network topology question

[joecool]

So, currently my network looks like this:

internets <-> motolora cable modem <-> linksys wrtp54g router <-> Netgear WGR641.v5 router

with various devices hanging off the two routers, including VOIP phone from the linksys. The linksys does all the DHCP/NAT work.

Now, the linksys is having issues. The VOIP phone drops out after around 24 hours of operation; it recovers (for another 24 hours) by cycling power on the linksys. The ethernet connections on the linksys are also flaky - sometimes on cycling power it will just drop some of the ports. Cycling power again seems to bring 'em back.

So, I'm going to replace the linksys, with a Vonage dedicated VOIP device that doesn't have wireless or ethernet ports like the linksys does. I do however have a linksys switch lying around, so I'm wondering if I can configure my network like this:

internets <-> motorola cable modem <-> vonage voip device <-> linksys switch <-> netgear router

and configure the netgear to do the DHCP/NAT.

My question is, will this configuration work?

If not I'll have to buy a new router to put in place of the switch. I'd like to get something with more than 4 hard ports, I'd like gigabit ethernet, and the latest wireless standards. Suggestions?

Thanks! Joe

BTW I don't want to put the netgear next to the cable modem because the cable modem is in the basement; when the netgear was in the basement years ago i had a very weak wireless signal. now the netgear is on the first floor of the house and reception is much better.

 

[seepy83]

You will need a Router connected directly to the Cable Modem, and all other devices connected to that Router. The netgear router would be fine, and doesn't necessarily need to be physically next to the modem as long as you have appropriate Cat5/5e/6/etc cable between the two devices.

 

[joecool]

so, any recommendations for a good wireless router that has 4 gigabit e ports, plus the latest wireless standards?

 

[mvbighead]

Any linksys really, IMO, is a good one to go with. And pretty much all of them support DDWRT which allows you to do quite a bit more with your router.

 

[joecool]

update: got the vonage device and the phone seems to be working. turns out the vonage device is a router in it's own right - it can do all the dhcp/nat stuff for me. so, i'm back wondering if i can do the following:

cable modem -> vonage router -> SWITCH (in basement office) -> netgear (in family room)

with the vonage set to do dhcp/nat.

can this work?