DHCP Server Location Question

[lid73]

I want to get rid of my comcast modem and buy my own. Currently I use its DHCP capability. I also have it hard wired to a wireless router that only shoots the wireless, and acts basically as a repeater.

It is my understanding that the DHCP server can be anywhere on a LAN. I would like to know if the following setup is feasible:

Cable modem connected to switch

switch connected to wireless router with cable #1
switch connected to desktop with cable #2

Can I use the wireless router to serve the dhcp address to the desktop through the switch?

It seems to me that this should work. Can anyone please confirm? Thanks in advance.


Some more detail if necessary: The cable connection comes into our home office. The router has been more centrally located for better wireless coverage as well as being able to hardwire appletv, bluray player, etc. I have a hardwire connection to the router. I would like to manage my home LAN with my router, rather than the ComCrap equipment.

 

[JackMDS]

From your description it seems that your Modem is a Modem/Router and you are probably unaware that you are using its DHCP and the device's Routing capabilities.

For a new Network it dependents on whether you get a Modem Only? Or a similar Modem/Router?

 

[lid73]

Jack:

Yes, currently, the Comcast box is a modem/router. I want to replace it with a modem only, and use my wireless router to hand out addresses. The wireless router is not close to the desktop, however, and I would like to use one of the wired LAN ports of the router to connect to the desktop, thus the weird switch configuration.

 

[JackMDS]

If it is a Modem Only you have to connect it directly to the Router WAN port.

If you do what you plan to do:

"Cable modem connected to switch

switch connected to wireless router with cable #1
switch connected to desktop with cable #2"

You will get one big mess, not a cohesive fully functional Network.

 

[lid73]

So the modem has to go directly to the device doing the addressing with nothing in between?

I guess that makes sense.

Thanks for your input.

 

[ch33zw1z]

That's the way it should work with a home setup. direct from the modem to the router's wan port.

 

[azazel1024]

As a correction, you are using the wireless router as an access point only. A repeater means you are specifically repeating the wireless signal of another access point to extend your WiFi coverage area.

Access Point is what a WiFi base station actually is. A WiRouter or Wireless Router is a router, with an access point built in to it. Which can also sometimes be used as a wireless repeater or a wireless bridge.