How to Extend WiFi Range with Another Router – Full Guide (Wired & Wireless)

If you’re struggling with weak WiFi signals in some parts of your home or office, you’re not alone. Whether you’re using JioFiber, Airtel Xstream, ACT, or any other broadband service, WiFi dead zones are common in larger spaces. The good news is—you can solve this easily and affordably. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to extend WiFi range with another router, either using a wired connection or wirelessly.

Yes, your old or spare router can actually become a powerful WiFi range extender if configured correctly. Let’s walk through both methods in the simplest way possible.

How to Extend WiFi Range with Another Router Using a Wired Connection

Most modern routers have limited coverage, especially in multi-story homes or buildings with thick walls. If you have areas where your devices barely connect to WiFi or the speed drops significantly, extending your WiFi range can fix that.

Instead of buying a new extender or mesh system, you can reuse an old router and save money. This is the most cost-effective way to increase WiFi coverage without sacrificing speed or stability.

This is the most reliable and high-speed method. It involves connecting your secondary router to the main router with an Ethernet cable and configuring it as an access point.

Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Reset your old router to factory settings.
2. Connect to the router via WiFi or LAN and log in using its IP address (usually something like 192.168.0.1).
3. Disable the DHCP server in the settings of the second router.
4. Assign a static IP address in the same range as your main router (e.g., if your main router is 192.168.1.1, set the second one as 192.168.1.2).
5. Connect an Ethernet cable from the main router’s LAN port to one of the LAN ports on the second router (not the WAN port).
6. Use the same WiFi name (SSID) and password if you want seamless roaming, or different ones if you want manual control.

That’s it. You’ve now created a wired access point that extends your WiFi range to a new area with full-speed, stable connectivity.

How to Extend WiFi Range with Another Router Wirelessly

If running a cable isn’t an option, you can still extend your WiFi wirelessly. Many routers support this through Repeater Mode or WDS (Wireless Distribution System).

There are two ways to do this:

Repeater Mode

1. Login to your old router’s admin panel.
2. Look for Repeater Mode or Range Extender Mode.
3. Select your main router’s WiFi network and enter the password.
4. Save the settings and reboot.

Your old router will now repeat the WiFi signal from your main router, extending its range wirelessly.

WDS Bridging

If Repeater Mode is not available, try WDS Bridging (available in many TP-Link, D-Link, and Mi routers):

1. Enable WDS or Wireless Bridge Mode from the settings.
2. Manually enter your main WiFi SSID and password.
3. Match the wireless channel with the main router.
4. Disable DHCP and assign a static IP (like 192.168.1.3).
5. Save and restart the router.

This connects both routers wirelessly and allows devices to connect to the second router’s WiFi, extending coverage.

Real Examples from Users

Users across YouTube and tech forums have successfully used these methods:

• JioFiber users extended WiFi to another floor using Mi and TP-Link routers wirelessly.
• Airtel Xstream customers configured access points in large homes using LAN cables, maintaining 90–100% of original speed.
• Some users even shared connections with neighbors through long Ethernet cables, cutting down internet bills while extending range.

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These setups confirm that learning how to extend WiFi range with another router can make a real difference without spending extra on new equipment.

Tips for Best Results

• Always disable DHCP on the secondary router to avoid IP conflicts.
• Use LAN-to-LAN for access points, not LAN-to-WAN.
• Place the second router midway between the main router and the dead zone.
• Prefer 5GHz for speed, 2.4GHz for better coverage through walls.
• Use the same SSID and password for smooth roaming between routers.

Bonus: Save Internet Costs with Smart Sharing

Many users not only extended their WiFi but also used this setup to share internet with nearby friends or neighbors. For example, one user ran a Cat6 cable from their Airtel Fiber router to their neighbor’s home 200 meters away. The neighbor used a dual-band router configured as an access point.

Both households now share a single 200 Mbps unlimited plan—splitting the cost without compromising performance.

Conclusion

Now you know exactly how to extend WiFi range with another router, using both wired and wireless methods. If you have an old router lying around, don’t let it go to waste. Configure it as an access point or repeater and enjoy stronger, more stable internet across your home or office.

This method works for all major ISPs including JioFiber, Airtel Xstream Fiber, ACT, BSNL, and more. It’s affordable, effective, and completely DIY.

If you want a custom setup guide based on your router models, just let me know and I’ll help you configure it step by step.