Why a second router can make a home network harder to manage
Engadget says most households should use mesh Wi-Fi, access point mode or an Ethernet switch instead of running two routers in default router mode.
Adding a second router may appear to be a simple way to fix weak Wi-Fi, but Engadget warns that leaving both devices in their standard router modes can create double NAT and two separate private networks.
Double NAT generally does not make everyday browsing or streaming noticeably slower. It can, however, complicate online gaming, port forwarding and Universal Plug and Play, while devices such as computers and printers may have difficulty finding one another across the separate networks.
For households seeking broader coverage, Engadget recommends a mesh Wi-Fi system, whose nodes extend a single network. A spare router may also be reused as an access point, particularly where Ethernet is available. In that configuration, the primary router continues handling routing, firewall and IP-sharing functions.
An Ethernet switch is the more suitable option where Wi-Fi coverage is adequate but additional wired connections are needed. It adds ports to the existing network without introducing another routing layer.
The issue can also arise when an internet service provider’s gateway is connected to a separate router or mesh system. Bridge mode may allow the customer’s equipment to manage the network, although the exact process varies by provider and hardware, and the setting can affect other gateway services. Alternatively, the customer can leave the gateway in charge and configure the secondary device for access point mode.
Access point mode may disable features including some VPN, quality-of-service, parental-control and port-forwarding functions. Two routers remain useful where separate networks are intentional, such as in a home lab or when testing networking equipment and settings.
