How do I setup this type of network with 2 routers?

[parkbench]

Newbie alert!

Hi.

I have a second Dlink router hooked up to my first Dlink router. All my computers see the cable modem and internet just fine however I can't get the individual computers to network to each other and share files. How do I get my 2 router networks to interface with each other or is there anyway to make the second router work as a switch without buying any new equipment.

 

[JackMDS]

If you are looking for one coherent Network you should use this configuration: http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

If you want (for security purposes) segregate two Networks you do it this way: http://www.ezlan.net/shield.html

:sun:

 

[casper114]

I would say two different subnets

 

[nweaver]

don't use the lan port on second router, turn off DHCP. Go from Switch port to Switch port.

I think 2 subnets (and firewall) is what is disallowing the sharing. You can share files across router/subnet, but you don't have Netbios name resolution, so you would rely on DNS (which you probably have setup to your ISP, which won't help you with this). So you would have to //ip/sharename to share files.

If you go with one subnet you should be able to resolve netbios names.

 

[SleepWalkerX]

^ see above

another solution is to bridge them, but i think nweaver's solution would be easier.

 

[ktwebb]

Correct, two subnets is a bad idea period. Well if you REALLY just wanted to have a geek factor and have two seperate networks but what's the point? Just use the second router as a switch only. For that as mentioned, no WAN port usage and disable DHCP.