Recommended Free Tools
You can extend a home network with a second router, but “daisy chain” can describe several different setups. For a shared network with a wired connection, use the second router’s access point (AP) or bridge mode if its manual supports it. For a wireless connection, the exact devices must support a compatible repeater, bridge, or mesh mode. Leaving both devices in router mode can create a separate, nested network.
Choose the connection that matches your setup
| Setup | Connection between devices | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Wired AP | Ethernet from the primary network to a router that supports AP or bridge mode | Typically extends the same local network without adding a second routing and NAT layer. Port choice and which features remain available depend on the model. |
| Second router in router mode | Ethernet to the WAN port or the model’s specified uplink | Creates another routed network behind the first. This can result in double NAT, which may affect some connectivity needs. |
| Repeater or wireless bridge | Wireless uplink, if the device supports the mode | Extends or bridges a connection without Ethernet between devices. Support and behavior vary by model. |
| Mesh satellite daisy chain | Wireless backhaul from one satellite through another | Uses a supported mesh system’s topology. It is different from a layout where each satellite connects directly to the main router. |
Before choosing, decide whether you need one shared local network or a separate routed network, whether you can run Ethernet, and whether you rely on features such as guest Wi-Fi, VPN, parental controls, or device management. AP mode may disable some routing features, so check both devices’ manuals.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How to connect a second router over Ethernet
- Check both models. Find the exact model numbers and confirm that the second router supports AP or bridge mode. Its manual should specify the menu, Ethernet port, and features available in that mode.
- Decide which device will route the network. For a typical shared home network, keep the primary router responsible for routing and address assignment. Avoid leaving NAT and DHCP active on a second router on that same intended LAN unless you deliberately want a separate routed network.
- Set the second router to AP or bridge mode. Use the manufacturer’s instructions rather than assuming that a WAN or LAN port, DHCP setting, or menu label works the same across brands. ASUS, for example, says its supported AP mode uses Ethernet and disables NAT, firewall, and IP sharing by default; implementation varies by device (ASUS operation-mode guidance).
- Connect the devices with Ethernet. Use the port and cable arrangement specified for your model. NETGEAR describes AP mode as connecting a router to another router, while noting that some features may not be available in AP mode (NETGEAR’s router-mode and AP-mode explanation).
- Set up Wi-Fi as directed. Follow the system’s instructions for network names and radio settings. Identical Wi-Fi names alone do not guarantee seamless roaming. TP-Link recommends turning off the existing router’s Wi-Fi when using Deco with that router; that advice is specific to this setup, not a universal requirement (TP-Link’s Deco guidance for an existing router).
AP mode versus router mode
Use AP mode for a shared network
AP mode is generally the better fit when the second device extends coverage on the existing LAN over Ethernet. The primary router normally continues to route traffic and assign network addresses. What AP mode disables or retains—including firewall, VPN, guest-network, and management features—is model-specific.
Use router mode when you need another routed network
A second router in router mode can be appropriate when you intentionally want a separate network or need its routing behavior. If both the upstream gateway and downstream router perform NAT, the arrangement can create double NAT. That is a trade-off, not automatically a failure: some uses may work normally, while particular connectivity needs can be affected.
#1 Best Overall
- Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Wi-Fi - Next-gen Wi-Fi 6 AX3000 whole home mesh system to eliminate weak Wi-Fi for good(2×2/HE160 2402 Mbps plus 2×2 574 Mbps)
- Whole Home WiFi Coverage - Covers up to 6500 square feet with seamless high-performance Wi-Fi 6 and eliminate dead zones and buffering. Better than traditional WiFi booster and Range Extenders
- Connect More Devices - Deco X55(3-pack) is strong enough to connect up to 150 devices with strong and reliable Wi-Fi
- Our Cybersecurity Commitment - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement
- More Gigabit Ports - Each Deco X55 has 3 Gigabit Ethernet ports(6 in total for a 2-pack) and supports Wired Ethernet Backhaul for better speeds. Any of them can work as a Wi-Fi Router
When the first device is an ISP gateway that combines a modem and router, the right configuration depends on that gateway and the downstream router. NETGEAR describes two options for its products: bridge the ISP gateway and keep the downstream router in router mode to retain its features, or, if gateway bridge mode is unavailable, turn off gateway Wi-Fi and use the downstream device in AP mode. Check your provider’s instructions before changing gateway settings; available features can change when bridge mode is enabled (NETGEAR’s mode guidance).
Can routers connect wirelessly?
Only if the exact model supports the required wireless mode. Look for explicit support for repeater, wireless bridge, WDS, or a compatible mesh arrangement, then follow the vendor’s pairing and placement instructions. Ordinary router mode does not, by itself, mean a router can repeat another router’s Wi-Fi.
Rank #2
- A New Way to WiFi: Deco Mesh technology gives you a better WiFi experience in all directions with faster WiFi speeds and strong WiFi signal to cover your whole home.
- Better Coverage than traditional WiFi routers: Deco S4 three units work seamlessly to create a WiFi mesh network that can cover homes up to 5, 500 square feet. No dead zone anymore.
