Bridging 2 routers with 1 in AP mode
Hello,
First time in the TPLink forums. I am trying to complete what I thought was a simple connection to extend my WiFi signal.
I just purchased an AX21 to replace my A6 as my main router. My goal was to move the A6 upstairs where I have an ethernet cable ran.
At first try, I simply set up the AX21 with my SSID and then set the old A6 to AP mode, running the cat5e cable to the LAN ports between them.
I noticed that even in AP mode, the A6 still had options available for DHCP which to my knowledge, should be defaulted as "OFF" when it is functioning as an AP.
I configured the A6 to a static IP (not in the DHCP range of the AX21) and turned off DHCP on the A6. The AX21 could identify the A6 on the network. Upon testing, I could not seem to connect when upstairs to the A6 in AP mode. A bit more digging on the internet and I found that the "Transmit Power" may be set too high for devices to reach the 2nd router, and that it could be creating confusion.
I further set both to "Low" and continued to not be able to reach the A6 at all. Without being able to buy software to heat map the wifi signal, I am at a loss to determine:
1. If the device is configured properly
2. If the A6 is emitting a WiFi signal at all (Lights indicate both 2.4 & 5GHz bands are on)
Is there anything I am missing here?
- James
(EDIT) Both routers have update firmware and are configured with the same SSID and PW