In this guide, we will explain how to connect a Tenda router to another router using a LAN cable, how to configure the WAN/LAN connection, when to use Dynamic IP, what VLAN ID means, and how to configure the router as an Access Point when supported.
Example used in this guide: Tenda 4G03 Pro.
The exact menu names and available features can be different depending on the Tenda router model and firmware version.
Can a Tenda Router Be Used as a WiFi Extender?
Yes, many Tenda routers can be used to provide additional WiFi coverage through an Ethernet cable. However, the exact method depends on the model and firmware.
There are two common ways to connect a second Tenda router to your existing network:
- Access Point mode – the Tenda works mainly as a WiFi access point.
- WAN/Router mode – the Tenda works as a second router and creates its own network.
If your main goal is simply to extend WiFi coverage using a LAN cable, Access Point mode is usually the preferred setup when your Tenda router supports it.
What You Need
- A main router with a working Internet connection
- A Tenda router
- An Ethernet/LAN cable
- Access to the Tenda router's administration page
For this example, we are using the Tenda 4G03 Pro.
Basic Network Setup
The general network connection looks like this:
Internet
|
v
+--------------+
| Main Router |
+------+-------+
|
| LAN Cable
|
v
+--------------+
| Tenda Router |
+------+-------+
|
WiFi Network
The Ethernet cable carries the Internet/network connection from the main router to the second Tenda router. The Tenda can then provide WiFi to devices in the nearby area.
Option 1: Use the Tenda as an Access Point
An Access Point setup allows the Tenda router to provide WiFi while the main router continues to manage the network, DHCP and Internet connection.
A typical Access Point setup looks like this:
Main Router
192.168.1.1
|
| LAN Cable
|
v
Tenda Router
192.168.1.x
|
+---- WiFi
|
+---- LAN Devices
In this configuration, devices connected to the main router and devices connected to the Tenda can remain on the same local network.
Access Point Configuration
If your Tenda router has an option called AP Mode, Access Point Mode or something similar, select that option.
The router may automatically configure the necessary settings.
If your model does not provide an automatic AP mode, you may need to manually:
- Give the Tenda a suitable IP address in the main router's network.
- Disable the Tenda's DHCP server.
- Connect the main router LAN port to the appropriate Tenda LAN port.
- Configure the Tenda WiFi name and password.
The exact procedure varies by Tenda model and firmware.
Option 2: Use the Tenda as a Second Router
Another option is to connect the main router to the Tenda's WAN port. In this configuration, the Tenda acts as a separate router.
Main Router
192.168.1.1
|
| LAN Cable
v
Tenda WAN
192.168.2.1
|
v
WiFi
The Tenda receives an IP address from the main router and creates its own local network.
This method is useful when you want the second router to manage its own network. However, it is different from using the Tenda purely as an Access Point.
Which Tenda Port Should You Use?
The correct port depends on the Tenda model and the configuration you are using. Some Tenda routers have separate LAN and WAN ports, while other models have a combined WAN/LAN port.
For example, on the Tenda 4G03 Pro, the WAN/LAN port can be used for the Ethernet WAN connection when the appropriate WAN/Failover configuration is enabled.
For a WAN connection, the typical arrangement is:
Main Router LAN
|
| Ethernet Cable
|
v
Tenda WAN/LAN
Always check your particular Tenda model's documentation because the port functionality can vary between models.
Example: Tenda 4G03 Pro WAN Configuration
On the Tenda 4G03 Pro, the Ethernet connection can be configured through the router's Internet/network settings. One of the available settings is Failover.
When using the Ethernet connection as the WAN source, enable the appropriate WAN/Failover function if required by your firmware.
You may then see connection types such as:
- PPPoE
- Dynamic IP Address
- Static IP Address
What Connection Type Should You Select?
Dynamic IP Address
For most normal connections from an existing router, select Dynamic IP Address.
Dynamic IP means that the Tenda automatically receives its network information from the main router using DHCP.
For example:
IP Address: 192.168.1.20 Gateway: 192.168.1.1 DNS: Automatic
The actual IP address will depend on the network configured by your main router.
PPPoE
Choose PPPoE only when the upstream Internet connection specifically requires a PPPoE username and password.
For a normal LAN connection from an existing router, PPPoE is generally not required.
Static IP Address
Choose Static IP Address when the network administrator or Internet provider has given you a specific IP address, subnet mask, gateway and DNS information.
Do not use a random static IP address because incorrect network settings can prevent the connection from working.
What Is VLAN ID?
Some Tenda routers may display a VLAN ID option during WAN configuration.
A VLAN ID identifies a specific Virtual LAN on a network. VLAN tagging is commonly used by some Internet providers and managed networks.
If your main router provides a normal Ethernet connection and your network does not require VLAN tagging, you should normally:
- Leave VLAN ID disabled or blank.
- Do not enter a random VLAN number.
- Use the VLAN ID provided by your ISP or network administrator if VLAN tagging is required.
