# Router Mode

> One router, or a router plus a second device acting as an access point.

Source: https://joinnasnet.com/en/guides/nasnet-connect/choose/router-mode/
Last updated: 2026-08-14

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## Overview

The screen is titled **Select Router Mode**, described as *"Choose how you want your router
to operate in your network"*. It only appears in **Advanced Mode**; in Easy Mode
the wizard fixes this to single-router operation without asking.

Two cards: **Single Router Mode**, where the one device you picked does
everything, and **Router + Access Point Mode**, where a second MikroTik is added
as a downstream access point linked to the first over a trunk. Picking the
second option adds three more sub-steps to **Choose**, so you will need a second
router, and the card says so: *"Requires 2 routers (you'll select the second
router next)"*.

## Before you start

- Router + Access Point Mode needs a second physical MikroTik device. The wizard
  generates a separate script for it, downloadable on **Show Config**.
- If you intend to link the two routers wirelessly, both devices must have
  Wi-Fi and must share a common band. The wizard checks this and blocks the
  wireless option if they do not.

## Steps

1. Read both cards.
2. Click **Single Router Mode** if one device is doing everything.
3. Click **Router + Access Point Mode** to add a second device. The wizard jumps
   straight to the **Slave Router** sub-step.

## Reference

| Option | Description | Listed features |
| ------ | ----------- | --------------- |
| **Single Router Mode** | Extend your network coverage seamlessly | Wireless network extension; Seamless roaming; Easy setup; Perfect for home use |
| **Router + Access Point Mode** | Advanced network configuration | VLAN support; Link aggregation; Advanced QoS; Enterprise-grade features |

## Related

- [Slave Router](/en/guides/nasnet-connect/choose/slave-router/)
- [Interface Type](/en/guides/nasnet-connect/choose/interface-type/)