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Can I use two routers on one network

Last response: in Wireless Networking
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Probably a really dumb question, but networking is the one area of computing about which I am clueless. We have two desktop PC's (on different floors) that are currently networked via a hardwired router. We wanted wireless but at the time it was installed, the technician said it would not work because there is a metal floor separating the two (because one room is partially under the garage). The internet hook-up comes into the basement pc; I would like to have wireless at least on the main floor. My first question: has wireless improved sufficiently that I can connect two or three pc's that are a considerable distance and a metal floor apart? If not, can I add a second, wireless, router on the main floor. FYI, at the moment we are dealing with three different operating systems: Windows 7 in the basment, XP on the main floor; Vista on the laptop ... although we will probably be all "7" fairly soon. Appreciate any help anyone can give me. Thanks.

More about : routers network

It sounds like you should add a second wireless router. I have two in my home, and basically you just need to do this:

Set you first router to use channel 1 or 6 or 11 for wireless.
Take the second router, disable DHCP, set it to channel 1 or 6 or 11 (but different than the first), and set the SSID, pass-phrase, and other security settings to be exactly the same as the first router.
Connect the second router to the first with a cable through a REGULAR port, not the WAN port.

You will now be able to portable wireless devices anywhere n your home, and they will automatically use the wireless router with the best signal.

PhilFrisbie said:

Set you first router to use channel 1 or 6 or 11 for wireless.
Take the second router, disable DHCP, set it to channel 1 or 6 or 11 (but different than the first), and set the SSID, pass-phrase, and other security settings to be exactly the same as the first router.
Connect the second router to the first with a cable through a REGULAR port, not the WAN port.

You will now be able to portable wireless devices anywhere n your home, and they will automatically use the wireless router with the best signal.


Don't you also need to set the second router to have a static IP (outside the range allocated on the main router)?

Also, you say that devices will automatically use the wireless router with the best signal, but in my experience devices (such as iPhones) hang on the weak signal right to the bitter end, making the set up pretty useless.

I REALLY want to get a set up like this working in my home, but I just can't seem to crack it. Would a Linksys WRT54GL be the best option for the second router (running custom firmware of course)?. Should I change from using a BT Homehub 2 for my main router (if you know what one of those is)?

Thanks, Glenn

Yes, forgot about the static IP address on the second router.

As to devices, the only thing I have problems with is an Android tablet. It is just like what you describe, but two Windows laptops move from one to the other just fine.
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