How to Cascade Routers

A good way to expand your wired or wireless network is to cascade routers. A router cascade means that 2 or more routers are connected to each other through an Ethernet cable. There are 2 ways to cascade routers: connect an Ethernet port on the second router to an Ethernet port on the first, or connect the Internet port on the second router to an Ethernet port on the first.

Quick Steps

  1. Connect the secondary router to your computer with an Ethernet cable.
  2. Use a web browser to access the router's local IP settings .
  3. Disable the router's DHCP Server and set it to Operation Mode .
  4. Change the last digit of the secondary router's IP address.
  5. Use an Ethernet cable to connect the secondary router to the primary router.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Connecting Ethernet to Ethernet (LAN to LAN)

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Cascade-Routers-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Cascade-Routers-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Cascade-Routers-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid1448569-v4-728px-Cascade-Routers-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your primary modem is the router with a direct connection to the internet or modem. Your secondary router will be connected to the internet through the primary router.
    • Generally, you should use the most current router as your primary router.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Cascade-Routers-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Cascade-Routers-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Cascade-Routers-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/aid1448569-v4-728px-Cascade-Routers-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Connect an AC adapter to your secondary router, and plug it into an electrical outlet near a computer you can use to set up the secondary router.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Cascade-Routers-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Cascade-Routers-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Cascade-Routers-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/aid1448569-v4-728px-Cascade-Routers-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use an Ethernet cable to plug into one of the numbered Ethernet ports on the back of the router and to an Ethernet port on your computer. Make sure it is not plugged into your primary router.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ac\/Cascade-Routers-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Cascade-Routers-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ac\/Cascade-Routers-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/aid1448569-v4-728px-Cascade-Routers-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Connect to the secondary router's IP address with a web browser.
    • Depending on the make of your router, you may have to navigate to a specific URL to access your router's web-based configuration menu. Consult your router's user manual or manufacturer's website to find out what the IP address for your router is. 192.168.1.1 is one of the most common router IP addresses.
    • You may need to log in to the router's configuration menu. "Admin" is the most common username and/or password. Consult the user's manual or manufacturer's website to learn more about how to log in to your router's configuration page.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0b\/Cascade-Routers-Step-5-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Cascade-Routers-Step-5-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0b\/Cascade-Routers-Step-5-Version-4.jpg\/aid1448569-v4-728px-Cascade-Routers-Step-5-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Look for this option under local IP settings. The key here is to make sure that your secondary router has a different final digit than the IP address of your primary router.
    • An example IP for your primary router is 192.168.1.1. So an example of your secondary router's IP address could be 192.168.1.2.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Cascade-Routers-Step-6-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Cascade-Routers-Step-6-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Cascade-Routers-Step-6-Version-4.jpg\/aid1448569-v4-728px-Cascade-Routers-Step-6-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The configuration menu is different for each router make and model. This can often be found under "Setup", "Advanced Settings", "Network Settings", ect. Read "How to Configure a Router to Use DHCP" to learn more about how to locate the router's DHCP settings.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Cascade-Routers-Step-7-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Cascade-Routers-Step-7-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Cascade-Routers-Step-7-Version-4.jpg\/aid1448569-v4-728px-Cascade-Routers-Step-7-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is often located in an advanced settings menu.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/40\/Cascade-Routers-Step-8-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Cascade-Routers-Step-8-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/40\/Cascade-Routers-Step-8-Version-4.jpg\/aid1448569-v4-728px-Cascade-Routers-Step-8-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use an Ethernet cable to plug into any one of the numbered Ethernet ports on the primary router. Then plug the other end of that cable into a numbered Ethernet port on the back of the secondary router. Your routers are now cascaded.
    9. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Connecting Ethernet to Internet (LAN to WAN)

