Extend Wireless / Wired Network, Share Internet (2 Routers)

Infopackets Reader Bernie H. writes:

" Dear Dennis,

I have a hard wired DSL Internet connection at my office. If I want to add more connections in order to share my Internet with more computers, can I daisy chain another modem to the current one? Or do I have to replace the current one with one that has more sockets (ports) available? "

My Response:

You don't need to replace your current router -- you can easily chain two or more routers together. All you need to do is connect the two routers together using any LAN port on each of the routers using standard RJ45 (Ethernet / network cable). Do NOT connect the two routers using any of the WAN ports as it will not work.

Click here for a picture of how to connect 2 routers.

Don't Forget: Disable DHCP on 1 Router

You will need to disable DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) on the second router, otherwise you'll be on two different IP networks -- or worse yet: they may conflict having the same default IP settings.

DHCP is responsible for assigning IP addresses for any new device (PC / laptop, etc) attached to your network.

Extend Wireless Network Coverage Using 2 Wired + Wireless Routers

Note that you can use this exact same scenario to extend your Wireless Network using two routers. Refer to the picture on how to connect 2 routers.

Extend Wired Network Using a Switch

If you don't own a second router, you could also buy a network Switch to extend your wired network. A network switch is pretty much the same as a router but has no DHCP. The price for a network switch is about the same as a router.