How to Set two Routers, one Modem and two Networks

How to Set two Routers, one Modem and two Networks: How to connect two routers to one modem for the best internet coverage and increased number of LAN ports

You have one modem and two routers, how do you set them up to give you two networks? Setting two routers, one modem and two networks can create a widespread network at a lower cost is one thing that most people aspire to have

Most people think of having Wi-Fi extenders and other boosters to extend the connection. We tend to be more on using the same connection for various devices.

The good news is that you can use two routers with one modem to make two networks. It is a convenient and straightforward method that is cost-effective too. Our research today brings you the findings and a guide of how you can do the task.

Most people don’t even know that they can get a second network from their existing modem. This article will walk you through the steps of setting up your secondary network using your current equipment.

Why have two networks and two routers?

Technology is a growing feature to improve livelihoods. It comes at a cost that you can conveniently avoid. When you have a single modem, you pay for the service of the modem. Having an additional modem means that you will have the cost also growing.

If you have two homes or have a brother with whom you want to connect, you will need two networks. Two routers under the same modem will make the connection reach the two houses efficiently. One subscription for the modem will serve the two houses.

If you have to incur some additional cost, then it will be from the other router. Extending connections from the two routers or different networks is effortless. You will use the methods that serve as an extension of the internet but under individual networks.

How to connect two routers under one modem

When you have one modem, sometimes you can only get one network. This is because the modem has only one Ethernet port, so how do we make two networks?

The process of connecting routers involves the creation of the network and then connecting the routers. The creation of the network means that you have to set the modem to create a stable connection.

This is a common problem but it can be confusing, frustrating, and time-consuming to figure out how to do this correctly. We have written an easy step-by-step guide that will walk you through the process of setting up your network so that you get 2 separate networks with a better range.

1. Set the modem

You will start by setting the modem to a strategic point and then create a network that will serve the two routers.

Before creating a strategic placement position, you need to ensure that the modem is close to the switch if you are not using the ISP card.

Setting the modem is easy because you will connect it to the internet source and then activate it.

It is essential to ensure that the modem works with the ISP because you won’t work with it if they are not compatible. The process of activation depends on the ISP and the type of modem you use.

Related article: Can You Have Cox Internet at Two Different Houses? Two Internet Accounts?

2. Determine the first router

You will identify the two routers and choose one that will serve as the first one. Another alternative is to connect the routers independently from the modem so that they serve individually.

Under this service, you will use the Ethernet cables to connect the router. The process of connection follows the setup of the first router.

If you have to use the other router under the next router, you will source for the connection from the other router.

3. Connect the router

Connect the first router to the modem and then set it up. You will use the Ethernet ports to make the connection then connect it to the computer in readiness for the setup process. 

The computer can work wirelessly or use the Ethernet ports to allow access to the router.

An alternative for the computer is to use the mobile app if the router is compatible with it.

Mobile apps are available from the play store and the app store if you are using ios. The most important thing is to access the user interface and make various changes.

4. Set the router

You will use the router’s login details to access the user interface on the web or the mobile app. On the mobile app, you will set the username of the network and password.

Take caution to use a different network name and password if you have a modem router. After setting the password and username, you will focus on having the other settings in order.

Other settings that you will look at are the security settings and parental controls if there are any. The next thing you will do is set the router in preparation for the connection of your devices.

The configuration process follows after setting up the router. After doing the configuration, you will place the router at a strategic point.

5. Connect the second router

Now we need to have the second router on board. If you choose routers that cover long ranges, you will be safer in such a case.

The second router must be compatible with the service. In other words, the second router must be capable of working with the first router or the modem without a hassle.

You will use Ethernet cable or wireless technologies. Under such a connection, the second router will be more of a wireless access point. Making changes is essential to ensure that the routers have a difference to eliminate conflicts.

The best way is to use the Ethernet cable for connection. It will allow you to make the connection to the point you want it to serve. Once connected, you will enjoy a high-quality connection with adequate speeds and reliability. When the place you want is far, the cables conveniently reach it and make the connection more reliable.

6. Set the second router

You now need to set the second router to begin enjoying the service. The process, in this case, involves several steps. Using the simple process below will let you have a quick achievement. The web interface or the mobile app will help you to do the process.

When logging in to the router interface, you will use the details for the router and not the existing one.

a. Check the IP address of the router

Before implementing other measures, you need to ensure that the IP address of the two routers is not the same. They will conflict with each other when it comes to service delivery.

If they are the same, you will need to implement some changes so that the two routers operate differently. Focus on the last digits and make an addition or subtraction. The IP address should fit within the range of the first router.

An excellent example of how it works is if you have the IP address as 130.130.15 for the first router. The second router can be 130.130.150 or 130.130.16.

b. Create the passwords

Now you need to have a different password and username. For the router to function differently, you need a unique username and password.

The outcome is that you will not be having the devices automatically connecting when you roam. Each router will have a chance to connect to a specific network.

c. Configure the connection

The next thing is to do the configuration process. You will ensure that all the functions are working as you expect and the devices can connect without creating any interference.

If there is an option of UPnP on the second router, it needs you to disable it. Part of the configuration involves the setting of the DHCP server on the new router.

