Daisy Chain Routers or add WAPS?

Posts: 220 · Vonage Forum Master Joined: Aug 19, 2003 Posts: 220

Hello.

We got our Vonage hooked up a few days ago. We wanted to call forward our "real" number to our virtual and try it for a while, but we can't because Bell won't let you forward an unlimited LD line,so we are just using it for outgoing to see what the service will be like for us.

Quality is currently pretty good. We have occasional echoing, but I think once I can use existing wiring (printed the instructions with photos for once our line is disconnected, thanks) we can just move the base for the V-tech 2.4 back to a more central location and fix that. No dropped calls and no problems with hearing on either end, however. Most people can't tell we're not on the old service.

Our problem is with the ATA in the fourth port, I now have one (and soon two) computers without a port for internet access. I have another router that I could attempt a daisy chain, or I can go wireless. Here's our current setup and stats:

1. Primary router is a Linksys BEFW11S4. ATA and three other computers currently plugged in. Only wireless access is via 2.4 card in my notebook for when I wander around the house.
2. Secondary router we own and available for use is BEFSR41. Can't find anything on using it as a switch, basically, and maybe that's not possible. Bought a crossover cable, but haven't really played with trying to hook it all together.
3. Connection speeds are UP 238 and Down 1338. We're on Comcast and have a Motorola Surfboard modem.
4. Phone we're using right now is V-tech 2.4 ghz base with four handsets.
5. Dedicated fax machine plugged into second phone port on ATA and using a separate virtual number. Usage is low.
6. My husband plays "Aces High" online and will have a cow if I mess his frame rates up too much. The teenager is online until the Enuff software tosses him, but the other computers are not used heavily simultaneously.

Any suggestions on what is the best setup and how far I can push this whole infrastructure before I start having problems is appreciated.

Laurel

Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2003 9:15 am Post subject:

Laurel,

The easiest setup would be to disable the dhcp function on the BEFSR41 and just connect the uplink to uplink ports on both routers. You would do this by logging into the BEFDR41 router and disable the said function and then use a straight-thu cable to connect the uplink ports.

The other route like you said would to be going with WAPs. This has pro's and con's. You are less secure with the waps for one thing. But then again you do not need to run new cabling throughout the house...

Take your pick, but mine would be to use what I already have on hand.

Kyle

Posts: 45 · Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2003 9:26 am Post subject:

You can buy a 4 or 8 port switch fairly cheap from Netgear and connect the switch into the back of your router. Connect all the other computers/vonage into the switch.

Posts: 220 · Vonage Forum Master Joined: Aug 19, 2003 Posts: 220

Kyle:

Okay, I'll admit my limitations. I've looked all over the place for the steps to log into the second router to disable the DHCP and I can't find it. Do I have to unhook the first router, plug that one in, disable it, and then recable everything? I've got the linksys router steup wizard disk that came with it.

Since this computer has XP, I've not had to do anything with setup -- and I don't want to mess up the settings for the primary router either.

I didn't really want to go the WAP route if I didn't have to. I've already go thte cabling run for all but one computer.

thanks for any pointers you can give me before I tackle this over the weekend.

If it doesn't work out, I'll just buy that switch and fergetaboutit!!!
laurel

Guest

Is this what you were looking for?

Connecting a Wireless Linksys router to a regular Ethernet Linksys Router

Do a search for KB10934402 in the Linksys knowledgebase.

Posts: 220 · Vonage Forum Master Joined: Aug 19, 2003 Posts: 220

I think that will work. This second router is wired, but it shouldn't affect what I need to do to get that router to disable DHCP. It's worth a try anyway before I go buy a switch!

thanks,

laurel