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Multi-Router Network Setup Guide for 400+ Users

Overview

This guide explains how to connect multiple routers/Access Points (APs) to your main router to create a seamless network that can support 400+ concurrent users. The setup converts secondary routers into Access Points, creating one unified network.

Diagram of Multiple Routers Connected to Main Router in a Large Network


Network Architecture

[ISP/Internet]
       │
[Main Router: 172.16.16.1]
       │
 ┌───────────────┬───────────────┬───────────────┐
 │               │               │               │
[AP1: 172.16.16.2] [AP2: 172.16.16.3] [AP3: 172.16.16.4]

PART 1: Main Router Setup (172.16.16.1)

Prerequisites

  • Main router connected to ISP
  • Computer/laptop for configuration
  • Admin access to router

Step 1.1: Access Main Router

  1. Connect your PC/laptop to the main router via Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi
  2. Open web browser and navigate to: 172.16.16.1
  3. Login with admin credentials (check router label for defaults)

Step 1.2: Configure Network Settings

IP Configuration

  1. Router IP Address: Keep as 172.16.16.1
  2. Subnet Mask: Set to 255.255.254.0
    • This creates a /23 network supporting 512 IP addresses
    • Range: 172.16.16.1 to 172.16.17.254

DHCP Configuration

  1. Enable DHCP Server: ✅ ON
  2. DHCP Start Range: 172.16.16.10
  3. DHCP End Range: 172.16.17.250
  4. Lease Time: 24 hours (or as needed)

DNS Configuration

  1. Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS)
  2. Secondary DNS: 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare DNS)

Step 1.3: Save and Reboot

  1. Click "Save" or "Apply" to save all changes
  2. Reboot the router
  3. Wait 2-3 minutes for router to fully restart

PART 2: Configure Secondary Routers as Access Points

Step 2.1: Access Secondary Router

  1. Disconnect from main router
  2. Connect PC/laptop directly to secondary router
  3. Open browser and navigate to router's default IP (e.g., 192.168.13.1)
  4. Login with admin credentials

Step 2.2: Convert to Access Point Mode

Change IP Address

  1. Navigate to Network Settings or LAN Settings
  2. Change router IP from default to sequential IP in main network:
    • First AP: 172.16.16.2
    • Second AP: 172.16.16.3
    • Third AP: 172.16.16.4
    • And so on...

Disable DHCP

  1. Find DHCP Settings in router menu
  2. Disable DHCP Server ❌ OFF
  3. This prevents IP conflicts - only main router assigns IPs

Network Configuration

  1. Subnet Mask: 255.255.254.0 (same as main router)
  2. Default Gateway: 172.16.16.1 (main router IP)
  3. Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
  4. Secondary DNS: 1.1.1.1

Step 2.3: Save and Reboot

  1. Save all changes
  2. Reboot the secondary router
  3. Wait for complete restart

Step 2.4: Physical Connection

  1. Use Ethernet cable to connect:
    • Main Router LAN Port → Secondary Router LAN Port
    • ⚠️ IMPORTANT: Do NOT use WAN port on secondary router
  2. Repeat this process for all additional routers

PART 3: Wi-Fi Configuration and Testing

Step 3.1: Configure Wireless Settings

SSID Configuration

  1. Access each router's wireless settings
  2. Set identical SSID name on all routers (e.g., "OpenWiFi")
  3. Set identical password on all routers
  4. This enables seamless roaming between access points

Channel Configuration

To avoid interference, use different channels:

2.4GHz Band:

  • Router 1: Channel 1
  • Router 2: Channel 6
  • Router 3: Channel 11
  • Router 4: Channel 1 (repeat pattern)

5GHz Band:

  • Use channels 36, 40, 44, 48, 149, 153, 157, 161
  • Space them apart (e.g., 36, 44, 149, 157)

Security Settings

  1. Encryption: WPA2-PSK or WPA3-PSK
  2. Password: Use strong 12+ character password
  3. Same settings on all routers

Step 3.2: Network Testing

IP Address Verification

  1. Connect devices to different access points
  2. Check that all devices receive IPs in range 172.16.16.x to 172.16.17.x
  3. Verify internet connectivity on all access points

Roaming Test

  1. Connect device to one access point
  2. Move to coverage area of another access point
  3. Verify seamless handoff without disconnection

Load Testing

  1. Connect multiple devices to different access points
  2. Test internet speed and connectivity
  3. Monitor for any performance issues

PART 4: Advanced Configuration (For 400+ Users)

Step 4.1: Quality of Service (QoS)

  1. Enable QoS on main router
  2. Set bandwidth limits per device (e.g., 10Mbps per user)
  3. Prioritize traffic (web browsing > file downloads)

Step 4.2: Access Control

  1. MAC Address Filtering: For security if needed
  2. Guest Network: Separate network for visitors
  3. Time-based Access: Limit hours if required

Step 4.3: Monitoring and Management

  1. Enable SNMP for network monitoring
  2. Set up logging for troubleshooting
  3. Regular firmware updates for security

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Devices not getting IP addresses

Solution:

  • Verify DHCP is enabled only on main router
  • Check DHCP range has available IPs
  • Restart both main router and access points

Problem: No internet on secondary access points

Solution:

  • Verify LAN-to-LAN connection (not WAN)
  • Check gateway setting points to main router
  • Verify DNS settings are correct

Problem: Slow speeds with many users

Solution:

  • Enable QoS and bandwidth limiting
  • Upgrade to business-grade equipment
  • Add more access points to distribute load

Problem: Devices not roaming between APs

Solution:

  • Verify identical SSID and password
  • Check channel spacing for interference
  • Consider 802.11k/v/r roaming protocols

Hardware Recommendations for 400+ Users

Consumer Grade (Budget Option)

  • Main Router: ASUS AX6000 or Netgear Nighthawk AX12
  • Access Points: TP-Link AC1750 or similar
  • Switches: Netgear 24-port Gigabit switches

Business Grade (Recommended)

  • Main Router: Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro
  • Access Points: Ubiquiti UniFi Wi-Fi 6 Access Points
  • Switches: UniFi 24-port PoE switches
  • Controller: UniFi Network Controller for centralized management

Enterprise Grade (High Performance)

  • Main Router: Cisco ISR 4000 series
  • Access Points: Cisco Catalyst 9100 series
  • Switches: Cisco Catalyst 9300 series

Final Network Topology

Internet/ISP
      │
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│          Main Router (172.16.16.1)                     │
│          DHCP: 172.16.16.10 - 172.16.17.250           │
│          Subnet: 255.255.254.0                         │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
      │
┌─────┴─────┬─────────────┬─────────────┬─────────────┐
│           │             │             │             │
│  AP1      │    AP2      │    AP3      │    AP4      │
│172.16.16.2│172.16.16.3  │172.16.16.4  │172.16.16.5  │
│DHCP: OFF  │DHCP: OFF    │DHCP: OFF    │DHCP: OFF    │
│           │             │             │             │
└───────────┴─────────────┴─────────────┴─────────────┘

Maintenance Schedule

Daily

  • Monitor network performance
  • Check for disconnected devices

Weekly

  • Review bandwidth usage
  • Check for firmware updates

Monthly

  • Full network performance test
  • Review access logs
  • Update security settings

Security Considerations

  1. Change default passwords on all routers
  2. Disable WPS on all access points
  3. Enable firewall on main router
  4. Use VLANs for network segmentation if needed
  5. Regular security audits and penetration testing

This setup will provide a robust, scalable network capable of supporting 400+ concurrent users with seamless roaming and centralized management through your main router at 172.16.16.1.

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