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/da\/Cascade-Routers-Step-9-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Cascade-Routers-Step-9-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/da\/Cascade-Routers-Step-9-Version-4.jpg\/aid1448569-v4-728px-Cascade-Routers-Step-9-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use the AC adapter that came with your router to plug it into an electrical outlet near a computer you can use to setup your secondary router.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Cascade-Routers-Step-10-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Cascade-Routers-Step-10-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Cascade-Routers-Step-10-Version-4.jpg\/aid1448569-v4-728px-Cascade-Routers-Step-10-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use an Ethernet cable to connect to one of the numbered ports on your secondary router. Connect the other end to an Ethernet port on your computer.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0f\/Cascade-Routers-Step-11-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Cascade-Routers-Step-11-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0f\/Cascade-Routers-Step-11-Version-4.jpg\/aid1448569-v4-728px-Cascade-Routers-Step-11-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Enter the secondary router's IP address into a web browser to access the router's IP address.
    • 192.168.1.1 is one of the most common router IP addresses. If that does not work, consult the user's manual or manufacturer's website to learn how to log in to the routers configuration page.
    • You may need to log in to the router's configuration menu. "Admin" is the most common username and/or password. Consult the user's manual or manufacturer's website to learn more about how to log in to your router's configuration page.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Cascade-Routers-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cascade-Routers-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Cascade-Routers-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/aid1448569-v4-728px-Cascade-Routers-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The second-to-last digit of your local IP address should be different from your primary router.
    • If your primary IP address is 192.168.0.1 then your secondary router's IP address should be something like 192.168.2.1.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ac\/Cascade-Routers-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cascade-Routers-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ac\/Cascade-Routers-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/aid1448569-v4-728px-Cascade-Routers-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Disconnect your secondary router from your computer.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ad\/Cascade-Routers-Step-14-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cascade-Routers-Step-14-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ad\/Cascade-Routers-Step-14-Version-2.jpg\/aid1448569-v4-728px-Cascade-Routers-Step-14-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use an Ethernet cable to connect to one of the numbered ports on your primary router. Then plug the other end of the cable into the Internet port of your secondary router. Your routers are now cascaded.
    7. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How does the wireless router connect with a WiFi antenna?
    Community Answer
    Here at my house, the Wi-Fi antenna is just for the connection from the devices (computer, tablet, roku) to the router. The reason the router works is because it has a cabled connection to the ISP, Spectrum Internet. The router acts at the default gateway for all the devices. So the home itself is like a tiny LAN. I happen to have an Ethernet cord on my laptop, and true to form, it is in the network at 192.168.0.2. (The gateway is 192.168.0.1 - one less.) IP addresses are best assigned via DHCP. If statically assigned it leaves room for a lot of error and it's unnecessary. The only devices that benefit from static IP addresses are printers and servers.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 11 Helpful 9
  • Question
    How do I activate a secondary router's WiFi?
    Community Answer
    Just leave it on, and configure it so it is different then the primary router.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 14 Helpful 2
  • Question
    Which configuration for cascading routers is preferred, LAN to LAN or LAN to WAN? My computer will be connected via WiFi.
    Community Answer
    It depends on your network setup. If you have 2 separate networks at home (office network and home network for example), then you can configure it using LAN to WAN. If you only have 1 network at home, use LAN to LAN. If you chose LAN to WAN, it would be best to name your networks differently for you to easily identify which network you are connected to.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 4
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • When you connect your secondary router's Internet port to the main router's Ethernet port, you can determine which router devices connect to since they will have different LAN IP segments.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • When you connect your second router's Ethernet port to your primary router's Ethernet port, devices that connect to either router will be on the same LAN IP segment.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Connect Two Routers
      How to
      Configure a Linksys Router
      How to
      See Who Is Connected to Your Wireless Network
      Mirror Your Screen to a TV: Miracast, Chromecast & Wireless HDMI
      How to
      Connect a Router to a Modem
      How to
      Find the WiFi Password of a Past Connection Using Command Prompt (CMD)
      Easy Ways to Change the Wi-Fi Network Name
      7 Simple Steps to Hide Your Wireless Network
      How to
      Reset Your Router Password
      How to
      Locate the SSID On Your Computer (Windows & Mac)
      How to
      Set Up and Connect to a Wi-Fi Network: Easy Guide
      4 Simple Ways To Add an HP Printer to a Wireless Network
      10 Easy Steps to Set Up a Wireless Router
      How to
      Use a Router As a Switch
      Advertisement

      References

      1. http://www.labnol.org/internet/connect-two-routers/13517/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Plug in your secondary router and connect it to a computer via an Ethernet cable.
      2. Log in to the secondary router's configuration menu using the router's IP address.
      3. Change the secondary router's IP address so that it is different from the primary router's IP address.
      4. Disable the secondary router's DHCP server settings.
      5. Enable Operating mode on the secondary router.
      6. Connect the secondary router to the primary router using an ethernet cable.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 446,729 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement