Setting Up a Home Network with Two Routers Using ZeroTier Bridge Mode
In this article, we will discuss how to set up a home network with two routers using ZeroTier bridge mode. This setup is ideal for users who require a more robust and flexible network infrastructure than what a single router can provide.
What is ZeroTier Bridge Mode?
ZeroTier is a software-defined network (SDN) platform that allows users to create and manage virtual networks. One of the features of ZeroTier is the ability to create a bridge between two or more networks. In this setup, we will use ZeroTier to create a bridge between the two routers in our home network, allowing them to communicate with each other as if they were on the same network.
Why Use ZeroTier Bridge Mode?
Using ZeroTier bridge mode to connect two routers in a home network has several advantages. First, it allows you to extend the range of your network by adding a second access point. This is especially useful if you have a large home or office and need to cover a larger area with Wi-Fi. Second, it allows you to segment your network into separate logical networks, each with its own IP address range and security settings. This is useful for creating separate networks for guests, IoT devices, and other devices that you don't want to have access to your main network.
Setting Up the Network
To set up a home network with two routers using ZeroTier bridge mode, follow these steps:
- Connect both routers to your modem using Ethernet cables. Make sure that each router is connected to a different LAN port on the modem.
- Configure the first router (Router A) to operate in bridge mode. This will disable its DHCP server and allow it to act as a simple access point.
- Configure the second router (Router B) to act as the primary router for the network. Set its IP address to 192.168.1.1 and configure its DHCP server to issue IP addresses in the range 192.168.1.100 to 192.168.1.200.
- Install ZeroTier on both routers. On Router A, create a new network and make a note of its network ID. On Router B, join the network using the network ID.
- Configure the ZeroTier interface on Router B to use the same IP address range as the DHCP server (192.168.1.100 to 192.168.1.200).
- Connect a device to Router A and verify that it is able to communicate with devices on Router B's network.
Code Block: Configuring Router A in Bridge Mode
# Enable Bridge Mode on Router A
bridge-mode enable
# Disable DHCP Server on Router A
dhcp server disable
Code Block: Configuring Router B as Primary Router
# Set IP Address on Router B
ip address set 192.168.1.1/24
# Configure DHCP Server on Router B
dhcp server enable
dhcp server set 192.168.1.100 192.168.1.200
Code Block: Configuring ZeroTier on Router B
# Install ZeroTier on Router B
opkg update
opkg install zerotier
# Create or Join Network on Router B
zerotier-cli join
# Configure ZeroTier Interface on Router B
zerotier-cli interface set iprange=192.168.1.100/24
In this article, we have discussed how to set up a home network with two routers using ZeroTier bridge mode. This setup allows you to extend the range of your network and segment it into separate logical networks. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to create a robust and flexible network infrastructure that meets your needs.
References
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Book: Networking for Beginners by Jason D. O'Grady
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Article: How to Extend Your Wi-Fi Network with an Ethernet Cable
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Online Resource: ZeroTier