Routers Connected in Series

[lamerking]

Hello, this is my first post.

I will first explain the situation: My router is in the basement where the main computer is. We have three other computers in the house, another downstairs and 2 upstairs. Ethernet cables have been wired throughout the house to all the computers. There are no more ports on my router to be used and even if I did, I do not wish to wire more ethernet cables through the house (let me tell you its such a hassle).

Now heres my question: Can I take one of the ethernet connections thatgoes upstairs and have that connection go through a 2nd router? I wish split that connection to connect other devices such as a laptop and a video game system from this router. Is this connection possible? And if so, will I see a speed reduction? I currently have dsl internet and not cable. The downstairs router is an old smc router ( similar to this: http://www.smc.com/index.cfm?event=viewProduct&localeCode=EN_CAN&cid=1&scid=&pid=924)

Is it possible to have routers connected in series?

 

[Nodsu]

Yes, it would work but that would be a really silly thing to do - routers are not meant for such things.

What you need is an ethernet switch.

 

[lamerking]

So instead of the purchasing the 2nd router I would buy a switch? I looked up what a switch is and too much of that information is technical for me, what would the switch do?

 

[DelJo63]

add more ports for connections -- exactly what you asked for

no configuration required either !

- routers are not meant for such things.

humbug; While it may be atypical for a home network, commercial sites do this for subnet control all the time. please don't exaggerate

 

[lamerking]

So instead of purchasing the 2nd router, I would just buy the switch and im done? The switch will go upstairs and be connected by ethernet cable from the first router downstairs?

 

[Nodsu]

Yes. Exactly.