Question about running 2 routers

[master7045]

I would like to run a standard G network w/ my linksys WRT54G router and a second network using the N standard. I still need to pick up the N router, but this is how I see things being connected, please tell me if I'm crazy

Cable Modem -> WRT54G > Gig Switch > Patch Panel > N Router.

In my mind, I see this working. Both routers will route the traffic they receive. (or do I have to turn off DHCP on the N router?) My reasoning for wanting 2 separate networks is that I have a few devices (laptop & tablet) that can use the N standard now, but I want guests, my iphone, etc to use the G network.

So, am I crazy, or is this as straightforward as I believe it to be?

 

[seepy83]

That should work fine. You should turn off the DHCP server on the N router. You basically want the N router to function like an Access Point. You also might need to connect the N router to the network using one of the LAN ports (not the WAN/Internet port).

This is assuming that you don't have a requirement for keeping devices on the N network secure/separated from the G network (I only mention that because you mentioned guests using your G network).

 

[master7045]

This is assuming that you don't have a requirement for keeping devices on the N network secure/separated from the G network (I only mention that because you mentioned guests using your G network).

No that is not a requirement. I would prefer that they could all see each other on the network for media sharing purposes. The 2 router setup is not necessary for security, but I would like to keep the N network free for our laptop as my wife frequently uploads large photos/ High Def videos of our Son to Facebook/blogs and complains about the upload speed. I'd be able to put the N router in the living room not 10 feet away from the laptop so this should help her out tremendously. To give a clearer picture this is how the house is set up w/ Cat5e:

Basement:
Cable Modem > Linksys WRT54G > Gig Switch > Patch Panel >> (upstairs living room)
//
Living Room:
Wall > HTPC
Wall > Xbox 360
Wall > new Wireless N router

 

[Mr.Wolfclaw]

Cable ISP <--> N-Router 192.168.0.1 <--> GiG Switch <--> G-Router 192.168.0.254

On Thhe G-Router, disabled DHCP, firewall,etc etc, basically turning it into a wireless switch. I also gave the WAN side of the G-Router a non-existant I.P setup to stop it polling.

Each router supplies its own SSID with WPA2+AES, connect N devices to N-Router and B/G devices to G-Router.

Everybody is still on the same network and can access shares, printers and anything else networked.

I used the N-Router to provide DHCP as they normally have a more powerful cpu.

 

[master7045]

Thanks Mr. Wolf! I'll give that a try tonight. I picked up a cheap N router from Micro Center. I don't expect the world from this thing, but for $15, can't hurt to try.

 

[master7045]

I was able to get everything working, although I'm not 100&#37; sure how. I set up a static IP for the router and set DHCP to AUTO and I can connect to the SSID I gave it. Ran a speedtest.net test and my speeds were in the low 20s for download and ~1mb upload. Previously I was in the 10-16 download range, so something looks like it's working.

 

[her209]

Make sure the two routers aren't using the same wireless channel.

 

[master7045]

Make sure the two routers aren't using the same wireless channel.

I forgot to mention I did that as well for the new Tenda router. I believe I set it to channel 8 or something odd like that. I'll have to check what the Linksys router is using as well, but I think I set that one is to 11 some time ago. Thanks for the tip though!

 

[MtnMan]

Buy a dual band router.