Using router as switch

ImDonly1

Platinum Member
Dec 17, 2004
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I have a main router hooked up to internet. Its IP is 192.168.1.254 and its DHCP is from 100-199.

Today I wanted to add another router behind this one for some extra ports. I am running CAT cable from LAN port of main router to LAN port of 2nd router.

The 2nd router is a linksys wrt120n. I disabled the DHCP server on it and assigned an IP of 192.168.1.240. Plugged in cable to LAN port and power cycled. But it doesn't work. I can't see any websites, get an IP, or anything.

What am I missing? Or can I not use the wrt120n since it doesn't really have any option in the GUI to switch it from bridge, repeater, AP, etc.?
 

llee

Golden Member
Oct 27, 2009
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You need to run an ethernet cable from the WAN port of the primary router to the WAN port of the second router. WAN ports usually come in sets of four on consumer networking devices. Don't change anything in the WRT120N's configuration page except for the IP address, DHCP options, and Time/Date settings.

edit: whoops, i mean LAN to LAN
 
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ImDonly1

Platinum Member
Dec 17, 2004
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Uhhh WAN to WAN...?

WAN is where my cable modem is plugged into one 1 router for internet. I think you meant LAN to LAN. I did do LAN to LAN port.
 

LiuKangBakinPie

Diamond Member
Jan 31, 2011
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If connecting the second router via Ethernet cable, plug it into one of the LAN ports on the first router. If connecting the second router wirelessly, ensure the second router is set for client mode. some home wireless routers do not support client mode; these must be connected by cable. Check your router documentation for details on its client mode configuration support.
Then Check the second router's IP address value and reset it if necessary to work within the valid address range of the first routerand to not conflict with any other device on the network
Disable DHCP on the second one and enable it on the first one
 

ImDonly1

Platinum Member
Dec 17, 2004
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http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

do you have link lights on the switchports connecting both devices? if not, you probably need a crossover cable.

I didn't try yet, but I think this may be the issue. I think I am using a patch cable between the two. Normally, I don't look at the type of cable between devices since my main router is gigabit, but I guess with this 2nd router thats 100Mbps I will have to. I remember the link light on the 2nd router wasn't on in the port the cable to the other router was in, so probably that's why.

Thanks everyone for the problem solving.
 
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