Connect router to router

[ComputerDave]

So networking isn't my strong area. Where I live, we just got fiber optic, and they installed a Calix u6.2 gs4227e router. It's not playing nicely with my security system and other devices that want 2.4 GHz. I thought I would connect another router with a clearly defined 2.4 and 5.0 channel, but when I've tried this in the past (with different ISP and equipment), it didn't work. I know this is simple, and I apologize for asking something so trivial. Thank you so much for your attention and participation.

 

[backwoodsman]

What probably caused trouble for you when you tried it before is, the routers were both on the same IP address. If they both use the same default IP and you didn't change one of them, the second router isn't going to work. 192.168.0.1 is a very common default IP; you have to change at least one of the first 3 numbers of the second router's IP to something else, like 192.168.1.1 or 10.1.1.1 if those aren't in use by something upstream. You should also turn NAT off on the second router, although I've never had trouble leaving it on.

But really your first choice would be to figure out why the 2.4ghz isn't working. Does anything work on 2.4? Is there a channel conflict with a neighbor's router? On 2.4ghz there are really only 3 channels that won't cause interference: 1, 6, & 11. Any channels in use other than those will cause trouble unless they're far enough away that the signal is very weak. Choose a channel that's farthest away from whatever networks are visible; ideally you want at least 4 empty channels between you and any other network.

If you do go with a second router, you'll probably want to turn off 2.4 on the first router, so it doesn't add to the channel congestion.

 

[ComputerDave]

What probably caused trouble for you when you tried it before is, the routers were both on the same IP address.

Yes, I bet you are correct. I should've known better!

But really your first choice would be to figure out why the 2.4ghz isn't working. Does anything work on 2.4? Is there a channel conflict with a neighbor's router? On 2.4ghz there are really only 3 channels that won't cause interference: 1, 6, & 11. Any channels in use other than those will cause trouble unless they're far enough away that the signal is very weak. Choose a channel that's farthest away from whatever networks are visible; ideally you want at least 4 empty channels between you and any other network.

If you do go with a second router, you'll probably want to turn off 2.4 on the first router, so it doesn't add to the channel congestion.

That's a great question, as I thought the same thing, as far as getting to the root cause. When you log into the router, it has a place to turn off the 2.4 and 5.0 (and they are on, of course). But when you look at the wireless network through a device, you only see one SSID. Usually, you would expect to see "MyStuff 2.4G" and "MyStuff 5.0G". But this piece of equipment is just "MyStuff".

Thank you for helping out. I'm genuinely embarrassed to have to ask.

 

[Markverhyden]

On the second router, with 2.4 and 5, turn off DHCP on the LAN. Then hook up the first router LAN port to a LAN PORT on the second router. Done this tons of times over the years.

 

[ComputerDave]

On the second router, with 2.4 and 5, turn off DHCP on the LAN. Then hook up the first router LAN port to a LAN PORT on the second router. Done this tons of times over the years.

Got it. As always, I appreciate the help. Thank you!

 

[Markverhyden]

Got it. As always, I appreciate the help. Thank you!

You're welcome. I'd bet the previous time you tried it your were double NATed. Those cloud security things usually don't work if double NATed

 

[ComputerDave]

Do you have any recommendations for a decent router for this scenario? We live in a humble farm house barely 1,200 square feet, so it takes hardly anything to push a signal throughout the home.

 

[fincoder]

turn off DHCP on the LAN. Then hook up the first router LAN port to a LAN PORT on the second router.

Also known as Access Point mode, which some routers offer as a more easily recognisable option. I've also done this many times over the years because actual access points are more expensive than basic routers!

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

What probably caused trouble for you when you tried it before is, the routers were both on the same IP address. If they both use the same default IP and you didn't change one of them, the second router isn't going to work. 192.168.0.1 is a very common default IP; you have to change at least one of the first 3 numbers of the second router's IP to something else, like 192.168.1.1 or 10.1.1.1 if those aren't in use by something upstream.

On the few times I've done this cheap approach, I make the LAN IP of the "second router"...in the same scope as the primary. Example...if primary is 192.168.0.1, make the second router something like 192.168.0.254, or 192.168.0.2. This way you can still hit it on the webUI to...do something if needed.

Also, avoid doing "myssid2.4" and "myssid5.0". That's so....early 2000's. Client devices have been smart enough for way long enough to make their own decision to latch onto the stronger/better of the 2 radios. Same SSID for all on that network!

But I generally avoid the router to....crippled router thing...sticking to a same brand product across the whole network..designed to all work together. Such as Ubiquiti Unifi, Amplifi, Netgear Orbi, etc.

 

[GTP]

Using "Access Point mode" I have 3 (+ the Telstra main router) setup
It literally took minutes and I have strong 2.4g and 5g right through my house and workshed.

I just used old client modems/routers.

It took longer to rename the access point than it did to setup.

 

[ComputerDave]

Thank you, I really appreciate everybody helping me out with this.

 

[ComputerDave]

Yep, it all worked flawlessly. Again, thank you all for your assistance!