Setting up a 2nd router behind another router?

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › Setting up a 2nd router behind another router?

maveric

36 posts

Geek

#293919 22-Feb-2022 11:32

Hi guys, need some help if it’s possible to setup another router behind another router? Here’s my current setup.

ONT Modem/router - - > Switch - - > patch panel that routes to upper floors - - 2nd Router at 2F and a wifi extender at 1F

Can the 2nd router be configured to be the main router/wifi which then will work together with the wifi extender and will not interfere with the 1st router?

The 1st router’s wifi is disabled.

Appreciate any tips.

liquidcore

187 posts

Master Geek

ID Verified

#2872574 22-Feb-2022 11:37

You will end up in a double NAT situation if you have both routers working as routers. If you’re simply after an access point, disable NAT and DHCP on your second router and make it work like an AP.

Spyware

3761 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2872581 22-Feb-2022 11:54

Or buy an AP rather than create a debauchery.

Spark Max Fibre using Mikrotik CCR1009-8G-1S-1S+, CRS125-24G-1S, Unifi UAP, U6-Pro, UAP-AC-M-Pro, Apple TV 4K (2022), Apple TV 4K (2017), iPad Air 1st gen, iPad Air 4th gen, iPhone 13, SkyNZ3151 (the white box). If it doesn't move then it's data cabled.

cyril7

9058 posts

Uber Geek

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Trusted

Subscriber

#2872588 22-Feb-2022 12:08

Hi, totally agree with @Spyware, hacking low rent routers into AP service is not the way to go, get a couple of these (plus POE injectors) or so save a bob, these and you on your way to a superiour setup.

Cyril

1101

3122 posts

Uber Geek

#2872590 22-Feb-2022 12:10

A reset of either router ( from an update ) could take down the network (DHCP conflicts) , depending on how its cabled & setup .
Its not a good idea .

Why do you need to use 2 routers if wifi is off on the 1st ? Just use the one router .

or , Did you want to have the 2 floors completely network separated/isolated from each other ?

maveric

36 posts

Geek

#2872965 22-Feb-2022 21:06

Thanks. The reason why I wanted to setup a 2nd router because the placement of the 1st router is under a stairs and surrounded with walls so lots of interference that affects wifi strength at the upper floors (if wifi is enabled in the 1st router) I got 3 floors to cover hence I wanted to use one of my old router and extender without investing for an access point at this time.

i can’t relocate the 1st router because the main fibre cable is installed there too together with the patch panel.

insane

3239 posts

Uber Geek

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Trusted

#2872970 22-Feb-2022 21:19

Spyware:
Or buy an AP rather than create a debauchery.

Nothing wrong with using only the lan ports on an old router, disabling DHCP etc if on a budget.

Takes slightly more effort to setup and align wifi settings but there's nothing inherently wrong with doing it, just might not be as clean or performant as a dedicated and modern AP.

michelangelonz

115 posts

Master Geek

#2872978 22-Feb-2022 21:47

I have two routers on my network. Just have the second one on the demilerterized zone of the first router to avoid double NAT.

AliExpress

Shop now on AliExpress (affiliate link).

1101

3122 posts

Uber Geek

#2873154 23-Feb-2022 10:50

maveric:

i can’t relocate the 1st router because the main fibre cable is installed there too together with the patch panel.

Yes you can move the 1st router . It doesnt have to be under the stairs
Since you have a patch panel I assume the building is network cabled

Move the 1st router upstairs , run a line from the Fibre ONT to the 1st router through your network cabling .

1101

3122 posts

Uber Geek

#2873159 23-Feb-2022 10:58

Nothing wrong with using only the lan ports on an old router, disabling DHCP etc if on a budget.

just because it can be done doesnt make it a good decision.
Ive seen where it worked 100% , Ive seen where it eventually caused issues .

Since he doesnt want to spend any money , then yes its an option .

But , 2 routers + a repeater .... getting a bit mickey mouse
:-)

evnafets

537 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2873160 23-Feb-2022 10:59

1101:

maveric:

i can’t relocate the 1st router because the main fibre cable is installed there too together with the patch panel.

Yes you can move the 1st router . It doesnt have to be under the stairs
Since you have a patch panel I assume the building is network cabled

Move the 1st router upstairs , run a line from the Fibre ONT to the 1st router through your network cabling .

With the caveat that no other network ports are being used downstairs.

If the OP is using ethernet cables as well as wifi, then you're going to run into the problem of "how do you get network connections back DOWNstairs?"
Assuming there is only one cable connection between under the stairs and the upstairs intended wifi access point.

maveric

36 posts

Geek

#2873223 23-Feb-2022 12:18

Hi, as mentioned the 1st router is stuck in the first floor and it runs through a switch then would connect to the patch panel. It will serve connection to 1F and 2F where 1F would have Ethernet connection to my work then would connect to 2F on the 2nd router which I intend to function like an AP serving all wifi needs. The extender would be position on the 1F at kids room to provide wifi on the other end of the house and lounge room at the GF. It’s quite an odd design as to how the network cabling of the house was built. I could have easily solved it with a mesh setup or AP as others suggested but im not ready to invest for additional hardware right now.

SpartanVXL

1307 posts

Uber Geek

#2873293 23-Feb-2022 14:47

If you have two ports going to a room somewhere then you can run your main router to that room with one port going back to the switch.

Otherwise follow what others have said and go and disable dhcp, set the router to same subnet. I think you can get away with plugging into one of the LAN ports instead of WAN and disabling NAT.