Can you connect access points in a chain?
Can you connect access points in a chain?
I have three structures on the property. My modem (currently DSL) is in building #1 and linked to building #2 via Cat6 cable to a Netgear Router Model #R6400v2. From building #2, I have Cat6 cable to building #3 connected to a Netgear Router Model#R6220 which is configured as an access point. In the near future, my service will be upgraded to Fiber at building #1. I plan to connect directly into the Netgear R6400v2 router in building #1 using the fiber modem converter. Then I intend to route from this router to the Netgear R6220 in building #3, and possibly set up a new AP there.
The question is – can I link an access point from building #3 to the one in building #2, which is connected to the router in building #1? If yes, which ports should be used? If chaining APs isn’t possible, what equipment can I use to get internet access to building #3 without running a direct cable from building #1 to building #3?
Thanks!
I’m not entirely sure about the environment. If there are cables already in place between buildings, why move anything? The network’s speed will depend on the slowest part. I recommend two diagrams: one showing the current devices and connections, and another illustrating the proposed changes. Please take a photo or scan of these diagrams and share them here via imgur (www.imgur.com). There are people here who know a lot about network layout, and having the diagrams will be very useful. No need for artistic quality or scale—just clarity and consistency in distances.
Here is the information you requested.
View: https://imgur.com/a/NgbLRdu
Image: https://imgur.com/a/NgbLRdu
You can connect APs in a chain like this, ensuring the entire LAN string stays within 1Gbit limits.
For your latest high-speed router—likely with the newest firmware and security patches—it makes sense to use it as the gateway.
Performance considerations arise: the R6400v2 with a 1GHz ARM processor can handle around 700Mbps WAN, but in LAN tests it typically reaches about 700Mbps during reviews.
Since this device is at end-of-life and no longer gets firmware updates, the latest stock firmware is now two years old. It remains supported by FreshTomato and DD-WRT, helping maintain security, though third-party firmware lacks access to hardware acceleration features found in the official version. Running it in software instead reduces routing speed to roughly 300Mbps at full CPU load without QoS.
Using QoS could further lower speeds below 200Mbps, especially if latency reduction is needed.
The R6220 is a bit newer but its 880MHz MIPs CPU works with OpenWRT, offering similar security benefits.
Both options would function well as APs unless you need to handle VLAN routing.
You're correct. Building 3 will ignore the contents of building 2. Clearly, the link between building 3 and building 2 relies on the hardware in building 2. Therefore, if building 2 fails, it results in the loss of both 2 and 3.
Hey guys...
I was chatting with a friend who mentioned a product that would unify the routers and create a single login experience across all three buildings. This way, there wouldn't be multiple logins needed between locations. I'm sure you're familiar with what he's talking about...
Usually, when using the "single pane of glass" feature along with network devices, the UniFI ecosystem is suggested.
I own a complete UniFI network at home.
With the equipment you possess, you shouldn't need separate Wi-Fi credentials for each building.
You should be able to set identical SSIDs and passwords across all buildings.
However, each building will require its own unique administrative login.
Please let me know your specific setup so I can suggest the right UniFL equipment.