For most business environments, bridging two networks allows devices on separate networks to communicate seamlessly, improving overall connectivity. With Huawei routers, you can bridge two networks to share resources, extend network coverage, or connect multiple networks efficiently. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to set up a bridge on a Huawei router and enhance your network’s performance. Join us to go!
Steps to Bridge Two Networks Using a Huawei Router
If you’re using a Huawei router, please follow these steps below carefully to ensure a smooth bridge between two networks using your Huawei router.
1. Connect the Huawei Router to the Primary Network
First, make sure your Huawei router is connected to the primary network through an Ethernet cable. This connection will allow the router to act as a bridge and relay data between networks. Use a LAN port on the main router and connect it to the WAN or LAN port on the Huawei router to establish the connection.
2. Access the Router’s Admin Interface
To begin the configuration, log in to the admin interface of your Huawei router. Open a browser and enter the router’s default IP address, typically 192.168.100.1 or 192.168.1.1, depending on the model. When prompted, enter the username and password, which are often “admin” by default. If you’ve changed the credentials before, use the updated ones.
3. Enable Bridge Mode
Once inside the admin interface, navigate to Network Settings or Advanced Settings. Look for an option labeled Bridge Mode or Repeater Mode. Activating bridge mode disables the router’s DHCP function, ensuring that the main router assigns IP addresses to all connected devices. This allows both networks to share the same subnet.
4. Configure IP Address Settings
You may need to configure IP settings manually to avoid conflicts between the two routers. Assign an IP address to the Huawei router within the primary router’s subnet range. For example, if the main router’s IP is 192.168.1.1, you can assign the Huawei router an IP like 192.168.1.2. Avoid using the same IP for both routers to prevent connection issues.
5. Disable Wi-Fi (Optional)
If you only need the Huawei router to act as a wired bridge, disable the Wi-Fi function from the admin interface. This step reduces interference and ensures the router functions purely as a network bridge. However, if you want the Huawei router to extend wireless coverage, leave Wi-Fi enabled and configure the SSID and password to match the primary network.
6. Test the Bridge Connection
After configuring the settings, restart both routers to apply the changes. Connect a device to the Huawei router and check if it can access the internet and communicate with devices on the primary network. If the bridge works correctly, both networks should now act as one, sharing resources without any connectivity issues.
7. Troubleshoot Connection Issues
If you encounter problems, double-check the IP settings to ensure no conflicts exist between the two routers. Make sure the primary router’s DHCP function is active, and both routers are on the same subnet. You can also reset the Huawei router to factory settings and repeat the steps if necessary.
Conclusion
Overall, using a Huawei router to bridge two networks is a practical way to extend coverage, share resources, and connect multiple networks efficiently. Whether you use 192.168 100.1 or another IP to access the admin interface, following these steps will ensure a smooth setup. With proper configuration, a bridged network enhances performance and simplifies communication across connected devices.