How to Piggyback Routers
By Jennifer Moore
When you want a wireless connection in a large home or a building structure that has thick walls, you may want to piggyback a second router to the first to bounce the Internet signal farther within the building or home. The additional router extends the Internet signal where it weakens within the building, allowing you to connect to the Internet via any laptop or computer even in areas farthest from the router.
Connect the first wireless router as you normally would. Turn on a computer and open an Internet browser.
Navigate to the router's IP address. The default address used on most routers is "192.168.1.1", but if your router's IP address differs, check your router's instructional manual to get it.
Select "Wireless Settings" and note the wireless username and password, as well as the network mode. Write these settings down as you will need them to set up the second wireless router.
Connect the second router in an area farthest from the first router. This should be an area where the Internet signal is weakest.
Attach a network cable to the first network port on this router. Connect the other end of the cable to a computer. This wired connection is for setup purposes only.
Open an Internet browser and type in the default "192.168.1.1" router IP address, unless otherwise noted in the router instructional manual.
Select the "Basic Setup" tab in the top toolbar of the IP window. Click on the "Network Address Server Settings" or "DHCP" settings and check the "Disable" option. By doing this, the router will piggy back on the settings of the first router.
Return to the main IP window and click the "Wireless Settings" tab. Type the username and password used in the first router. Set the "Wireless Network Mode" to the same used on the first router.
Disconnect the network cable from the computer and router. Click on the wireless icon in the taskbar and connect to the network. Open your Internet browser and visit any website you want to test the connection.
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Writer Bio
Jennifer Moore began writing in 2006, specializing in Web content, blogs and forum postings. She is a graduate from the most prestigious university in Mexico, Universidad de Las Americas, with a B.A. in international relations, later obtaining a U.S. teacher's degree and an additional CompTIA A+ certification in computer technology. Moore has written for My Mexico Living, BoomersAbroad and various other websites.