Author Topic: running 2 routers (Read 799 times)

moneyguy · « **on:** October 22, 2007, 07:00:01 PM »

is this possible? i have an existing router upstairs with 4 computers running off of it. could i connect 1 of the wires from that router to a second router in the basement, where there are 4 more computers running? or would i have to get another cable modem and all that crap. any info would be great.

Hungry · « **Reply #1 on:** October 22, 2007, 07:05:46 PM »

Moneyguy

I ran a switch for a similar purpose, only Im on a wired conecction. I ran a line upsatirs to a 4 port switch, then ran a line from the switch to each of my sons computers.

Vulcan · « **Reply #2 on:** October 22, 2007, 07:53:56 PM »

Yup buy a switch. Connect it to one of the router ports. Run some PC's off the remaining router ports and the rest of the switch ports.

So you have

moneyguy · « **Reply #3 on:** October 22, 2007, 07:59:19 PM »

great! thanks fellas!

The Fugitive · « **Reply #4 on:** October 22, 2007, 09:25:53 PM »

linksys routers are set up for it, don't remember which line you have to use to be the input on the next router, but I remember them being able to do it.

CptHowdy · « **Reply #5 on:** October 23, 2007, 02:00:27 PM »

Most routers will allow you to turn off DHCP in the config setting which will then basically turn the router into a switch. Don't buy a switch until you test this first.

Vulcan · « **Reply #6 on:** October 23, 2007, 08:41:37 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by CptHowdy
Most routers will allow you to turn off DHCP in the config setting which will then basically turn the router into a switch. Don't buy a switch until you test this first.

^^^ Ignore this advice, its incorrect.

moneyguy · « **Reply #7 on:** October 23, 2007, 10:38:46 PM »

thanks for the info fellas. i ordered a switch from newegg.

i got this one

Vulcan · « **Reply #8 on:** October 23, 2007, 11:59:30 PM »

Looks good and should do the trick fine. Don't forget to get some UTP cable

CptHowdy · « **Reply #9 on:** October 24, 2007, 06:36:38 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Vulcan
^^^ Ignore this advice, its incorrect.

Just out of curiosity can you defend that statement.

I've done it many times at work and in fact it's currently in use in my home network. I have a D-link wired router and a Buffalo wireless. The Buffalo has DHCP turned off and is being used as both a wireless access point and has two ports being used wired for a desktop PC and a Tivo.

Here's the first hit on Google when I searched the topic:

http://www.computing.net/networking/wwwboard/forum/24446.html

In your defense I did forget to mention that you could not use the WAN port any longer after you do this. Of course if you have the right router this can even be fixed if you flash the firmware with DD-WRT or Tomato.

Vulcan · « **Reply #10 on:** October 24, 2007, 03:28:26 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by CptHowdy
Just out of curiosity can you defend that statement.

Its like buying a second car just for the spare tyres. A router is more expensive than a switch, so buying a second switch is a better cheaper simpler solution. You are also making the configuration unnecessarily complicated.

CptHowdy · « **Reply #11 on:** October 24, 2007, 10:09:56 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Vulcan
Its like buying a second car just for the spare tyres. A router is more expensive than a switch, so buying a second switch is a better cheaper simpler solution. You are also making the configuration unnecessarily complicated.

When I read the first post my brain apparently read "he owns two routers" and not that he was asking what to purchase. Owning only one router a switch would be his easiest option.

As far as my configuration being more complicated I guess it depends on who's doing it. It's about a two minute operation if you are familiar with your hardware.

When it comes to the switch being cheaper than a router I will absolutely agree with you ...except in this case. Did you check out how much he's spending on this Gigabit switch? He's got good taste:)

Vulcan · « **Reply #12 on:** October 25, 2007, 12:05:11 AM »

Errr its an SMC switch? Looked cheap to me?

Tac · « **Reply #13 on:** October 25, 2007, 12:32:33 AM »

I can only add a slight warning to this:

Since I dont know how big your house is, just make sure the cable you run from the computer in basement to wherever you have the router set up is not more than 100 meters (id say 80 to be safe) or you may run into signal degradation (which for an online game could mean very bad packet loss burp sessions).

Fulmar · « **Reply #14 on:** October 25, 2007, 12:44:16 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by CptHowdy
Most routers will allow you to turn off DHCP in the config setting which will then basically turn the router into a switch. Don't buy a switch until you test this first.

bingo