I have two Wi‑Fi devices at home. The original ZTE ZXHN F671Y router, installed in March 2022, can access Scribd.com and other websites normally. However, the APTEK AR1200 AC1200 Gigabit Dual Band router in my room cannot access some of those same sites, and the problem affects every device connected to it. The APTEK depends on the ZTE router for its connection, so if the main router is disconnected, the room router also loses internet access. Switching temporarily to the distant router and then back sometimes fixes the problem, and a VPN always works, but I would like the room router to access the sites normally. I own and can configure both devices, although I am not very familiar with networking settings.
2 Answers
This sounds like a DNS or filtering difference rather than a Wi‑Fi signal problem. Try changing the DNS servers used by the APTEK router, or manually set them on a connected device, to Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) or Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4). Then reconnect to the room router or restart the device so it clears its old DNS information. If the site starts working, the original DNS service was likely blocking or failing to resolve it.
The APTEK is probably operating as a second router behind the ZTE, rather than simply extending the existing network. Check whether it is in access-point or bridge mode. In access-point mode, the ZTE should handle DHCP, DNS, and routing, while the APTEK only provides Wi‑Fi. Also compare the DNS, parental-control, and website-filter settings on both devices. Since the room router depends on the original one, a restriction or incorrect DNS configuration on either device could explain the difference.
Before changing anything, connect one device directly to each Wi‑Fi network and compare the DNS server addresses and the results of loading the affected site. If the APTEK has its own DHCP or DNS settings, correct those first. Also check that its firmware and date/time settings are current.
For clarity, 1.1.1.1 belongs to Cloudflare, while 8.8.8.8 belongs to Google. Either is a reasonable test, but changing DNS will not bypass a block enforced by the main router or internet provider.