running a router through another router?

[brother chris]

Ok, I just moved into my new place. I am renting a basement suite and the guy has internet upstairs, but is using 3 of the 4 lines from his router.
I ran one line downstairs, and my cousin asked why I am not running that line to my router, then running up to 4 computers off of that.
I asked a couple people, but no-one is certain that I can do it.
Does anyone know if this is possible...running a router through another router (and then running 4 computers through that).
I'd hate to wreck the guys router upstairs if I am wrong.
Thanks for any help.
B.C.

 

[tommays]

Re: running a router through another router?

Any small 5 port hub like a linksys EZXS55W has and uplink port that will then allow 1 to 4 computers to get there IP from the existing router


There will be privacy issues with any shared folders in a setup like this

You may need to read your brands instructions BUT there is a port marked UPLINK on many routers that may also allow it to function like this BUT i am unsure just how to set it up


Tommays

 

[valkyr]

Re: running a router through another router?

Its perfectly fine to connect 1 of the "out" ports on his router to your "WAN" port on your router. HOWEVER, you'll lose some functionality, here's a few:

1.) VPN access to work computers - Port Information gets lost because you're going through 2 routers
2.) Peer-to-peer file sharing (kazaa, bittorrent, edonkey etc etc)
3.) Other functionality that has to use port forwarding

To get around that, you set the 2nd router to "GATEWAY" I believe instead of "ROUTER". However, I've had some problems getting that to work.

When you have a router -> router setup you in essence have 2 Firewalls.
So, if you're not using Peer-to-peer networking or VPN than you'll probably be fine.

 

[kmk_7110]

Re: running a router through another router?

Don't use xbox live then either. You'll have one heck of a time trying to get it through both routers.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: running a router through another router?

One way to get the setup you are describing to assign private LAN IP address ranges to both interfaces (LAN and WAN) on one of the routers.

Note: These IP addresses can be router manufacturer specific. These are typical addresses. I would need to know make and model numbers of both routers to be more specific.

Upstairs Router A WAN Address - Supplied by ISP
LAN Address range (Internal Network 1)- 192.168.1.1-255

Downstairs Router B WAN Address (Assigned as a Static IP) - 192.168.1.2
LAN Address range (Internal Network 2)- 192.168.0.1-255

The key part here is that the gateway address of the WAN interface of Router B should point to the gateway address of LAN interface of RouterA. This will establish two separate networks, that can route to each other, and allow you to browse the Internet.

Another way is to make your router a part of his network.

You would disable DHCP on your router . This means that your computer(s) would get IP address from his router, not yours.

The other consideration is the wireless hookup. You didn't mention if his router has wireless , or yours for that matter. Be sure that you both have WPA encryption enabled. Having one routers wireless unprotected leaves the entire network vulnerable. So regardless of the type of connection (hardwired or wireless) , all IP addresses will come from one router..his.

 

[brother chris]

Re: running a router through another router?

Thanks for the tips.
He does have wireless on his router and so do I, but I don't have wireless set up on my computers, so I can't use it.
I'll give it a shot and try to set it up tonight when I get home.
Thanks,
B.C.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: running a router through another router?

Why don't you just buy an ethernet switch?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833105099

 

[beezee28]

Re: running a router through another router?

Bruceb58 has the right idea. A 4 port switch would solve your problem. You don't have to configure anything at all. All you have to do is to use the patch cable and connect it to your computer and away you go.