If the connection is LAN-LAN, you will disable the DHCP feature. If you are using WAN, it should be active and maintain a range of 2.2-2.50.

d. Change the wireless channel

If you have chosen to use the wireless service for connection, you also need to change the second router’s wireless channel.

If they maintain the same course, the performance will be unreliable, and signals will have too much noise.

Changing the channel makes the network independent. You can now conveniently do your tasks without a hassle.

e. Position the routers

Finally, each router must serve the specific strategic placement position. If you are serving two homes, the connection must reach each house individually. Wireless connections need routers not very far from each other.

Ethernet cables may need a clear and specific route. When connecting the cables, you will have to place the router at a specific position and then do the connection process.

After laying the cable, you will connect the second router and then the first. The signal should then project effortlessly under two networks.

The networks can now comfortably work on two routers with the service of a single modem.

f. Connect your devices

Once the connection is successful, you can begin connecting the devices. For wired devices, you will use ethernet ports for connection.

If they are wireless, you will comfortably connect using wireless technologies.

Check the compatibility of the devices with the connection before making use of the connection.

Things to consider during the setup of two routers, One modem, and two networks

Compatibility

The routers should be compatible with each other and with the service. Getting router models that will serve a long-range is a bright idea. You will have the coverage managing a wide area without a hassle.

The simplicity of the setup

The two routers should offer simplicity when you are setting them up. You should have an easy time managing the various setting via an app or the user interface. Complicated routers will make your work challenging.

Distance between the areas that need the service

The areas that need the service will determine how the connection will work. If they have a vast space apart, you will need to use the ethernet ports for connection.

Wireless connections will also work when you have the devices operating close to each other.

Can you daisy chain routers?

You want to extend your wifi signal from one room to another or you have an old router that you don’t want to throw away.

Connecting multiple routers to your network can be tricky, and it’s not always easy to find the right equipment for your needs.

We all know that we need a strong WiFi connection, but it can be hard and expensive to get this.

Daisy chain routers are the solution for extending your network range without requiring additional equipment like repeaters or extenders. You can connect multiple routers with cable internet connections to expand the range of your network over a large area.

This is useful if you have older hardware than other options because it allows you to keep using what you already own while still getting better performance levels out of them by connecting them with cables to make a bigger mesh network.

With this technology, you can connect two or more wireless networks using an existing Internet connection and create a larger wireless network with the capability of extending the range of each connected device.

Daisy chain routers offer a simple way to extend your home network without having to pay for new hardware or hire someone else to do it for you. This allows you to save money on installation costs while also ensuring that everything works as intended before purchasing any additional equipment.

Two routers One Modem FAQs

Can you have two routers?

Yes, it’s possible to have a two-router home network. In fact, you can even have more than two. The benefits of this include: 1) increased coverage; 2) more open Ethernet ports on your second router so you can connect additional computers/devices into the same WiFi hotspot or wirelessly access another room in your house with ease 3). More devices connected!

Does having 2 routers increase Internet speed?

No, having two routers will not boost the internet speed. But, setting two routers in the home network can optimize the ISP advertised speed for your internet plan. Furthermore, you can use the two routers to increase the range and the number of devices connected especially through the Ethernet ports. And since we know that Ethernet is faster and more reliable, your devices will have better connectivity. Moreover, a better range means no dead zones. Thus it will feel as if there is an increase in WiFi speed in areas with dead zones.

Can having 2 routers cause problems?

Two routers will not cause problems as long as they’re on different channels. If you have a router that’s too close to another one, then there might be some slowdowns in performance due to overlap of signals when using the same channel. This would make sense since we want the two networks communicating without interference from other devices using those frequencies at once!!

Can I use another router to extend my Wi-Fi?

Yes, you can use another router to extend your WiFi. The other router will be a repeater thus serving as a WiFi extender. The benefit is that you even get more Ethernet ports in a different zone. This enables high-speed gaming or streaming when needed. It’s easy to turn an old router into a Wi-Fi extender so that you can grab the data signal out of thin air and retransmit it throughout your house. Simply reconfigure the device with access points for other areas in which there is no coverage, then configure each one as needed (e.g., security settings).

How can I extend my WiFi range with another router without an Ethernet cable?

You can extend the WiFi range with another router without an Ethernet cable. However, there are some performance limitations. By setting up another router as one in order for it to receive signals from the primary router and send them back out through a wirelessly broadcasted signal, you can increase coverage across larger areas that would otherwise not be possible thus no dead spots! All you need is to set up the new router as a wireless repeater.

Can you have two routers in one house?

Yes, You can have two routers in one house. In these cases, you can set one to act as a Wi-Fi extender/ set on the Bridge Mode and DHCP Settings. This will extend the range of the other primary router to cover dead zones. Thus, how to connect two modems in one house involves one of the routers as the main router and the other as an extender.

Conclusion

It is possible to use two routers to set two different networks under the service of one modem. Assessing the compatibility of the routers and the modem will make the connection process convenient and straightforward.

Can you have 2 modems in one house? You need two networks so that you can increase your range. This is important if you want to cover an entire house or apartment. It’s also useful for the additional router in case a computer dies on one network and needs to be moved over.

If you want to improve your range and also use the additional router this is a great way of doing it. The steps above show how to set two routers, one modem, and two networks. Our guide is practical and will make everything easier for you.