Modem, Router, what do I need?

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › Modem, Router, what do I need?

peejayw

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#206075 8-Dec-2016 18:12

In order to get internet to a remote part of the house I have been using a surplus modem/router connected back to the main router by ethernet cable and with the surplus modem running with DHCP turned off. It took ages to get everything sorted but has now been running well for a few years.

The surplus modem has now developed a faulty ethernet port and as I need all 4 ports I am faced with getting a new bit of tech, the question is, what do I need? Requirements are 4 ethernet ports and wireless.

Do I need to get another modem/router or is there a simpler way?

I'm supposed to respect my elders, but it's getting harder and harder for me to find one now.

rscole86

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#1684820 8-Dec-2016 18:19

Do you have a spare ethernet switch? Or know someone who does? That would be cheapest way to use your existing hardware.

peejayw

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#1684821 8-Dec-2016 18:22

No ethenet switch.

I'm supposed to respect my elders, but it's getting harder and harder for me to find one now.

richms

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#1684828 8-Dec-2016 18:27

Buy a switch and keep using what you have would be the easiest way

Richard rich.ms

peejayw

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#1684836 8-Dec-2016 18:42

So something like this?

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/SWHTPL1008/TP-LINK-TL-SF1008D-8-Port-10100Mbps-Desktop-Fast-E

Would I then connect one of the working ethernet ports on the modem to one of the ports on the switch and end up with 7 ethernet ports to use?

Thanks.

I'm supposed to respect my elders, but it's getting harder and harder for me to find one now.

richms

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#1684837 8-Dec-2016 18:44

That one is 10/100, I would suggest getting a gigabit one for a few bucks more for when you finally are able to get decent internet, so that youre not crippling it with a slow switch.

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/SWHTPL1010/TP-Link-TL-SG1008D-8-Port-Gigabit-Switch-Non-block

edit:

and get the cable while you are there, because nothing worse than forgetting that.

Richard rich.ms

tangerz

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#1684899 8-Dec-2016 20:32

peejayw:

So something like this?

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/SWHTPL1008/TP-LINK-TL-SF1008D-8-Port-10100Mbps-Desktop-Fast-E

Would I then connect one of the working ethernet ports on the modem to one of the ports on the switch and end up with 7 ethernet ports to use?

Thanks.

Almost right... you're best to connect the ethernet cable directly to the switch, then connect the old router/modem to the switch. Otherwise you'll limit the the ports on the switch to the speed of the router/modem ports, (slowest link in the chain)

If you get the switch richms suggests above and connect it this way, you'll have 6 x gigabit ports to use plus 2 x (100Mbit?) ports on the router/modem as well as the wireless AP.

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Dynamic

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#1684959 8-Dec-2016 21:51

If you are on a tight budget, just get a cheap or free secondhand wireless adsl router and do the same again (disable DHCP, etc). There are a good number of people (particularly here on GZ) who have unused or barely used ISP-supplied routers.

“Don't believe anything you read on the net. Except this. Well, including this, I suppose.” Douglas Adams

BarTender

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#1685003 9-Dec-2016 06:12

There is always $1 listings on Trademe for ISP routers.. just get one from there.