How To Setup WDS Between Two Router

Wireless Distribution System (WDS) permits network connection between multiple access points. As the name suggests, it can be connected between two routers without a wire. If you want to use the network connection beyond the network coverage area, you’ll have to install a secondary router to the place where there is low network strength. This expands the network coverage area. WDS system helps you to connect the new router to your existing router wirelessly, so that you can access internet in the non-coverage area.

Follow these steps before connecting two routers with the Wireless distribution System.

Step 1:Set up your new router where there is low network range.

Step 2:Turn ON WDS on any one router.

Step 3:The LAN IP address should be different for the two routers but have the same root subnet, and the DHCP server on the new router should be disabled.

Setup of WDS between two routers:

Step 1:You can start connecting your new router to expand the existing network as the old router is already connected to your network.
Step 2:Since you are connecting your new router for the first time, use an Ethernet cable for the connection.
Step 3:Plug in one side of an Ethernet cable to the WAN port of the router and the other side to the network modem.
Step 4:With the help of another Ethernet cable connect your computer/laptop to the LAN port of the router.
Step 5:After connecting your new router to the computer, log in to the router page using the default credentials, which can be found on the label attached to the router.
Step 6:Under Wireless tab, check the Enable WDS Bridging box for any one router.
Step 7:Enter the SSID details manually. If you don’t know the details, click on Survey and choose your network. Then click Connect.
Step 8:Enter the details of Key type and password of your current network.
Step 9:On the top, create a name for your network and enter it in Wireless Network Name box. This name will be displayed to the users who want to connect to the current network.
Step 10:Select your Region.
Step 11:When a window prompts up, you will be asked to change your Channel to the Bridged AP Channel, click Yes.
Step 12:Go to the DHCP tab and click Disable DHCP server.
Step 13:Select the Network tab and change the LAN IP address of the new router to match with that of the old router, such that they have the same root subnet. Then, click Save.
Step 14:A window pops-up prompting you to reboot your device, select OK.
Step 15:After completing the setup of the new router, you can remove the cables.
Step 16:Now, you can place it in the location where your network connectivity is low.
Step 17:Make sure to choose a location within the range of the old router.
Step 18:Now, you can connect laptops or mobile devices to the new wireless network. This works as a bridged network.
Step 19:You can change the username and password for the new wireless network if needed. You can set this on the Wireless Security page.