4 computer network project...

[glin22]

Hi,

You don't need another router, that will just add complexity.
You can use an ethernet switch, cheap one will do.


for 100Mb: One like this.
or for 1Gb: One like this

Then 1 ethernet cable from your existing router into the switch, and you now have 4 more ports.
No need to do any config changes. Just plug into new ports.


The only thing to take care of/consider...
If you are using DHCP on the router.?, make sure you have allowed enough addresses.

That's handy to know, thanks for the input.

But I didn't want to go out and pay for extra equipment, I found out there's a way to extend the router and use it like a switch. I set the second router on a different IP address, then I connected up one of the LAN ports from the first router to a LAN port on the second router. I then turned off DHCP on the 2nd router. So far, everything seems to work and I now have 7 ports to play with instead of 4 without having to buy anything additional. But your idea is good if I want to add even more stuff.

I don't know, maybe there's a way to have the first router connect up to the WAN port on the 2nd router and then have 8 ports instead of 7, don't know how that's done. But at least I have 7 ports to play with now.

Glin22


Glin22