Networking question...

[somunny]

I'd like to run a line from my wireless router (which is connected to a cable modem) to a standard router in my living room and then feed a couple of devices from it.  Can I do this?

[Guaranos]

Sure.  You have my permission.   

Actually, most home routers and such should allow you to do an uplink, which is what it sounds like you're talking about.  Some have a specific uplink port, but most just let you plug a standard ethernet cable into the first or last port to link them.  I do that in my central wiring panel because I needed 6 ports and had two 4-port Netgears lying around, so rather than spending money on an 8-port or bigger switch, I just uplinked them.

[tk_42_1]

Or instead, use a switch.  That would be cheaper, unless you already have the extra router laying around.

[somunny]

Thanks for the advice.  I'll look into a switch as I don't have any spare hardware.

[Ed_McCarron]

Oh, and if you DO use a second router?  Be sure to turn off DHCP on the second router if your first router is configured for it.  Use the uplink port as mentioned, not the WAN port.

[Samstag]

Keep in mind that unless the second router supports transparent bridging, all your devices will be able to access the internet, but devices on one router will not be able to see devices on the other router (no windows sharing, etc).  Not a big deal for most people.

[tk_42_1]

Keep in mind that unless the second router supports transparent bridging, all your devices will be able to access the internet, but devices on one router will not be able to see devices on the other router (no windows sharing, etc).  Not a big deal for most people.

Another good reason to use a Switch.   

[BORIStheBLADE]

I would go with a switch too.

[CCM]

If you don't already have the hardware, I have to echo everyone else, go buy a switch.  Plug it in and forget about it.  No setup or configuration needed for a simple switch.   

I have that exact setup here...  cable modem > wireless router > switch

Works great...

[somunny]

Okay, so I don't know a whole lot about network switches and such.  After looking around a bit, I found that there's about a million choices.  Anyone have a recommendation?  I'll only be connecting a few devices to it.

[EwJ]

I have always had good luck with Linksys devices (using Linksys router and switch right now).
Been mixed results with other -  D-Link, Netgear, etc

[zvar]

Another thing you need to be aware of.  Make sure the switch will auto-sense a crossover mode.  If it does not, then you will need a crossover patch cable, instead of a regular patch cable to connect the two devices.

Most devices do auto-sense, but this (2007) holiday season I got a Belkin wireless router and D-link gigabit 5 port switch and one of the two, or both did not auto-sense.

Steven

[Ed_McCarron]

I always wondered about something.  If you connect two autosense ports together, how do they know which one to start with?

[Samstag]

They should assume straight-through wiring and go with that.