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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Alarms, Phones, Aerials, CCTV & Datacomms >> Multiple Routers https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1274814212 Message started by wozzy on May 25^th, 2010, 8:03pm

Title: Multiple Routers
Post by wozzy on May 25^th, 2010, 8:03pm

Hello lads,

is it possible to have more than one router in your house? we are talking for the purpose of plugging in rather than wireless.

cheers

Title: Re: Multiple Routers
Post by plugwash on May 25^th, 2010, 8:38pm

Whether equipment is in the same house or not doesn't matter. What matters is what it is connected to.

What you CAN'T do is have more than one ADSL modem or router with built in ADSL modem active on the same phone line at the same time.

You can put routers behind each other but it can be tricky to get it set up right and I wouldn't normally reccomend it except in unusual situations (e.g. where you need to create multiple isolated networks but frankly if you are asking this question and have needs like that you should be getting someone in who knows about networking).

The normal thing to do would be to have one router and then connect network switches to it to provide more ports.

Title: Re: Multiple Routers
Post by TIMBA-WOLF on May 25^th, 2010, 11:09pm

plugwash wrote on May 25^th, 2010, 8:38pm:

The normal thing to do would be to have one router and then connect network switches to it to provide more ports.

just like in my place... one main router and 4 switches, meaning a total of 20 something link ups for various items... (with a few spares...and Netgear of course!!)

and Wozzy wrote ..
Quote:

is it possible to have more than one router in your house

110% YES... , well in the workshop.... OH!! ROOOT-ERRS

i thought you said Routers, 1/2" or 1/4"...LOL!!

Title: Re: Multiple Routers
Post by CWatters on May 25^th, 2010, 11:22pm

What Pugwash said.

If you just need more ports buy a network switch and plug it into a port on the existing router. It can be in another room if that's where you need the extra ports.

If you already have a second router, check the instructions as some can be downgraded to switches using the internal configuration menu. Chaining two routers can be done but it can be harder to set up.

Adding a switch is bit like a telephone company adding more lines to an existing telephone exchange. Adding a second router is more like building a new telephone exchange with the lines getting a different dialing code.

http://www.google.co.uk/#hl=en&source=hp&q=what%27s+the+difference+between+a+router+and+a+switch&aq=1&aqi=g4&aql=f&oq=what%27s+the+difference+between+a+router+and+a+&gs_rfai=&fp=615f82516a75afc5

Title: Re: Multiple Routers
Post by Lectrician on May 26^th, 2010, 2:56pm

Wozzy - What do you call a router?

I think you may be thinking about using a router with network switches to provide more points? This is fine.

A netgear DG834(g) router or similar can act as a switch and wireless access point if you simply do not connect it to a phone line and disable the DHCP. Let your main router deal with the DHCP.

For domestics, something like a Netgear FS or GS 605 would give you 4 ports, using the 5th as the 'uplink' to the router. You can daisy chain switches off each other as much as you want, but the bandwidth is obviously shared in the 'uplink'. This makes no odds for broadband traffic as it is all bottle necked at the DSL line anyway, but does make a difference if you have several machines file and print sharing down the same 'uplink'.

What exactly are wanting to achieve?

Title: Re: Multiple Routers
Post by wozzy on May 26^th, 2010, 7:34pm

thanks for the help.

this is the scenario, customer has a bt home hub in house. customer had a pc in a outhouse and wants to start using it as a office, they asked if they could simply buy another router and plug it in to a existing telephone line in the outhouse, i wasnt sure if this was possible.

I suggested seeing if they could receive their wifi out there but they wasnt keen on this.

Title: Re: Multiple Routers
Post by Lectrician on May 26^th, 2010, 9:19pm

You can't picky back routers onto a phone line.

You could use wireless, you could even setup a wireless bridge between the house and the office (an access point in the office which can do DHCP, connected to a switch which then connects to the printers and computers etc).

Title: Re: Multiple Routers
Post by wozzy on May 26^th, 2010, 9:38pm

i thought it may be a bit too simple to do that. I suppose i could re position their existing router nearer the back of the house to give a better wi fi signal to the outhouse? or suggest one with a extended range?

Title: Re: Multiple Routers
Post by TIMBA-WOLF on May 26^th, 2010, 11:44pm

Wozzy, now knowing the problem is basically distance etc, and wanting hard wired (my pref too) how about the plug in adapters, have seen and used these before on an other job!!

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/devolo-1145-dlan-duo-homeplug-adaptor-starter-kit-00939102-pdt.html

come to think of it BT do their own version of these too! http://www.shop.bt.com/products/netgear-14-mbps-wall-plugged-ethernet-bridge-3Z8F.html

Title: Re: Multiple Routers
Post by Lectrician on May 27^th, 2010, 6:28am

The speeds on those can be less than wireless though.

You could add an extra access point close to the rear of the house, or move the router.

You could use a microwave, laser or optical link too - a little too costly maybe ;D

Title: Re: Multiple Routers
Post by CWatters on May 27^th, 2010, 7:52am

Does he want to run a business from the outbuilding? If he's rich he could consider converting the extension to a second phone line. It should then be possible to put a second ADSL modem out there. Means paying for two lots of line rental but many houses already have enough wires running to them for two lines.

PS There are cheaper ways of getting a seperate phone number for the business though.