It’s worth noting, for example, that cheaper mesh ‘extenders’ typically create a new SSID per extender. There’s nothing wrong with this option, though the performance of your mesh network will depend on the quality of the devices you’ve purchased. The second possibility is that you’re using dedicated mesh devices but, for whatever reason, need to keep your existing router plugged into the network. Head into the device’s Wireless Setup settings.Set the router’s IP address to an unused address.Disable DHCP on the router you want to use as a repeater.If the above option does not exist, continue with these steps:.If the option exists, change the device mode to ‘wireless repeater’.Head to the router’s IP address to access the management portal.Plug your second router or AP into one of your existing router’s ports, then into your computer at the other end.Here’s a generic method to follow if you can’t find your manufacturer’s documentation: Since the finer details of the process will differ depending on the device type, brand and model, most manufacturers will provide details of how to enable this mode if the device supports it. The device(s) you want to use as a wireless repeater, however, must be put into wireless repeater mode. If you do choose to follow this route, the method is below.įor this solution, you can leave your existing router to continue acting as a network gateway. Unless you’re (i) using high-quality mesh devices with excellent throughput capabilities, (ii) have an excellent starting point in terms of network sync speeds into the property, (iii) are using modern mesh devices that support intelligent handoff and can share SSIDs across the network, then your ‘mesh’ experience is likely to be one big frustrating mess.Įasy setup, meanwhile, is dependent on using a single brand and compatible models that can be managed via a mobile app (as mesh devices often are). What’s more, for each wireless ‘hop’ in the mesh network, you can expect a 50% or greater drop in throughput (and, therefore, performance). This is a capability built into higher-end, modern mesh devices, but will not be present if you’re using a standard AP or router as a repeater. In many ways, you can ‘approximate’ a mesh network but receive none of the benefits, which include a more stable, reliable connection while roaming and easy setup.Ī stable connection, for example, depends on your mesh devices supporting seamless handoff. That’s because not all ‘mesh networks’ are created equal. To be clear, this option is not recommended. The first possibility is that you’re looking to create a ‘mesh’ network using regular APs, or a spare router you’ve got lying around, as wireless repeaters. How to Add a Mesh Network to an Existing Router Option One: Using APs/Routers as Wireless Repeaters When one considers the benefits of mesh networks, including easy setup, wireless implementation and seamless handoff for a stable, reliable end-user experience, it’s easy to see their attraction.Īnd, if users use quality hardware, mesh networks often are effective solutions.Įspecially for small/home office users that need to cover reasonable, but not exorbitant, distances with their wireless coverage and have moderate-to-high network density, but want to implement a quick solution that doesn’t require knocking through walls to run ethernet cables. Unfortunately, not all mesh networks are created equal and the further your implementation is from the ideal, the further your network performance will be from the ideal. You see, some consider ‘mesh’ as a sort of superpower they can bestow upon their network, expecting a host of rewards to rain down upon them and their fellow network users the minute they set up anything approximating a mesh network. The long answer is, “You can, but you have to do it properly if you want the benefits.” Home Blog NetworkingĬan I Add a Mesh Network to an Existing Router Comparable results can be achieved with powerline adapters. You can add a mesh network to an existing router, but this is best done with dedicated mesh devices.
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