Short answer
Having two routers does not automatically slow your internet. Your speed is mostly set by your plan, your modem and the weakest link between your device and the internet. A second router can cause trouble when it is set up in a way that makes the two devices compete, or when the wireless link between them is poor. A second router set up well can actually improve Wi-Fi coverage.
Why people add a second router
- Weak Wi-Fi in a far room, garage or outbuilding
- An old router replaced by a new one and the old one left plugged in
- A provider gateway plus a personal router
- Extra Ethernet ports in another room
Each case has a different best setup, and the setups below fit them.
What can go wrong
Double NAT
When a second router is plugged into the first router’s Internet port in its default mode, both routers do network address translation. This creates two private networks, one nested inside the other. Normal browsing and streaming usually work, but some online games, voice chat, port forwarding, remote access and smart home gadgets can have trouble. It is not usually a big drop in raw speed.
Two DHCP servers
If two routers both hand out IP addresses on the same network, devices can get conflicting settings and drop connections. Only one device on a network should act as the DHCP server.
Overlapping Wi-Fi channels
Two routers placed close together on the same channel interfere with each other. Using different channels, or placing them further apart, helps. Giving both networks the same name and password can make devices switch between them in odd ways, so some people prefer separate names.
A wireless hop in the middle
If the second router connects to the first over Wi-Fi (as a repeater or wireless bridge; see Wi-Fi repeater vs bridge), the link has to share the same airtime, and speeds can fall noticeably on the far side. A wired connection avoids this.
The best setup: second router as an access point
For extra coverage, the usual recommendation is to use the second router as an access point.
- Connect to the second router from a computer and log in to its settings.
- Switch it to access point mode if it has one. If not, turn off its DHCP server and give it a fixed address on the first router’s network, outside the first router’s DHCP range. Check the maker’s instructions for your model.
- Connect an Ethernet cable from a LAN port on the first router to a LAN port on the second router. When you have turned off DHCP manually, avoid the second router’s Internet port.
- Set a different Wi-Fi channel on each router, or use the same network name only if the devices are designed for roaming.
A wired connection to the main router matters most. A mesh system, or a powerline or MoCA adapter, are other options if you cannot run a cable.
Using a provider gateway plus your own router
Many provider-supplied gateways are modem and router in one. If you want your own router to do the routing, ask your provider about bridge mode (sometimes called IP passthrough) for the gateway, which turns off its router functions. Our guides on using a router with a modem/router combo and using your own router with Spectrum cover this in more detail. If you cannot do that, you may end up with double NAT, which is often acceptable if you do not game or host services.
Does a second router slow down speed tests?
Each extra hop adds a small delay, but routers are fast enough that you will not usually notice this on a wired connection. If the second router is old, with 100 Mbps ports or a slow processor, it can limit speed if you route traffic through it (see what to do with an old router for ways to use one well). This is more of a problem with a gigabit plan. For how hardware limits show up, see whether your router or modem affects internet speed.
Where not to place a router
Avoid putting a router inside a cabinet, on the floor, behind a TV, near a microwave or beside large metal objects, which weaken Wi-Fi. Central and elevated is typically best. If Wi-Fi is slow even right next to the router, the issue is probably the device, the channel, or the connection into the router rather than distance.
How to check what you did helped
Run a speed test by Ethernet at the main router, then on Wi-Fi in the room that was weak, before and after the change. Check the number of devices if speeds still fall at busy times: our guide on how many devices a router can handle can help. If you are troubleshooting a specific Netgear unit, see our Netgear slow-internet guide.