Two routers connected to a single home network experiencing issues.
Two routers connected to a single home network experiencing issues.
I own two routers – a Linksys WRT 1900ACS and a Virgin Media Super Hub 3.0. The hub has solid wireless coverage, but I’m using a powerline connection from my older SuperHub router to the second 1900ACS upstairs. It works temporarily with bridge mode, though it required switching the Wi-Fi on and off for changes. Recently I tried assigning a static IP on the 1900ACS, which actually made the issue worse and caused it to keep reconnecting. I’m not an expert, so maybe something simple was missed or the setup isn’t handling automatic switching well. Perhaps switching to a different device would help. Let me know if you need anything!
Is this your configuration? ISP → Super Hub → powerline → Linksys What are the brand and model numbers of the powerline adapters? By what do you mean “didn’t have a smooth experience”? Are you referring to wireless connections? You couldn’t move easily between devices.
The powerline setup uses an TP link AV1300, but that’s not the main concern. The diagram you provided is accurate; the super hub includes its own Wi-Fi access point, while I have another router. My goal was to ensure consistent coverage throughout the house—placing one upstairs and the super hub downstairs. What bothers me is the perception that the system should automatically switch between the super hub and the Linksys based on connection strength. In reality, it seems the device tends to stay connected to just one router, even when signal quality drops, so I often have to manually toggle Wi-Fi for it to choose the best option. This feels like a minor but persistent issue. Overall, it’s a simple problem that doesn’t significantly impact performance. But ideally, it should function as intended.
You’re dealing with a similar issue. You’ll need access points with seamless connectivity. Typically, when one AP senses weak signal strength, it routes traffic to another AP with stronger coverage. This usually requires all APs to be from the same manufacturer so they can communicate effectively. Another approach exists but isn’t straightforward—you may need to adjust the wireless antenna power levels, either lowering or raising them until the AP on the first floor experiences minimal signal and switches to the ground-floor AP. It’s a bit complex to fine-tune these settings, but it works.
You don't have to use exactly the same brand of AP, but seamless hand-off is possible if supported. Usually, the client decides when to switch. This approach should be feasible. Wireless APs typically send signals effectively in a horizontal plane. Some vertical propagation occurs, though it's less efficient. Besides following the advice, the person posting should confirm each wireless radio operates on a distinct channel—whether 2.4GHz or 5GHz.