Internet, Networking, & Security Home Networking Can Two Routers Be Used on the Same Home Network? A dual-router system works great for hybrid wireless networks by Bradley Mitchell Writer An MIT graduate who brings years of technical experience to articles on SEO, computers, and wireless networking. our editorial process LinkedIn Bradley Mitchell Updated on September 11, 2020 reviewed by Ryan Perian Lifewire Tech Review Board Member Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions. our review board Article reviewed on May 09, 2020 Ryan Perian Tweet Share Email The Ultimate Router Buying Guide The Ultimate Router Buying Guide Introduction Router Basics What Is a Router and How Does It Work? How to Pick the Right Wireless Router Router Standards Explained Modem vs Router Can You Use Two Routers Same Network? Do I Need a Modem and a Router? Routers, Switches and Hubs Explained How to Find Your Router's IP Addresses What Is MIMO Technology? Best Names for Routers & Home Networks Best Placement for Wireless Routers How to Set up a Home Network Router Best Overall Routers Best Wireless Routers Best Cable Modem/Router Combos Best Long-Range Routers Best Secure Routers Best Parental Control Routers Best Routers for Under $100 Best Routers for Under $50 Best 802.11ac Wi-Fi Wireless Routers Best VPN Routers Best Gaming Routers Best By Brand Best Linksys Routers Best Netgear Routers Top Routers Reviewed Google Wifi Review Netgear Orbi Review Netgear C3700 Review Netgear C3000 Review Linksys EA8300 Review Linksys EA9500 Review Linksys WRT3200ACM Review Samsung SmartThings Router Review Asus RT-AC88U Gaming Router Review Linksys AC1900 Review Best Router Essentials Best Wi-Fi Extenders Best Wi-Fi USB Adapters Best Cable Modems Best Powerline Network Adapters If you have a large home network, you may encounter difficulties connecting to that network wirelessly from certain points in your home. A second router can improve network performance and help you stay connected from anywhere in your home. Can Two Routers Be Used on the Same Home Network? Yes, it is possible to use two (or even more than two) routers on the same home network. The benefits of a two-router network include: Support for more wired devices: If the first router is the wired Ethernet kind, it supports a limited number of connected devices (typically only four or five). A second router provides more open Ethernet ports so that additional computers can join the network.Support for mixed wired and wireless network setups: If you have a wired home network and want to connect Wi-Fi devices to it, installing a wireless router as the second router allows those devices to connect while allowing the rest of the network to remain on Ethernet. Conversely, a second router also helps when most clients in the home are wireless, but a few Ethernet devices in one room (like game consoles and file-sharing servers) could benefit from a wired setup.Improved wireless reach (signal range): Adding a second wireless router to an existing Wi-Fi network can extend its reach to accommodate far away devices.Network isolation: If you heavily utilize the network connection between certain computers (such as frequent large file transfers or LAN gaming), installing those computers to run from one router keeps that network traffic from affecting the other router and its attached devices. The 9 Best Long-Range Routers of 2021 Lifewire / Nusha Ashjaee How to Choose a Router There are many types of routers available. From routers that cost less than $50 to the best-rated long-range routers, here are some of the top ones on the market, and all are available on Amazon.com: 802.11ac Routers Linksys EA6500: This is the first smart Wi-Fi router from Linksys and gives owners complete mobile control of their home wireless network.Netgear AC1750 (R6300): A perfect option for bigger homes with 12 or more wireless devices. 802.11n Routers Netgear N300 WNR2000: A great router that also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.TP-LINK TL-WR841N: TP-LINK routers are some of the most popular in the industry. The TL-WR841N features external antennas that make for superior signal reception. 802.11g Routers Netgear WGR614: The WGR614 is a high-quality router with above average signal range (great for homes with brick walls or similar obstructions). It also comes with a three-year warranty. Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G: People have said that this Linksys router is a cinch to install and consistently has a strong signal range. If you run into problems, their customer support is helpful. The 7 Best Routers for Under $50 in 2021 How to Use Two Routers in One House Installing a router to work as the second one on a home network requires special configuration. Setup involves choosing a good location, ensuring the right physical connections, and configuring IP address settings (including DHCP). Alternatives to a Second Home Router Instead of adding a second wired router to an existing network, add an Ethernet switch. A switch accomplishes the same goal of extending the size of a network, but it does not require any IP address or DHCP configuration, greatly simplifying setup. For Wi-Fi networks, add a wireless access point rather than a second router. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! 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