WPA2-PSK) and the same password as the main device. The network name (SSID) can also be made the same—this will make your phones think it's one large network and automatically switch to the one with the best signal.
Some modern routers support the function Mesh or "seamless roaming" (802.11r/k/v). If your equipment supports it, be sure to enable these protocols. This will allow devices to switch between routers with virtually no delays, which is critical for VoIP calls and video conferencing.
Why can't you put the same channels?
If both routers operate on the same channel (for example, 6), they will cause significant interference with each other, as the Wi-Fi standard does not allow two transmitters to broadcast simultaneously on the same frequency in the same location. This will result in a drop in speed and ping.
Physical connection and operation check
After all the software settings are complete, it's time for the physical connection. Take a patch cord (network cable). Connect one end to the LAN port of the primary router. The other end, depending on the model of the secondary router, connects either to the LAN port (access point mode) or to the WAN port (if the firmware has a special "Access Point" mode).
In the classic LAN-to-LAN setup, the cable runs from the primary LAN to the secondary LAN. If you use the "Access Point" mode in the menu (as in Keenetic or Asus), you can plug the cable into the WAN port, and the system will automatically redirect the streams. Check the indicators: the network connection indicator on the second router should light up.
Now connect your smartphone or laptop to the second router's Wi-Fi network (or to the shared network if the names are the same). Try accessing the internet and check the speed via speedtest.netMake sure the IP address your device received belongs to the range of the main router.
| Parameter | Main router | Second router (Access point) |
|---|---|---|
| IP address | 192.168.1.1 | 192.168.1.250 (Static) |
| DHCP Server | On | Turned off |
| SSID (Wi-Fi Name) | MyHome_WiFi | MyHome_WiFi (Same) |
| Wi-Fi channel | 1 (or Auto) | 6 or 11 (Fixed) |
| Connecting the cable | LAN port | LAN port (or WAN in special mode) |
Solving typical problems and conflicts
Even if the settings are correct, problems can sometimes arise. If the devices connect to the second router's Wi-Fi but the internet isn't working ("No internet access"), check the cable. It may be damaged or not properly plugged in. Also, make sure the gateway IP address on the client device points to the primary router.
Another common problem is a network loop. If you accidentally connect two ports of the main router with a cable or create a closed circuit through a second router, the network can crash. Modern routers have protection. STP (Spanning Tree Protocol), but it's better to double-check the connection diagram.
If the Wi-Fi speed on the second router is slow, try changing the channel or channel width (20/40/80 MHz). In apartment buildings, the airwaves are heavily congested, and automatic channel selection doesn't always work perfectly. Experiment with the settings using spectrum analyzers.
⚠️ Caution: Using older (Cat5) or low-quality cables may limit the connection speed between routers to 100 Mbps, even if the equipment supports gigabit. Use Cat5e or Cat6 cables.
What to do if you forgot the IP address of the second router?
If you've disabled DHCP and forgotten the static IP you set, the only way to regain access is to press the Reset button on the second router for 10-15 seconds. This will reset all settings to factory defaults, and you'll be able to access the address printed on the sticker on the bottom of the device.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect two routers via Wi-Fi without a cable?
Yes, this is possible if both routers support WDS (Wireless Distribution System) or client mode. However, the speed of such a bridge may be lower than over a cable, and stability depends on the distance and obstacles between the devices.
Should I buy a router of the same brand as my main one?
No, it's not necessary. Almost any modern router can operate in Access Point mode. Brand compatibility is only important for proprietary mesh systems, where routers are combined into a single managed network.
Why did the internet disappear on all devices after connecting a second router?
Most likely, there's an IP address conflict (both routers have the same address, for example, 192.168.0.1) or two DHCP servers are enabled. You need to turn off the second router, reset its settings, and repeat the process of changing the IP address and disabling DHCP.
Will a second router increase internet speed?
No, a second router can't increase the speed provided by your ISP. It only extends the Wi-Fi signal's coverage area, allowing you to enjoy the same speed in previously unreachable areas.