Please help with this Networking conundrum.

[CptSpudders]

Ok so I just bought a Belkin N300 Modem Router to replace my old and dead D-Link Modem and my old D-Link Router.

I have run in to an issue though, in that routers can supposedly only support 16 devices wirelessly at any one time. And I have more than 16 wireless devices trying to access the network wirelessly from throughout the house.
I have an old TP-Link N300 router handy and was wondering if I could set it up as a second access point, or something similar. the main use being that it can expand the capacity by an aditional 16 devices. Is this possible? or will my netowrk still be limited to 16 devices?

Belkin Modem Router - http://www.belkin.com/in/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=590457
TP-Link Router - http://www.tp-link.com/lk/products/details/?model=TL-WR941ND

I've read it's possible to connect the two together via ethernet and have the second one broadcasting a separate SSID, but im not 100% on if it actually expands the amount of devices.

 

[Guest]

Im pretty sure that will work but don't quote me on it.

[565465464]

Just turn off DHCP on the access point.

[JohnnyGrey]

I can't see a router limited to just 16 wireless devices. Where are you reading that? If you connect the second router as an access point through ethernet, the first router would ideally still hand out IP addresses. If it is limited, it's probably just a limitation on the access point rather than the actual number of IP's it can hand out, so it should work.

[doubley_m]

It wouldn't be a limit on IPs it could be as said a limit of the AP?

 

I'd go Belkin(DHCP/NAT) -> ETHERNET -> TP-Link(No DHCP/No NAT/Run in AP mode)
 

Set same SSID/Security etc on them but complementary Channels, not the same channel, if they have a good 'Auto' implementation then you don't need to worry but sometimes it's better to set them manually.

 

The only issue with this is if all your devices are getting a stronger signal from one AP, they'll all want to stay connected to that one which could push you over the 16 device limit, if it actually works like that?

 

Failing that you could run 2 SSIDs, complimentary channels, keep the second AP in AP mode with no DHCP/NAT and then just pair half your devices with each SSID and hope for the best with regards to signal strength around the house