Adding a second router to an existing home network?

Terminal_Boy · 13 Jul 2022 at 07:17

I’m helping a neighbour extend their home network with a second router which will both provide WiFi coverage in the rear of the house and feeding two external wide area APs (TP-Link CPEs).

Have no problems with the wiring, SSID configurations and setting up the CPEs, but I’m not entirely
sure how to set the IP range/DNS/DCHP in the second router to avoid IP conflicts etc.

Have read several guides on the internet, but they all glossed over the IP config part as far as I could see.

Any help / instructions in plain English that hardware engineers can understand would be most appreciate.

bledd · 13 Jul 2022 at 07:32

Don't add a second router, use switches and access points if you need more connectivity. Connect them up via ethernet.

The1nonly1 · 13 Jul 2022 at 07:58

Best option is a an access point but you can repurpose an old router by assigning it a static IP, (outside the original routers DHCP range), turn off DNS and turn off DHCP. Connect them Lan to Lan.

Sparx · 13 Jul 2022 at 08:15

Why are you wanting to setup a 2nd router? Sounds like you're over complicating the problem.

Just wire the APs straight from a POE switch with the existing router? Or even use POE injectors with just the router if needed.

WJA96 · 13 Jul 2022 at 08:33

Terminal_Boy said:
Have read several guides on the internet, but they all glossed over the IP config part as far as I could see.

They didn’t gloss over it, there isn’t any. As a general rule of thumb you only want 1 router on any network.

Quartz · 13 Jul 2022 at 09:00

There are valid reasons for having multiple routers on a home network; this does not sound like one. However, if you or they are determined, then the best thing to do is have each router distribute one of the alternative private IP address ranges. E.g. one uses 192.168.x.x and the other uses 172.16.x.x. This will make any addressing or routing problems immediately visible.

A more usual solution is to use a router that supports VLANs, so you can set up separate networks for different tasks. E.g. a restricted VLAN for IoT devices, a restricted one for guests, and an unrestricted one for family.

Terminal_Boy · 13 Jul 2022 at 09:43

I was going to use the second router as an AP and to give LAN connection points for the 2 CPEs.

It sounds like I need to run Cat5 from the Orange Livebox (think garlic scented Virgin Superhub) to a switch at the other end of the loft and feed a dump AP and the 2 CPEs from it.

Unless I’ve grasped the wrong end of the stick. Again.

Sparx · 13 Jul 2022 at 10:19

What do you mean a dumb AP and 2 CPEs exactly? Not sure on how your using the terminology.

Are you aiming to have Ethernet ports available to wire any devices in at these other locations? Or is the aim to purely to provide fuller WiFi coverage using a few APs?

From what I understand you want to run Cat6 through the loft from the router into a POE switch - then feed 2 (maybe 3?) WiFi APs from it - 1 AP for the other end of house, the 2nd (and 3rd?) AP in the garden outdoors - is that right or?

Terminal_Boy · 13 Jul 2022 at 10:31

Their current network is a SuperHub equivalent which provides wifi coverage in the living room and hallway.

The bedrooms that my neighbours want wifi coverage in is at the end of this 50metre long hallway. Because of the thick stone interior walls and French wiring regs, the only place to fit an access point is in the loft above these bedrooms.

My new plan is to run Cat5 from the Superhub up into the loft and along to where I need the AP which will be fed from a 4 port switch that will also feed the high power external APs to serve the pool area and an outbuilding (TP-link CPEs).

I had only planned to use a second router as the loft AP as I have a spare one and I was looking to use to save my neighbours a few Euros.

Sparx · 13 Jul 2022 at 11:23

Got you now. In that case if your spare router has an 'AP mode' then enabling that will avoid any other messing about, other than just setting up the Wifi SSID and password.

Failing that I'm pretty sure you can just disable DHCP, so the original router will serve IPs to the network and avoid any conflicts.

Btw don't bother with Cat5e, get Cat6 it's literally pennies more and will be better future proofed. Also ensure it's pure copper and not CCA.

Terminal_Boy · 14 Jul 2022 at 07:41

Thanks to all for their advice.

JollyJamma · 14 Jul 2022 at 15:03

bledd said:
Don't add a second router, use switches and access points if you need more connectivity. Connect them up via ethernet.

10/10 I did this and it's so much better.

I ran ethernet to my office and then connected that to a wireless LAN router running completely different channels and wifi name. I now run my work and gaming PC using ethernet and it's all the better for it. Wifi was laggy but fine once it got connected.

Ethernet is suuuuuuper snappy. Like I can't tell you how snappy until you move off wifi and experience it for yourself.

V F · 17 Jul 2022 at 15:43

Sparx said:
Got you now. In that case if your spare router has an 'AP mode' then enabling that will avoid any other messing about, other than just setting up the Wifi SSID and password.

Failing that I'm pretty sure you can just disable DHCP, so the original router will serve IPs to the network and avoid any conflicts.

Btw don't bother with Cat5e, get Cat6 it's literally pennies more and will be better future proofed. Also ensure it's pure copper and not CCA.

Something I really need to invest in is a really good Ethernet cable tester with all sorts of diagnostics. I'm curious to see the quality of my cables.