- Seamless and Stable WiFi Mesh: Rather than wifi range extender that need multiple network names and passwords, Deco S4 allows you to enjoy seamless roaming throughout the house, with a single network name and password.
- Incredibly fast 3× 3 6 Stream AC1900 speeds makes the deco capable of providing connectivity for up to 100 devices.
- With advanced Deco Mesh Technology, units work together to form a unified network with a single network name. Devices automatically switch between Decos as you move through your home for the fastest possible speeds.
Support differs across product families: ASUS documents repeater mode for supported routers, while TP-Link says Deco does not support repeater mode and requires its main unit to connect physically to the modem, router, or internet cable (ASUS operation-mode guidance; TP-Link’s Deco guidance).
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallWhat mesh daisy chaining means
In a supported mesh system, a satellite may connect to the main router through another satellite instead of linking directly to the router. NETGEAR uses “daisy chain” for this satellite-to-satellite path on applicable Orbi and Nighthawk Mesh systems; it distinguishes that layout from a star, where each satellite connects to the router (NETGEAR’s mesh daisy-chain explanation).
Rank #3
- 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐨 𝟕 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝟒-𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐁𝐄𝟓𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐅𝐢 𝟕: Delivers up to 4324 Mbps (5 GHz) and 688 Mbps (2.4 GHz) speeds for 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR gaming, and more◇. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, & obstacles such as walls.
- 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐖𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞-𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞: Covers up to 6,600 sq. ft. for over 150 devices with the option to expand anytime by adding another Deco router. All Deco routers work together.
- 𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 & 𝐖𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐮𝐥: Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5G Ethernet work together to balance traffic between Deco units for faster, more stable whole-home coverage. Backhaul requires at least two Deco units.§
- 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐩 & 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Set up and control your network in minutes with the Deco App. Keep your WiFi performing at its best by keeping the firmware updated through the App. All Wi-Fi routers require a separate modem. ⌂
- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
Do not assume that ordinary routers can form this topology or that all mesh systems support it. Node limits, wired-backhaul options, and placement guidance depend on the product family. Huawei, for example, states a limit of five secondary routers for its wireless Mesh+ method; that limit applies to the specified Huawei configuration, not to routers or mesh systems generally (Huawei’s Mesh+ cascading instructions).
Quick Recap
Best Value
- OUR MOST AFFORDABLE WI-FI 7 ROUTER - eero 7 helps you future-proof your network and make the most of Wi-Fi 7 performance starting today.
- SAY GOODBYE TO DEAD SPOTS - eero 7 minimizes network disruptions to help ensure you have fast, reliable wifi in every room of your home.
- FULL SPEED AHEAD - Support for internet plans up to 2.5 Gbps with two auto-sensing 2.5 GbE ports and wireless speeds up to 1.8 Gbps.
- HIGHLY CONNECTED - Three eero 7s support 120+ devices and 6,000 sq. ft. of coverage, so there’s plenty of reliable Wi-Fi 7 performance to go around.
- BACKWARD COMPATIBLE - eero 7 is backward compatible with all previous generations of eero and compatible with eero Built-in on select Amazon Echo devices.
Rank #4
- WHOLE-HOME COVERAGE WITH NO DEAD ZONES: The router plus satellites create a seamless mesh system that blanket up to 6,000 sq ft in fast, reliable WiFi from the front door to the backyard and basement to rooftop, link up to 70 devices on one network
- EVERYONE ONLINE AT ONCE, NO SLOWDOWNS: Dual-Band technology with Enhanced Backhaul helps deliver faster WiFi across your home so WiFi stays fast on every device simultaneously
- NEXT-GEN WIFI 7 SPEEDS: Up to 5 Gbps, 2.4X faster than WiFi 6, for 8K streaming, gaming, VR & video calls. Your phones, laptops and TVs all connect, including WiFi 6 and WiFi 5. Real-world speeds vary depending on connected devices and internet plan
- EASY SET UP WITH THE ORBI APP: Guided step-by-step setup gets your mesh network running fast, then manage devices and guest WiFi from anywhere
- WORKS WITH ANY INTERNET PROVIDER: Compatible with cable or fiber Internet Service Provider equipment and ready for plans up to 2.5 Gbps. Simply connect Orbi to your existing modem for whole-home WiFi
Quick checks if the extension does not work
- Confirm that the second device is in the intended mode and that you used the port specified in its manual.
- For one shared LAN, verify that the primary router is handling routing and address assignment, and that the second device is not creating an unintended routed network.
- For wireless extension, confirm that both the device and its firmware support the chosen repeater, bridge, or mesh feature; similar-looking menu names across brands do not guarantee compatible behavior.
- If an ISP gateway and a downstream router are both in router mode, check whether double NAT is expected in your setup and whether the specific connectivity issue calls for a different topology.
- If Wi-Fi coverage remains poor, review the mesh or repeater maker’s placement guidance and supported topology instead of assuming that adding another router will automatically improve coverage.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
