CONNECTING 2 WI-FI ROUTERS to Your Home Network to Handle More Internet Traffic and Streaming Videos

Click on the photo to expand the size

In this blog, I'll describe how I wired a Linksys WRT54GSV4 802.11g Router into a newer Belkin 450 DB 802.11n router. Both routers were wired for internet access through Centurylink Westell DSL modem. The reason I wired the two routers together was to prevent lag on my internet connection when all devices were activated in my home. 

Because I am so frugal with money, I did not throw away the old router - besides, my DSL speed is slow (only 1.5 Mbps) and does not require major speed upgrades. The main reason I purchased the Belkin router was because of its 1) unique security features and advanced firewall protection, and 2) ability to offer dual connections on multiple network channels. Besides, the old Linksys router was having a hard time staying connected to my ISP during thunderstorms. Since the Linksys router was still good, I decided to use both on my network.

The Belkin N450 DB will handle my cell phone, iPad, MacBook, and Vizio Netflix and  wireless internet traffic. The Linksys G router will handle the older Windows 7 and Windows XP laptops and desktop units wired for internet use.

To get started - you'll connect your new router (Belkin N450 DB) to the ISP Westell modem, and use a wireless device (cell phone, tablet or laptop) to configure your device...

1. Unbox the new Belkin router and follow the simple 3-step setup procedures on the back of the box. Remove the card on the bottom of the router and enter your password.

2. Get the login and password for your DSL service by contacting your ISP. You also need to know your ISP connection type - static, dynamic, PPoE, or other connection types. Your ISP will give you all of this information during your router setup. Don't worry, it's really easy.

3. Turn on security following the instructions on your router. If you want to change your SSID name - you may do so at this time. As an option, you may leave it in the default mode "belkin.bbe

4. Save your settings and login to your wireless  connection with the assigned network key or password. 

5. Click on the wireless internet icon in the bottom tool bar and click "Connect." 

6. Open up a web browser. Congratulations, your new Belkin N450 DB is now  connected to the access point and the internet.

Next, you'll connect your old router to the new router. To get started...

Click on the photo to expand the size

1. Connect your old router to a second computer using an ethernet cable. Connect one end of the cable to any one of four (4) ethernet slots on the back of the router. Connect the other end of the cable to the ethernet port on the computer. 

2. Type in the default IP or gateway for accessing the router functions. This address can be found in the instuctions on the router. The Linksys WRT54GSV4 uses 192.168.1.1. Now type in the default user name "admin" and password "admin"

3. Once inside, make sure the Linksys IP does not conflict with the Belkin IP. In my case, there was no conflict - the Belkin N450 DB router IP address was 192.168.2.1 

4. Change the SSID name (if you prefer) and remember your login and password. If you want to bridge the routers together for extended range, read  the articles at the bottom of this blog. If not, continue on with step 5.

5. Set "security" to the desired level - WPA/WPA2  and save your changes. 

You're done with setup of the 2nd router.

6. To connect the two routers together, run and ethernet cable from any one of four (4) ports on the Belkin router to the "Internet" port or the "WLAN" on the Linksys router. Use the photo above to verify if your connections are correct.

7. Turn on your DSL or cable modem and let it power up, then turn on both routers and let them power up. 

8. Test the wireless connection on your Belkin router for proper access point and internet connections.

9. Test the wireless connection on your Linksys  router for proper access point and internet connections.
10. Organize your wires and you're done.
Please note, you can get a faster 802.11n connection on your Belkin router by turning off the 802.11g function and allow the Linksys router handle all 802.11g traffic and connections.

Read the article below (written by Eric Geier) that explains 8 uses for your old router - namely extending your wireless coverage, turning your 2nd router into a hotspot and offering free or paid wireless internet, providing gateways for network authentication, as well as enabling secure VPN connections. Eric has authored many networking and computing books, including..

How To Set Up Your Own Free or Paid Wifi Hotspot..                  http://home.centurytel.net/bbyrd2100/wifi_access.html

How To Check If Someone Is Stealing Your Wi-Fi & What You Can Do About It... http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/check-stealing-wifi/

8 Great Uses for Old Wireless Routers - http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/tutorials/article.php/3832576

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