Using a second wireless router as a repeater

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JRzMom

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Aug 24, 2014
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I have two identical EnGenius ESR600h wireless routers. I have been trying to use the second router as a repeater. I set it with a different static IP, turned off DHCP and used the same SSID on both routers with identical passwords. Also set the second router to a different frequency (channel). Can't seem to get connected. Do you have to connect to the primary router for IP and then it will allow you on the secondary? Or is there a setting I am missing on both routers to accomplish this? I finally gave up and gave the secondary a different SSID. Still had to connect devices to the primary for IP but then was able to connect to the secondary. Seems to me there is an easier way to do this! Goal is to move from room to room and it will pick up the closest router.

Also, do I connect the secondary router to the WAN or LAN port from a LAN port on the primary? What exactly is the difference. New to networking but a quick learner!
 
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abailey
It sounds like you are not trying to set it up as a repeater (a repeater attaches to the original WAP wireless and then re-transmits the signal). It sounds like you are simply trying to add an WAP to your home. That is the best way to do it, wiring it back to the original WAP. To do that all you need to do is give your new AP a static IP address in the same subnet as your original but outside the scope of your original DHCP server. Then on the new router, turn off its DHCP server. Next connect the cable from the LAP port of the original router to the LAN port of your new one. You will not use the WAN port. This is because you don't need a second firewall and network within your house. Now configure your wireless with the same...
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abailey

abailey

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Mar 23, 2014
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It sounds like you are not trying to set it up as a repeater (a repeater attaches to the original WAP wireless and then re-transmits the signal). It sounds like you are simply trying to add an WAP to your home. That is the best way to do it, wiring it back to the original WAP. To do that all you need to do is give your new AP a static IP address in the same subnet as your original but outside the scope of your original DHCP server. Then on the new router, turn off its DHCP server. Next connect the cable from the LAP port of the original router to the LAN port of your new one. You will not use the WAN port. This is because you don't need a second firewall and network within your house. Now configure your wireless with the same SSID and password as your original router but on a DIFFERENT channel. On the 2.4Ghz only use channels 1,6, and 11 (that goes for both your routers).
Also, devices will not usually pick up the strongest AP as you roam around your house. It would be nice, but it does not happen. Your device will usually take the strongest signal when it first attaches but then will not let go of the signal until it is almost unusable. Then it will switch.
 
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