Can I Connect Two Routers to the Same Network with the Same Network Name?

Introduction

A second Managed Router can be used as an extender for the existing network. It is also possible to create a single network name between the two routers so that your BluOS players and other network devices connect to the router with the strongest signal.

Many newer Router Services include WDS or Wireless Distributed Services to create multiple access points on a single network with a single name.

If your existing routers don't support WDS, you can manually create a WDS environment using these simple steps.

Router 1

Configure this router as usual. In the router's wireless security settings, disable automatic channel selection and manually set the channel to channel 3.

Router 2

In most cases, this router must be connected to the original router. Consider taking a wireless media bridge or running a single network cable in the other location.

• Disable the DHCP server on this router to avoid IP conflicts or network configuration problems that only allow Manage Router 1 to the network.
• Manually set the IP address of this router to 1 number more than the existing main router, for example, if the IP of the router is 192.168.1.1, set this router to 192.168.1.2. Make sure that this address does not fit into the address assignment of the first router for DHCP distribution. Otherwise, make a DHCP reservation for the address of this router in the DHCP table of router 1.
• Set the Internet gateway of router 2 to the IP address of router 1.
• Connect the two routers using a wired connection from one of ports 1-4 on router 1 to one of ports 1-4 on router 2. You can use a wireless media bridge or an Ethernet CPL kit to create a wired connection. DO NOT use the WAN port of router 2.
• In this router's wireless security settings, disable automatic channel selection and manually set the channel to channel 8 - or any other channel not used by the main router or any other router on this network (more than two routers per area can be defined as Very big).
• Configure wireless security to be identical in router 2 as in router 1.

This will now give you two identical access points that work in harmony on opposite sides of your home to create a single distributed network.