Linking 2 linksys routers and sharing

Posts: 3 · New Forum Member Joined: Jul 30, 2006 Posts: 3

Hello:

Here's a fun issue: I have WRT54GS as primary router from internet. Also have RT31P2 Voip router linked off of the WRT54GS in this fashion:

(cable modem)---> (WAN input WRT54GS then LAN output)---> (RT31P2 WAN input)

I am having issues with a network printer connected to a LAN port on the RT31P2. I am trying to be able to print from the WRT54GS to that printer. The only way I can get it to work is if I move the incoming feed from WAN to LAN on the RT31P2. The problem is that I lose the Voip since it is driven by WAN input, so I must try for visibility using the WAN input on the RT31P2.

***I am also aware that it would work if I reversed the 2 routers, but due to physical limitations in my home I must try as per above.

I have the following settings so far:
WRT54GS:
192.168.1.1 Router IP
Obtaining IP and DNS automatically
tried router/gateway mode
tried DMZ

RT31P2:
192.168.1.2 Router IP
Static IP from WRT: 192.168.1.108
Static DNS: 192.168.1.1

Is there a way with the routing tables, NAT, Router/Gateway Mode, DMZ, Crossover Cabling to accomplish my goal?

Regards,
JimmyMac

Posts: 4777 · Vonage Forum **MVM** Joined: Aug 30, 2005 Posts: 4777

Check out this thread on the subject of daisy chaining routers.

You can also get Voip on the setup that you have working if you have one LAN port free on the RT31P2. Just run an ethernet cord from that LAN port to the WAN port on the RT31P2. Some people call it bridge mode. You should also disable the RT31P2 as a DHCP and DNS server. Read more about bridge mode in Nat Hoy's writings here .

Posts: 646 · Posted: Sun Jul 30, 2006 10:49 pm Post subject:

Disable the RT31P2's DHCP server, then run a cable from the WAN port to a LAN port. That'll put the RT31P2 onto it's own LAN, and you'll still have 1 LAN port remaining for connecting a computer. It's weird, but it does work.

Edit: Looks like Steve48 posted before I could.

Posts: 4777 · Vonage Forum **MVM** Joined: Aug 30, 2005 Posts: 4777

Howdy, Paul. Great minds think alike.

Posts: 3 · New Forum Member Joined: Jul 30, 2006 Posts: 3

Thanks guys for the quick responses, however, I did try that many times the other day and just now again, with DHCP off, and when I move the input data cable to the LAN port instead of the WAN on the second router, I lose the Voip portion of the adapter (the line 1 and line 2 status lights go out even after power cycling. I do get sharing and printing though, but I know there's gotta be a way to do this..routing tables maybe?.

Posts: 646 · Posted: Sun Jul 30, 2006 11:55 pm Post subject:

I've tried stuff with routing tables to try to make the RT31P2 do Voip out the LAN port, but none of it worked. All my experimentation shows that It will only do Voip through the WAN port.

That's why you have to get a short cable, plug one end into the WAN port, and plug the other end into a LAN port. The RT31P2 should be connected to itself.

Then one of the remaining LAN ports goes to the other router, and the final LAN port goes to a computer.

Posts: 3 · New Forum Member Joined: Jul 30, 2006 Posts: 3

Amazing! I never thought to do a physical cyclical loop, but the darn thing works all the way around. I also saw the diagram in a reply above authored by Nat Hoy, and voila! Thanks everyone!

*This is the stuff Linksys would never tell you, largely because their friendly support staff doesn't know these tricks!