Can I connect two routers to one fiber modem?
It is indeed feasible to link two routers to one fiber modem and this arrangement can be advantageous, especially in cases of a multi-storeyed residence requiring more WiFi coverage or additional wired connectivity options. But then again, certain guidelines should be followed to run such a connection properly.
What You'll Need
First off, you’ll need: First off, you’ll need:
- A single fiber optic modem/ONT is offered by your fiber internet service company. This translates the fiber optic signal into Ethernet and offers the source of Internet connectivity.
- Two routers that have WAN ports for sharing with the modem. Select wireless AC routers with modularity if you are aiming for a faster WiFi experience across multiple devices. Some of the modem mesh WiFi systems available on the market also incorporate a router into the package.
How the Connection Works
In other words, one router will be plugged into the fiber modem as the primary router for your internet. This router will perform such tasks as allocating IP mentions, controlling connections, firewall security, etc.
The second router links to one of the main router’s LAN/Ethernet ports: The second router mainly is used as an access point to add on to the WiFi network in the various rooms. However, it could also offer extra wired Ethernet LAN ports for devices if required, for its connection.
This kind of configuration makes it possible for the second router to be placed ‘behind ‘ the primary router rather than finding two routers fighting for access to the modem. This solves the issue of having two NATs interact with each other, lets the main router handle what it needs to, and everything just flows well together.
As for the connection between the two subnets shown in the figure above, there are a few things that should be set for the connection to work at its best:
First Main Router Configurations
When setting up your main router (the one directly connected to the fiber modem), there are a couple of things you need to do first
Turn off the DHCP server: As all the internal IP addresses will be taken care of by the main router then this feature DHCP server has to remain on. But this has to be disabled on the second router to avoid conflicts Hopefully this tutorial was helpful to you.
Assign static IP address: Use a static LAN address for your main fiber router such as 192.168 1.1, to ensure consistency of the gateway IP that all devices and second routers will recognize. This prevents your main router IP address from being transferred accidentally.
Second Router Configurations
For the secondary router that will provide additional access point WiFi coverage, a few key settings need adjustment: For the secondary router that will provide additional access point WiFi coverage, a few key settings need adjustment:
Disable DHCP: This helps to prevent the second router from initiating its IP address which may cause conflict with the main router’s IP address of its allocation.
Assign static LAN IP: Assign the second router an IP of 192.168.1.2 to ensure that all the devices have a fixed IP address that they can use to connect to the router. Ensure it is within the range of the DHCP address pool range that is owned by the main router.
Change LAN subnet (optional): If you want to, you can change the second router’s LAN IP subnet to different from that of the main router, for example, 192.168.2.1. This isolates it to a certain extent from the overall network but provides an entrance nonetheless.
Set up AP mode or bridge mode: Setting the second router to be an explicit access point makes it specific for WiFi signal booster for the network without routing capability. Enabling bridge mode also disables routing and allows the data flow to be passed through the main router.
With those adjustments, connecting the second router to the Ethernet LAN port on the back of the main fiber modem router creates a cascaded system that halts multiple router issues. The primary router continues to manage all the primary networking functions and the other features such as wireless and LAN are enabled by the second router or access point to give you more options.
Advantages of using Two Routers
There are several advantages utilizing two routers connected to that single fiber modem gateway: There are several advantages to utilizing two routers connected to a single fiber modem gateway:
Expanded WiFi Coverage: Having two routers creates more wireless signals meaning fewer dead zones in large homes when you have introduced another router. Super fast and reliable AT&T Internet connectivity without having to use WiFi boosters, extenders, or mesh systems.
Wired LAN Ports: The heights of multistoried buildings may require Ethernet jacks to be installed on various floors. Wiring the routers within each floor makes available many wired connections.
Separate Networks: In general, you can set up different networks between the floors or completely isolate IoT smart devices from the main traffic.
Load Balancing: It also points out that by adding that extra router, it can also distribute the load required by clients when they connect at the same time, and spread the bandwidth across various access points.
No Slow Mesh Links: For instance, no problem with wireless backhaul may hinder the talk of the mesh router between the nodes because routers connect via Ethernet cables instead.
Better Performance: Depending on what the routers are, they outperform wireless extenders because of their higher capacity. Cable modem connectivity is also faster than when implementing daisy-chained mesh nodes as well On this one. And most importantly no dependency on the cloud provides local performance which is very good for streaming high-quality 4K/8K videos, online gaming, video conferencing, etc.
Potential Drawbacks
There are just a couple of potential downsides or hurdles to note with this type of setup
More Complex: The concept of having two routers- a primary and a secondary one rather than having the main router is not as simple. Having two routers requires more networking knowledge and adjustment to avoid such issues.
No Mesh Features: When choosing different routers, you do not have the advantages of a single mesh platform including the ability to manage all connected devices and set up parental controls, integrate all nodes, and have an inbuilt optimization of the WiFi network. There are more coordination steps involved in their management compared to the centralized model.
Extra Equipment: Of course, employing two routers entails extra expense in both equipment and a set-up as opposed to a single router or a ready-made mesh system package. However, the approach becomes beneficial to more experienced persons due to the versatility of the system.
There is no doubt that it may be a bit tiring sometimes to set up several routers from the same modem without compromising on connection. However, the capability to place enhanced WiFi connection exactly where it is required or to turn on other wired LAN ports wherever possible provides just incredible network versatility. As for many home users and for people who need more, linking two great routers together seems to be the best way to provide an optimized path for solving dead zone and port availability issues.
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