Correct configuration of two routers
Correct configuration of two routers
So here’s the situation. I own two routers—one is a mix of router and modem from my ISP, and the other is my PC. I wanted to apply QOS settings but found the interface complicated and lacked bandwidth controls per user. My neighbor provided a spare router with solid QOS configuration, which matched what I needed for Router B. Now, after switching my PC from Router A to Router B, its connection keeps dropping whenever I turn it on, requiring me to use Windows troubleshooting. The error messages often say “error with IP configuration.” I checked my IP settings last night and saw a change from 192.168.0.1 to 192.168.0.5 after fixing the issue. My other devices stayed stable. Is there a better way to configure Router B, or should I let it handle its own IP? (Router B uses DHCP—example: Router A: 192.168.1.1, same for web; Router B: 192.168.0.1 but my web uses 192.168.1.2, default gateway 192.168.1.1). Please advise if something’s wrong with my setup, as I’m not very comfortable with the details. Thank you! Attached files are for QOS; if you know Router A, let me know how to set it up properly.
Configure router A as usual. Connect router B's WAN port to one of router A's LAN ports. Configure the WAN on router B with DHCP but assign a static local address. You may encounter problems with port forwarding because of double NAT, though it shouldn't be an issue if you're not forwarding ports. Ideally, use a dedicated modem and remove router A.
If Router B meets your needs, rely on it as your primary device and configure Router A for flexibility by assigning its IP (e.g., 192.168.0.254) and restricting DHCP usage to the main router, which should be set to 250. Connect the second router to LAN1 instead of WAN.
This method might prevent QoS from working since it relies on router capabilities rather than a built-in switch.
Are you connecting the A lan port to Router B's port? If not, you might face a DHCP conflict. This configuration could also interfere with firewall settings and cause double NAT problems. First, check Router B and assign a static IP in the correct range for Router A's DHCP. You can manually exclude ranges like 200-254 and assign 200 to Router B directly. Then, on Router A, set Router B as a DMZ with its IP address. This resolves the firewall issue. On Router B, switch DHCP to use a different subnet—like 192.168.0.1-254 instead of the one assigned to Router A. QoS won't function properly unless all devices are enabled. You may need to configure Router A as a modem by enabling bridge mode or adjusting settings in the web interface. Then use Router B for network management.
The router continues to forward traffic, not functioning as a switch. It appears to be assigning router A's IP as a local address, resulting in double NAT. If connected from router A's LAN to router B's LAN, QoS won't make any difference since router B operates like a switch. In the setup I recommended, it remains a router but treats the network from router A as a WAN connection. With QoS turned off on router A, it behaves more like a modem, adding only another NAT layer without significant changes.
That's the idea I had. Please allow me to review it more thoroughly.
I believe your current configuration matches what you described. (Refer to the photo below) Router A is white, Router B is black. The gray wire connects Router A to your modem, while the yellow RJ45 goes to Router B’s WAN port. The green RJ45 links to LAN port 2 on your PC. All family members use Router B, which includes QoS settings, and your phone connects to Router A as your sole Wi-Fi access point. This setup seems logical. When you received Router B, it came with a wizard that automatically assigned an IP like 192.168.0.1 and left everything configured automatically.
It’s not advisable to link devices to both routers since they’ll operate on separate subnets and won’t communicate unless routes are properly configured. (Unless you intend otherwise.) Everything should connect to Router B, and the Wi-Fi should be turned off on Router A to prevent any connections.