jrhockin

Q: Can I use 2 routers on my home network?

Can I use 2 routers on my home network? I have a Xfinity modem/router combo but my Airport extreme must be a better router than what came with the Xfinity plan. I have been told that you can use 2 routers for various computers (iPhones, iPad, iMac, etc.) and select whichever one gives the best range and result.

 

Do you use a line splitter then for the cable hookup? Or Would I plug the Airport Extreme into the Xfinity router/modem using an Ethernet cable ? Anyway, what has worked for you wizards out there???

JIM

iMac, OS X El Capitan (10.11.3)

Posted on Jul 30, 2016 3:08 PM

Close

Q: Can I use 2 routers on my home network?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Csound1,

    Csound1 Csound1 Jul 30, 2016 3:10 PM in response to jrhockin
    Level 9 (50,511 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 30, 2016 3:10 PM in response to jrhockin

    Don't use 2 routers, they will conflict (without careful configuration) and even when they don't there is nothing to be gained by doing it.

  • by Tesserax,Helpful

    Tesserax Tesserax Jul 30, 2016 7:19 PM in response to jrhockin
    Level 9 (54,452 points)
    Wireless
    Jul 30, 2016 7:19 PM in response to jrhockin

    A few things:

    • The AirPort Extreme does not have a built-in modem, so you cannot directly replace the Xfinity gateway with it.
    • What is the exact make & model of the Xfinity gateway? It may, or may not be, "better" than the AirPort Extreme.
    • Which exact model of the Extreme do you have?
  • by jrhockin,

    jrhockin jrhockin Jul 30, 2016 7:18 PM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 30, 2016 7:18 PM in response to Tesserax

    The Xfinity is an Arris model TG1682G. The Airport is the Extreme model, the tall round one that looks like a silo and it white and cost $199. I would think it better than the Arris?

  • by jndupuis1,Helpful

    jndupuis1 jndupuis1 Jul 31, 2016 6:23 AM in response to jrhockin
    Level 2 (470 points)
    Jul 31, 2016 6:23 AM in response to jrhockin

    I do not recommend using a splitter. You'll reduce cable input signal. Price does not dictate whether or not one router brand is better than another. Look up the specs for both and that will show which is better.

    I'm with Csound1 in that two routers can conflict.

    Wireless Range Extender? (Not the "As Seen on TV" type.)

     

    Cheers!!

  • by jrhockin,

    jrhockin jrhockin Jul 31, 2016 6:25 AM in response to jrhockin
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 31, 2016 6:25 AM in response to jrhockin

    The Xfinity is an Arris model TG1682G. The Airport is the Extreme model, the tall round one that looks like a silo and it white and cost $199. I would think it better than the Arris?

  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax Jul 31, 2016 8:26 AM in response to jrhockin
    Level 9 (54,452 points)
    Wireless
    Jul 31, 2016 8:26 AM in response to jrhockin

    The Arris is an extremely capable router. I wouldn't necessarily consider it "better or not better" than the 802.11ac AirPort Extreme.

     

    I would suggest that you continue to use the Arris as your "main" router as it also has a built-in modem; the Extreme does not.

     

    You can then decide what you want to use the Extreme for. If the goal is to use it to extend the wireless range of the Arris, then the only method to do so would require that they are interconnected by Ethernet, and then, both of them would need to be configured for a roaming type network.

     

    With this type of network, each router will broadcast their own Wi-Fi network, but since they will all use the same network name, security type & password, wireless network clients will see them as a "single" network.

  • by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jul 31, 2016 8:35 AM in response to jrhockin
    Level 10 (105,079 points)
    Wireless
    Jul 31, 2016 8:35 AM in response to jrhockin

    The Arris will produce WiFi speeds up to 300 Mbps.  The AirPort will produce WiFi speeds up to 1300 Mbps. If connection speed capability is important to you, then the AirPort is "better" than the Arris.

     

    If wireless range is important you, the only way that you will know whether one product is "better" than another is try them both out in your home.

     

    Get the Arris up and running, if you have not already done so. Connect an Ethernet cable from one of the four LAN <--> ports on the Arris to the WAN "O" port on the AirPort, and set up the AirPort with a wireless network name and password of your choice.

     

    Connect your computer to the WiFi signal from the Arris and test out the connection. If you have a laptop, move it to the furthest point away from the Arris that you plan to use and check the connection that way.

     

    Then, connect your computer to the WiFi signal from the AirPort and test out the connection. If you have a laptop, move it to the furthest point away from the AirPort that you plan to use and check the connection that way.

     

    Decide on which device you want to use, then turn off the WiFi service on the other product, since you probably don't need two wireless networks......unless.....you want to designate one of them for guests or the kids.

  • by jndupuis1,

    jndupuis1 jndupuis1 Jul 31, 2016 8:50 AM in response to jrhockin
    Level 2 (470 points)
    Jul 31, 2016 8:50 AM in response to jrhockin

    Your Internet Service Provider has a list of supported Cable Modem model numbers. I would suggest you contact your ISP to make sure the AirPort Extreme is one of the models supported by them.

    Otherwise, WiFi coverage in your Home or Business either or ( AirPort or Xfinity ) will do the job. You will note that your Xfinity Specs allow use of Windows PC and MacOS for Set-Up. That is good. Some routers require Windows Only.

    Configuring two routers for extended range varies with Brand and Model. You will have to research and read up on doing this. As Csound1 told you, which I have done and concur with him, if there is a conflict or not, I do not think it pays off with the trouble. Read the instructions for doing this with Xfinity and AirPort Extreme. A Range Extender is the better way.

     

    Cheers!!

  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax Jul 31, 2016 9:17 AM in response to jndupuis1
    Level 9 (54,452 points)
    Wireless
    Jul 31, 2016 9:17 AM in response to jndupuis1

    Your Internet Service Provider has a list of supported Cable Modem model numbers. I would suggest you contact your ISP to make sure the AirPort Extreme is one of the models supported by them.

    Although it may just be a mix of terms, but the AirPort Extreme is a router and not a modem. I understand that sometimes the use of router and modem has been used to mean the same thing. They are not. In this case, the OP has a combination modem & router or gateway device. It's the modem compatibility that the ISP can assist with, not the router.

    You will note that your Xfinity Specs allow use of Windows PC and MacOS for Set-Up. That is good. Some routers require Windows Only.

    Most routers use a web-based administration interface. This can be accessed from Windows, OS X, or Linux clients. Only the Apple routers use a dedicated software application, called AirPort Utility. There are versions of this utility for OS X, Windows, and for iOS devices.

  • by jrhockin,

    jrhockin jrhockin Jul 31, 2016 10:48 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 31, 2016 10:48 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    Thanks Bob - very logical solution with detail! Way to go. All of the responders have made me just a bit smarter to a big thanks to the fellow users who make our lives easier!

     

    Jim