How to Add a Second Home Network Router to Your Network

Installing a second home network router is a relatively simple process, and you shouldn't need to employ the services of an IT specialist A second home network router can be used for a number of different purposes, including isolating one network for a separate purpose, for instance setting up a home theater system or gaming. When you are purchasing your second network router, check whether it can be connected wirelessly or not. If you cannot connect the router wirelessly, you will have to connect it using an Ethernet cable. Have a look at the manufacturer's instructions before you purchase. 

Step 1 - Connecting the Router

If you have purchased a second router that is able to connect wirelessly, you should set it to "client mode". The manufacturer's instructions will specify how to do this, as it can vary depending on the make and model of the router. If your router cannot connect wirelessly, plug the Ethernet cable into the router and then connect it into the LAN (Local Area Network) port on your first router. Be careful that you don't connect the router to the WAN (Wide Area Network) port, or your router won't function properly. 

Step 2 - Setting the IP Address 

You will have to set an IP (Internet Protocol) address to enable the second router to work. This address needs to be within a valid range of the IP address of the first router. The second router shouldn't have an IP address the same as any other device on the network, however. For example, if the IP address of your first router is 170.153.1.1, you should set your second network router to 170.153.1.2. Check the IP address of your first router and set an IP address for the second router accordingly. Be aware, however, that your computer may try to automatically assign an IP address to the second router, so you may need to override this function. You will be able to do this through the main control panel if you are using a PC or through system preferences if you are using a Mackintosh.

Step 3 - Disabling DHCP

You should then disable DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) on the second router. You will find this function directly on the router itself. This function assigns IP addresses for other devices on the network. You only need one router to do this job. 

Step 4 - Setting a New WEP Passcode

Now your router has been set up, you should assign it with a new WEP passcode (Wired Equivalent Privacy). By doing this, you will ensure that your network if secure and that nobody else can access your Internet source without you knowing. 

Step 5 - Rebooting Your Computer

Finally, you should reboot your computer. By doing this, all your new settings will be saved to your system. If you are installing any further routers, you will be able to do this in exactly the same way.