How to Daisy Chain Two Wireless Routers Using Ethernet Wire Cables.
Daisy-chaining two wireless routers first begin by deciding which router will be the main router. The secondary router would then have to be reset to avoid interference with the main route. Once that is done the two routers can be connected using the ethernet wire cables.
For a general wireless router operating on the 2.4GHz band, the range is about 150 feet when indoors and 300ft when outdoors. In your home, you probably have those dead zones or areas where the signal is too weak. So, to get a strong signal you normally have to stay within a close range of your wireless router, which can be irritating. There are many solutions to this problem. You could always buy a more efficient wireless router, or Wi-Fi booster or extender, but what is the need to spend money when there are cheaper options available like daisy-chaining.
Table of Contents
What Does Daisy Chaining Mean?
The term Daisy chain in a networkinvolves connecting multiple devices or network nodes in a linear sequence (sometimes ring). This means data is transmitted from one end of the connection bouncing off from the initial device or node to the next until it reaches its destination. In such a connection, if one of the devices or nodes in the sequence fails, the connection is disrupted.
In this case, you will be connecting two wireless routers, meaning the single point of failure (SPoF) is minimized. Daisy-chaining the two routersmeans they can share the same network and boost the signal. By doing this you can increase the reach of your Wi-Fi signal strength.
What is the Process of Daisy Chaining Two Wireless Routers?
Before you start, you need to decide which router will be your main one and which one will act as an extender. The ideal router to pick should have a better signal and speed.
Once that is done, you need to prepare your secondary router. You need to first reset the router, by reconfiguring its settings. To do this, you can search for the router’s IP address on the browser and follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. After it has been reset, disable the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). This is done to avoid conflict when the main router allocates IP addresses to the network devices. Depending on your Operating System, the methods of disabling DHCP vary. Some examples are:
Operating System |
How to Disable DHCP |
MAC |
· Open the Application folder and search for AirPort Utility
· Click the base station you want · Click Edit>Network · From the pop-up menu, select Off or Bridge Mode
|
Windows 8 and Windows10 |
· Open Powerhouse menu (Windows key + X)
· Pick Network Connections · Double click the active network connection (ethernet or Wi-Fi) · On the Network connection status window, click Properties and select Internet Protocol Version 4 (the same steps apply for IP version 6) · Go backto Properties · Click Use the following IP option · Key in the correct values for IP address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway. · Go back and select Use the following DNS server address option · Key incorrect values for Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server (optional) |
Windows 7 and vista |
· First locateControl Panel
· Select Network and Sharing Center · You will see Local Area Connection under View your active networks, click on it. · Under Local Area Connection Status, click Properties · Highlight the Internet Protocol version 4 and go back to Properties · Pick Use the following IP address and key in the IP address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway. · Go back and select Use the following DNS server address · Key in Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server (optional) |
Windows XP and other earlier versions |
· Open Control Panel
· Double click Network Connections or Network and Internet Connection>Network connections · Right-click Local Area Connection · Select Properties · Highlight Internet Protocol (TCIP/IP) · Go back to Properties · Pick Use the following IP address and key in the IP address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway. · Go back and select Use the following DNS server address · Key in Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server (optional) |
As you disable the DHCP before you key in the new IP address and subnet mask, confirm with your main router’s details. The secondary router’s new IP address should be within the main router’s subnet, and both routers should be using the same network mask. This will ensure that the network identifies the secondary router as an extension of the main one.
Once all the details check out, connect the two routers by plugging the ethernet cable in the LAN port of the main router and ethernet port of the secondary one. Finally check the Wi-Fi channels between the two to ensure they don’t overlap, before adjusting the passwords of your secondary router, using its new IP address.
Conclusion
Daisy-chaining your routers would be extremely useful for you, especially if: you live in a large house, you’re a gamer, or love streaming many videos and you’re on a budget. It’s a resourceful and relatively simple process.Additionally, because you’re only connecting two routers, you don’t have to worry much about SPoF. At the end of the day, you get a signal boost without spending money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest con with Daisy-chaining routers?
With the daisy chain, you may experience an unfair network bandwidth allocation. This is because the links get a smaller fraction of the bandwidth upstream. So the lesser the links the better.
Can I daisy chain more than two routers?
Yes, it is possible but not advisable. The more links you have slows the internet, given that each link receives a lesser fraction of the bandwidth from the previous one. If you wish to connect more than two routers, try using a star connection instead.
