In this article we will learn about how to Increase Wireless Network Range. The range of wireless available by the Internet router can vary based on the Wi-Fi standard it is compatible with (802.11n routers are more efficient than Wireless-G models) and as well as the router’s physical location. You might have purchased Wireless-AC or Wireless-N router, however if you have walls that are thick them, they could block the WiFi signal.
Increase Wireless Network Range with a Spare Router
It is believed that 802.11n routers, which are also referred to by the name of Wireless N routers, offer an increased Wi-Fi signal, however even if you purchase one of these, wireless signals will not reach certain areas in your home due to the physical obstacles.
What do you need to do to ensure that Wi-Fi signals are in all directions of your house , including the area outside? There are many possibilities.
It is possible to extend your Wi-Fi connection by adding additional networking equipment like Wi-Fi repeaters and Access Points. Another option that is inexpensive is to get hold of an older wireless router that has been used for a while you can connect the router to your current (main) router by using An Ethernet (Cat5) cable.
Use Spare Router as an Access Point
Here’s the way that we can set up wireless network at home with two routers connected using and Ethernet cable. The primary router is Wireless-N router, which is connected with the Internet service provider’s ADSL modem. There’s also a second Wireless-G router (Wireless-G) that connects directly to the router using one Ethernet cable or Cat-5 cable. This router’s primary location is on the basement while another one located on the first floor. The entire building is able to receive a strong wireless signal.
Let’s name our primary router MASTER (this is the router that connects with the ISP modem) as well as the second is referred to as the SLAVE (the spare router acts as a repeater in order to boost the wireless range).
Step 1. The first step is to identify our IP Address as well as it’s Subnet Mask of our MASTER router.
Start the command prompt in Windows then type ipconfig”/all” to note the result of “Default Gateway”. That is the main network’s IP address. If you’re on an Mac start your Terminal window, enter the option route -n to get default and take note of the gateway’s address.
In this case let’s say the MASTER router’s address for IP is 192.168.1.21 and that the Subnet Mask is set as 255.255.255.0.
Step 2. Open your browser and type in the IP address of the router in the address field. If you’re using Google Chrome or any browser it is possible to include http https:/ http:/ in the address otherwise your browser might generate an error.
Now you’ll need to enter the username and password for accessing router’s settings. The requirements will differ depending the manufacturer of your router – you can Google for default router password You can also try standard combinations such as admin/admin, admin/password or admin/blank>(no password).
Step 3. Once you’re in your router’s settings go to Wireless Settings and make a note of the Wireless mode and the SSID as well as the channel.
If you’ve secured your Wi-Fi with a password make note of the security mode that you have used (WPA, WEP or WPA2) as well as the password (or secret password). Shut down the web browser.
B: Configure the Spare Router as a Repeater
4. The next step is to set up the Spare router, SLAVE. First, to reset your router to default settings by pressing hard the reset button using pin for around 5 to 10 seconds.
Connect to the SLAVE router and your laptop by using an actual Ethernet cable. Place an end into one ports on LAN (Ethernet) ports on the router, and the other end of the cable in the computer’s Ethernet port. Check that the router is running.
The 5th step: Reopen the web browser and enter 192.168.1.1 which is probably Internet IP address that is the default that is associated with the SLAVE router. If you don’t have an Linksys router, then try 192.168.0.1 as the standard IP of D-Link and Netgear routers.
When you have entered your router’s settings you will need to alter the settings of the Wireless mode channel, the security mode, and passphrase so that they align to your master router. You can also use an alternative SSID name to this router so that you can easily identify the router that your phone or laptop is connected to.
Go to Setup > Advanced routing , and switch the mode Gateway currently in use to Router. Some routers its listed as NAT , in this situation, you must turn off that. Then, you should disable DHCP Server since our main router is in charge that assigns IP addresses to the devices that connect with the network wirelessly.
Then make sure to modify your IP address for your SLAVE router by changing it to any available address within your network. For example, if your MASTER router’s IP address is 192.168.1.21 You can assign an IP address fixed to 192.168.1.25 in SLAVE. Make sure you have the Subnet mask is identical as you determined in step 1. The settings are saved to the SLAVE router, and close the window of the browser.
C: Connect Two Routers using Cat-5 Cable
After we’ve configured the routers, we’re ready to connect them via the Ethernet cable. The MASTER Router is likely to have at least five (1+4) ports. One port, the WAN port (or the Internet port) is linked to your ISP modem. Choose one of the ports for LANs of the MASTER router, and connect it to one of the port for LAN of the Spare router with the Ethernet cable. Now we’re done.
Because the two routers belong to the same network, your shared folders photographs, music libraries and other data are accessible to any device, including mobile phones and computers linked to it.