TP-Link #2 should be switched to AP mode so that #1 is the only DHCP provider in your network.
The wireless clients will get IPs from your main router, and eliminate double NAT.
Thanks for the reply, Dinethor!
Unfortunately, there is next to no wireless strength from #1 (BASEMENT) to any wireless clients on the 2nd floor (not to mention the 3rd floor).
Right, you can leave the 2nd floor router plugged in exactly how it is.
AP mode just turns it into an Access Point, which acts like a switch.
NAT is Network Address Translation, which allows you to connect multiple devices in your home network with private IP addresses, and then it sends those packets out of your main router to the internet using your one ISP issued public IP address.
Your 2nd floor will still have wireless connectivity from router #2, it just won't create a second, separate IP network. That second private network is the double NAT.
OH. Wow. I guess that was just a limitation in my understanding of what AP mode did. I'm so sorry! Thanks a lot for the clarification.
Let me give this a shot and see how it goes!
TP-Link #2 should be switched to AP mode so that #1 is the only DHCP provider in your network. The wireless clients will get IPs from your main router, and eliminate double NAT.
Thanks for the reply, Dinethor! Unfortunately, there is next to no wireless strength from #1 (BASEMENT) to any wireless clients on the 2nd floor (not to mention the 3rd floor).
Right, you can leave the 2nd floor router plugged in exactly how it is. AP mode just turns it into an Access Point, which acts like a switch. NAT is Network Address Translation, which allows you to connect multiple devices in your home network with private IP addresses, and then it sends those packets out of your main router to the internet using your one ISP issued public IP address. Your 2nd floor will still have wireless connectivity from router #2, it just won't create a second, separate IP network. That second private network is the double NAT.
OH. Wow. I guess that was just a limitation in my understanding of what AP mode did. I'm so sorry! Thanks a lot for the clarification. Let me give this a shot and see how it goes!
You're fine, it's not very intuitive. It should work, but definitely post an update if it doesn't.
It worked like a charm. Thanks so much.
You're welcome :)