Recommended Settings for a Normal Ethernet Connection
| Setting | Recommended Configuration |
|---|---|
| Connection Type | Dynamic IP Address |
| VLAN ID | Disabled / Blank unless required |
| DNS | Automatic |
| Ethernet Source | Main Router LAN Port |
| Tenda WAN Connection | WAN/LAN port when configured as WAN |
How to Configure the Tenda WiFi
After establishing the wired connection, open the Tenda WiFi settings.
You can configure:
- WiFi network name (SSID)
- WiFi password
- Wireless security
- 2.4 GHz settings
- Other wireless options supported by your model
For example:
WiFi Name: Office-WiFi Password: YourStrongPassword
You can use the same WiFi name and password as your main router in some Access Point configurations. Alternatively, you can use a different name to easily identify the Tenda WiFi network.
How to Check If the Tenda Has Internet
After connecting the Ethernet cable and saving the settings, open the Tenda Internet or WAN status page.
If the connection is working, the Tenda should receive network information from the main router.
For example:
WAN IP: 192.168.1.20 Gateway: 192.168.1.1 DNS: Automatic
If the Tenda receives a valid IP address and gateway but WiFi devices still cannot access the Internet, check the Tenda's LAN and DHCP configuration.
What If the Tenda WiFi Works but Internet Does Not?
If your phone or laptop can connect to the Tenda WiFi but there is no Internet, try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Confirm that the main router has working Internet.
- Test the Ethernet cable with another device.
- Make sure the Ethernet cable is connected to a LAN port on the main router.
- Check that the correct Tenda Ethernet port is being used.
- Check the Tenda WAN/Internet status.
- Use Dynamic IP if the main router provides DHCP.
- Leave VLAN ID disabled unless your network requires VLAN tagging.
- Restart both routers if necessary.
- Check that the Tenda has received an IP address and gateway.
Should I Use the Same WiFi Name?
You can configure the Tenda with the same SSID and password as the main router in some network setups. This can make it easier for devices to connect to the available WiFi network.
However, using the same WiFi name does not automatically create a true mesh network. The roaming behavior depends on the routers, WiFi standards and configuration.
If you want to easily identify the second router, use a different WiFi name such as:
Main WiFi: Home-WiFi Tenda WiFi: Home-WiFi-2
Can I Use a Tenda 4G LTE Router Without a SIM Card?
Some Tenda 4G LTE routers can also use an Ethernet connection depending on the model and configuration. The exact functionality depends on the router's firmware and supported operating modes.
For the Tenda 4G03 Pro example used in this guide, the Ethernet WAN functionality can be configured through the appropriate network settings.
Access Point vs Second Router
| Feature | Access Point | Second Router |
|---|---|---|
| Same local network | Usually yes | Usually no |
| Main router handles DHCP | Yes | No, Tenda normally handles its own LAN DHCP |
| Uses Ethernet cable | Yes | Yes |
| Useful for extending WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| Separate network | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any Tenda router as a WiFi extender?
Not every Tenda router has exactly the same features. Check whether your specific model supports Access Point, Repeater, WISP, WAN or other relevant operating modes.
Can I connect two Tenda routers using a LAN cable?
Yes, provided the routers have compatible Ethernet functionality. The second router can potentially be configured as an Access Point or as a separate router depending on the model.
Which port should I use on my Tenda router?
This depends on the model. If the router has a dedicated WAN port, use it for a WAN connection. If it has a combined WAN/LAN port, check the router's configuration to determine when that port operates as WAN.
Should I use Dynamic IP or PPPoE?
If your main router is already providing the Internet connection and automatically assigning IP addresses, Dynamic IP is normally the appropriate choice.
What should I enter for VLAN ID?
If your network does not require VLAN tagging, leave the VLAN ID disabled or blank. If your ISP or network administrator provides a specific VLAN ID, use the value they provide.
Can I use the same WiFi password on both routers?
Yes. In an appropriate Access Point configuration, you can use the same WiFi name and password. However, using the same SSID does not necessarily provide mesh-style roaming.
Conclusion
Using a Tenda router with an existing router through an Ethernet cable can be an effective way to provide additional WiFi coverage.
The exact configuration depends on your Tenda model and firmware. If an Access Point mode is available, it can be used to provide WiFi while keeping devices on the same local network. Alternatively, the Tenda can be configured as a second router using its WAN functionality.
For the Tenda 4G03 Pro example, when using its Ethernet WAN connection, Dynamic IP Address is appropriate when the main router automatically provides an IP address. The VLAN ID should normally remain disabled or blank unless VLAN tagging is specifically required.
Before changing advanced settings, always check the documentation and firmware options for your specific Tenda router model.
Related: Tenda 4G03 Pro, Tenda WiFi extender, Tenda router Access Point, Tenda WAN/LAN configuration, Tenda Dynamic IP, Tenda Ethernet setup, WiFi extender using LAN cable.
Trademark Disclaimer: Tenda and Tenda 4G03 Pro are trademarks of their respective owner. This article is an independent tutorial and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Tenda. The Tenda name and product name are used only to identify the device discussed in this guide.