How To Extend Your Wi-Fi Network With A Second Router

Sometimes your WiFi signal can drop on more than the odd occasion or maybe you live in a large house?  Either way don’t worry as it’s possible to use a second, spare router to solve the issue.  The process is not that complicated and could save you a lot of hassle.  This is a short guide on how to set up a router to act as a wireless access point.  In effect we are using a second wireless router as a ‘slave’ to your main router and thereby extending your wireless range.

You can extend your WiFi coverage with a second router.

Step 1.

To start you will need to find out a few details regarding the router you are currently using.  This includes which channel it is broadcasting on and what type of security it is using.

For this process I will explain the procedure as if you are using a Microsoft Windows PC. The PC should already be connected to your network. You should navigate to the Control Panel and double-click on Network or Network and Internet.  If you are still using Windows XP, right-click the network connection you are using to connect to your router (either on Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and then choose Status and then Support. Now you will see a window showing how your network is set up.

If you are using Vista or Windows 7/8, navigate to the Network and Sharing Centre, choose Change adapter settings, and right-click the connection and now choose Status, and then Details.  The window that will appear will show your gateway and the computer’s IP address.  You need to make a note of this information.

You now need to open a web browser and type the gateway IP address you made a note of in the address bar and press Enter.  Now you should see a set up screen for your main router.  The router may ask you for a user name and password.  Enter these if you know them.  If you don’t know them the information should be underneath the router.

Step 2.

You need to now locate the wireless settings and find the details of the router name, the broadcasting channel and the security type.  The SSID is the name of your of your wireless network. You need to make a note of all of this information. When you have found the information just ‘log out’.  If asked you don’t need to save anything as you haven’t changed anything.

Step 3

Find an old router and reset it to its factory settings.  Usually there is a small hole at the back of the router, marked ‘reset’.  With the router powered on at the mains, insert a paper clip and hold it in for approximately 10 seconds.  This procedure will reset the router to its factory settings.