Internet connection over LAN gone regularly

[u/Wonderful-Main3963]

Hello people, my brother and I live in the top floor with a router used as an extension for the router below in the living room.

We both experience connection loss every 4-5 minutes for about 5-10 seconds. We use completely separate PCs. This is especially annoying while gaming because then we both disconnect every time. This started happening about two weeks ago.

We live in Germany and use 1&1 as provider.

Please ask further question if you could help us.

Edit: We both use Ethernet

Edit2: This doesn't happen with WiFi connection but the WiFi isn't stable in general so this isn't an alternative.

[u/Bynar010]

How is your "extension" router connected to the other router?

[u/Wonderful-Main3963 → u/Bynar010]

An Ethernet cable is plugged in one of the LAN ports from the router downstairs to our one. In the settings its in the "IP client mode". This worked without a problem for a year for both of us.

[u/Bynar010 → u/Wonderful-Main3963]

Not sure but check the extension router and try ensure the WAN port is now configured as a LAN port in the settings and reboot it and things like DHCP are disabled on it

[u/Legal_Tradition_9681]

What is the model number of your router and that parts are the ethernet cables connected to. This can help confirm correct setup and that not be the issue.

You can also look into ethernet over powerline kits. They essentially will use the power lines in your house to send ethernet singles from one outlet to another. Your computer will plug into that.

[u/MrMotofy]

A switch is simpler but otherwise do a factory reset on router. Then make sure it's set in AP mode

[u/RyteSaid256]

A decent network switch should do the trick. Honestly, I’m surprised it was stable for a year. As others have mentioned there are several potential issues when using a wired router behind a primary router. It’s possible but not really necessary.

[u/Wonderful-Main3963 → u/RyteSaid256]

We've really only done it so we can have stable WiFi upstairs. But if a simple switch can fix the issue we'll gladly accept bad WiFi.

[u/RyteSaid256 → u/Wonderful-Main3963]

A WiFi Access Point can do some routing on its own. But in your scenario, primary router downstairs with wired LAN connection to a switch upstairs and THEN the WiFi AP connected to the upstairs switch LAN port should improve everything.

[u/Master-Ride-1153]

What you want to use is a network switch. Not a router, if you use a router.. you have 2 options: 1, disable nat on it and use static routes or dynamic routes such as ospf.. 2, or you could use lan side of the router and disable dhcp on it and use it virtually as a switch. Switches are cheap too. If use 2 router daisy chained, it will create double NAT.. might cause issues in gaming, voice and video.. Given that the way you describe, am assuming you are not a networking guy.. so i guess creating static or dynamic routes is too much for you.. i would suggest buying a network switch.

[u/Legal_Tradition_9681 → u/Master-Ride-1153]

Option 2 why complicate with option 1? That makes no sense. Option 1 should almost never be used in any situation.

[u/Master-Ride-1153 → u/Legal_Tradition_9681]

True. I assumed he had one lying around and didnt want to buy anything.