How to Link Actiontec Routers

Enable a bridged configuration to manage all LAN ports with the same DHCP service.

Attach a spare Actiontec router to an active Actiontec router with Internet access when you need more Ethernet network LAN ports. Actiontec routers support bridging between Ethernet LAN and Ethernet WAN ports, so WAN ports can uplink between two routers to expand the private network. Configure a spare Actiontec router for network port expansion by bridging the Ethernet WAN and LAN ports.

Things You'll Need

• Two Ethernet network patch cable
• Windows 7 computer
• Administrator credentials for the Actiontec routers

Instructions

1. Plug one end of an Ethernet network patch cable into the network interface of a Windows 7 computer. Connect the other end of the patch cable into a LAN port on the first Actiontec router.

2. Click the “Start” button on the Windows 7 task bar. Click “Control Panel” and click “Network and Internet.” Click “Network and Sharing Center” and click “Change adapter settings.”

3. Right-click on the “Local Area Connection” icon and click “Properties” in the menu that appears. Click “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” in the list of protocols displayed and click “Properties.”

4. Click the “Obtain an IP address automatically” radio button. Click the “Obtain DNS server address automatically” radio button and click “OK.”

5. Click the “OK” button, then click “Close.” Reboot the computer.

6. Launch the Internet Explorer Web browser. Click the address bar near the top of the Web browser window. Type “192.168.1.1” into the address bar and press “Enter.”

7. Type the Actiontec router Administrator password into the “Password” box and click “OK.” Click “My Network” and click “Network Connections.”

8. Click the “Advanced” button. Click “Network (Home/Office),” then “Settings.” Type “254” in the fourth “Internet Protocol” box to the right and click “Apply.”

9. Type “192.168.1.254” into the Internet Explorer address bar and press “Enter.” Write the Actiontec router Administrator password into the “Password” box and click “OK.”

10. Click “Network,” “Network Connections,” then “Advanced.”

11. Click “Broadband (Ethernet),” then “Settings.” Click the “Network” box and click the “Network (Home/Office)” option.

12. Click the “Internet Protocol” box and click the “No IP Address” option. Click the “Apply” button.

13. Reboot the Windows 7 computer. Launch Internet Explorer and verify Internet connectivity by connecting to a website.

References

• Virginia Tech: Setting Up a DHCP Ethernet Connection in Windows Vista/7
• Actiontec: Wireless Broadband Router