Simultaneous Use of Two Routers Through LAN Cabling: Techniques and Considerations
Connecting two routers together using a LAN cable can enable a unique configuration that allows for more network flexibility and enhanced coverage. This setup can be a useful solution for both home networks and small businesses that require a more robust network infrastructure. Let's explore the two typical methods for connecting two routers through a LAN cable and the considerations one must keep in mind.
Wired Setup
One of the methods involves linking your modem or internet source to one router, which is often referred to as the primary router. The WAN port of the secondary router is then connected to the LAN port of the primary router using an Ethernet wire. This connection creates a setup where the primary router handles the internet connection and the secondary router is essentially a satellite device, extending the network coverage.
To prevent IP conflicts, it is crucial to disable the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server on the primary router, as it assigns IP addresses to devices on the network. Similarly, disable the DHCP server on the secondary router and configure it with a different IP address within the same network to avoid clashes.
Another key aspect to address is the wireless channels. Adjust the settings to avoid interference between the two routers to ensure smooth network performance. Strategically placing the routers is also important to optimize the network coverage and minimize dead zones within the network area.
When it comes to connecting devices, you can place them on either of the two routers, depending on the signal quality. While both routers are connected to the same LAN cable, devices will connect to the router with the best signal. This setup ensures that all devices are efficiently connected and receive adequate bandwidth.
Wireless Setup
In the wireless setup, it is necessary to ensure that the devices being used support this configuration. Link your modem to the principal router and, if available, configure the backup router in bridge mode. Bridge mode essentially turns the secondary router into a simple network extender, which helps in seamlessly extending the network without disrupting the main router's settings.
Assign a distinct IP address to the secondary router and name it with a unique SSID (Service Set Identifier) to differentiate it from the primary router. This helps in avoiding any confusion or interference between the two networks. Place the second router in the appropriate location to extend the network coverage.
Considerations and Limitations
The question arises regarding the simultaneous use of two routers. Depending on the definition of 'use,' the answer can vary. For instance, can you connect to one website and flow traffic through both routers? Technically, each connection will use one or the other router. Is it possible to connect to a website with both routers finding the lowest metric connection? In my experience, this is not feasible. You will typically use one router or the other at any given time.
Another aspect to consider is the nature of the LAN cable. Your computer can only connect to one port on the device the LAN cable is connected to, typically a switch. Even if a switch is connected to both routers, the switch will learn the MAC address of your default gateway, which means that at any time, only one router can be your default gateway. The switch will send Ethernet frames to the default gateway when resolving an internet address. Therefore, if you connect directly to one router, there will be a route to the second router, but the second router will always have a higher metric than the directly connected router.
In conclusion, while it is possible to connect two routers through a LAN cable and achieve enhanced network coverage and flexibility, simultaneous use of both routers to handle all traffic at the same time is not feasible. Each device will connect to one router or the other based on signal quality and configuration. However, using this setup can still provide significant benefits in network optimization and extended coverage.