If I were to get a second Wi-Fi router could I just theoretically connect the WAN port on the new one to LAN port on the old one, or would it be lots harder than that?
I would love to hear what anyone thinks.
If your goal is to extend wireless range, you just need to connect from LAN to LAN port and set the new one as Access Point.
If it doesn’t have an AP mode in the settings you can manually put it in AP mode.
https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/how-to-turn-an-old-wi-fi-router-into-an-access-point/But since it sounds like you (OP) hasn’t bought anything yet then probably easier to buy an Access Point device instead of another router.
I am building a home-lab so I am wanting to have a second network for the home-lab with out slowing down the family network so I don’t think WAPs are a option.
lan to lan ports…
my preference would be to get a WAP, if you are wanting to extend the wifi
I don’t thinks WAPs are a option as a am looking to get a second network for my homeland.
LAN to WAN would double NAT the network. Put router 2 in AP mode, or buy a dedicated AP as others would suggest.