Router Mode vs AP Mode: Why Double NAT Complicates LAN Problems
Adding one more Wi-Fi router at home often does not just add another AP. It may add another gateway, DHCP, and NAT (Network Address Translation) layer. Phones can still browse the internet, but printers disappear, NAS access fails, casting breaks, or games report restricted NAT. Many of those problems start here.
The difference between router mode and AP mode is not appearance, and not whether the device can broadcast Wi-Fi. It is whether the device acts as a Layer-3 gateway or only provides Layer-2 wireless access inside the existing LAN.
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