Networking two routers.

[Sean]

Hi everyone, im having another lan at my house, and more ppl are commin. but im looking for a cheap alternative to buying one new 8 or more port router. I have verizon dsl, currentley i have a linksys etherfast 4 port router. I was thinking about upgrading to the 8 port for 80-100. But, can i buy some other generic/midrange priced router? so i can have a 7 port max config?, With my linksys one. I should of bought the product replacement thing from compusa, so if i wanted to upgrade, i would only have to pay the difference. And Also, what settings in the router should i look for and change? Thanks for any input.

-SeanZ0r

 

[zephead]

your best bet is to simply buy a switch and hook that up to the router. i reccomend linksys, stay away from belkin. depending on the size/load of your network, you could get by with a much cheaper hub (smaller network, lighter loads means that a hub would be OK). you should be advised that hubs have no 'intellegence' (unlike the cpu found in a switch) and aren't so fast when under heavy loads from multiple computers.

i'd disconnect the internet before having people bring thier machines over, btw.

 

[Sean]

So just a basic switch? and i Just connect the switch from any upload port on my router, and use a patch cable right? Im sorry, if im asking too many Question's i just want this to work out, heh.

 

[Nodsu]

Unless your switch or router supports automatic MDI/MDI-X detection (most home equpment do), you have to connect the switch with a crossover cable. The switch may also have an "uplink" port that you can use with patch cable.

 

[Sean]

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=294498&pfp=BROWSE

I think im going to buy that, damm, 30$, should i buy one of thoes 20$ generic ones? hmm, ill see. Also, i want to be able to access the internet on thoes comps that are on the switch, not just view eachother's files.

 

[zephead]

ahh, generic hardware is no good. but mabye i'm saying that because i can get quality stuff cheaply. if you really can't afford to get a linksys switch perhaps you can borrow or rent something...

 

[Sean]

hook It Up Zep!