Problem: Connecting a TV decoder via Internet. It doesn't have inbuilt wifi so wired LAN is the only option. I bought a second Wifi Router so I could use its LAN port to create a wired internet connection to my decoder.
What I want to achieve:
The second Wifi Router should basically pick up the signal from the main wifi router. I would then use the LAN port to connect (with a wire) to the TV decoder. In other words have my secondary Wifi Router act as an access point, which will enable me to use a wired LAN connection to the decoder.
What i've done so far:
Connected the second Wifi Router to my laptop via the LAN ports. Access 192.168.1.1 and went into my second router. 1) SSID set to the same one as the main Wifi Router 2) Tried disabling DHCP and enabling DHCP (with the DNS and default gateway configured the same as the main router).
When I check my network connections, I see the LAN connection too but it says 'Not connected to the internet' while the Wifi (main router) shows connected.
Can someone please advise on how to use my second Wifi Router to connect to the main Wifi Router (and thus the Internet).
Thanks.
main wifi router: Zyxel
secondary wifi router: TP Link
Best Answer
It sounds like what you're trying to achieve is wireless bridging, where you're connecting two networks via wireless instead of via physical cable. Generally speaking, putting two routers on the same SSID doesn't make them function on the same network inherently. Your routers must explicitly support wireless bridging to take advantage of it, otherwise, you're better off physically linking both routers.
Without knowing the specific model, I can't say for sure if your wireless routers support that functionality.
That being said, you should opt for the wired option.
Update (wireless bridging configurations):
For the ZyXel, go to page 56/Chapter 4.5 of the NBG-416N User Manual
For the TP Link, go to page 28/Chapter 4.6 of the TL WR543G User Manual