How to Bridge Wired Routers
By Qyou Stoval
If wired routers are not properly configured, they will stay in constant competition for control of the network, disrupting your connection to the Internet. Usually one wired router is bridged so you can add a wireless network. You may choose to bridge two wired routers if you want to extend networks throughout your house. You can also bridge two wired routers if you would like to increase the number of ports available for computers and other network equipment.
Connect one of the wired routers to your computer via Ethernet cable. The Ethernet cable looks like a cable cord with a larger telephone connection. Access your router security menu by typing http://192.168.1.1 into the address bar of your browser. Input a username and password to access your network. Refer to your manual or the underside of your router to find the default username and password.
Access the local area network (LAN) address as well as the router DHCP pool in the basic settings of your network configuration. Write these numbers down, as you will need them later. Exit the router configuration screen.
Connect your second wired router to your computer via Ethernet. Do not connect the second router to the first router. Open your web browser and navigate to http://192.168.1.1 and input your username and password.
Navigate to the wide area network (WAN) part of the security screen, which may have different ways to locate depending on the model of your router. Type an IP address for this router that is outside of the DHCP range you wrote down earlier. For example, if your DHCP pool is 192.168.100-150, choose a DHCP pool like 192.168.1.38.
Navigate to the LAN setup screen and ensure the DHCP is turned off.
Navigate to your wireless configuration setup and select a different service set identifier (SSID) name from the first router you initially set up. You can choose any name for your SSID.
Create a different password under the security settings. Make sure your password is created under the WPA setting. Each router configuration screen varies, so refer to your manual to find out which link to click on to access it. Write down your newly changed settings and save.
Unplug the second router from the wall outlet. Connect the Ethernet cord running from the back of the second router into an available Ethernet port of the main router. Plug the second router back into the wall.
Writer Bio
Qyou Stoval holds a bachelor's degree in communications/media studies from Clayton State University and a MBA with a concentration in marketing from Ashford University. He has more than 10 years experience writing articles, poetry, novels, and stage and screen plays. His writing career started professionally in 1997. He is also proudly serving the United States Air Force.