I currently have a Actiontec MI424WR Rev. F. as my router. I also have a DLink Airplus extreme G DI624 acting as either a bridge or a hub. The networking was done by the ISP Tech that came to set me up.
Hi and a Happy Christmas to you and yours.
To assist us better in providing sound advice, can you tell us please what problems you are experiencing with your existing set up, and when they occur?
It would be helpful also to let us know any particular requirements that you have and you objectives in making alterations.
Regards
paws
Ok, the background…
The DLink was being used as our ISP provided router. It has to be about five years old. We started to have some network problems that (to the best of my abiliities) I was able to pin down to either the DLink router or the ethernet cable that was run from the point where the ISP cables enter the house to the router. I was able to convince the ISP to replace the router.
We recently decided to upgrade our service with our ISP provider. As a result, I ended up gaining a "free installation" visit by the techs. During that visit, which was just on Friday, they connected the new router and used the DLink router as a bridge or a hub. Part of the installation they were doing was due to my desire to move the location of the router as I am nearly done with some major renovations. I have renovated the family room and buried coax and ethernet cables in the wall and used the renovation of the family room to run buried cables to the living room above.
In any event, after the renovation the family room will become my "computer central". So, I wanted the router placed there. However, the router has been in my office and I was going to still want to maintain two computers in this office space after moving the location of the router to the family room. So, I needed to either run two lines into the office or place a box in the office to act as a bridge or a hub. They gave me the DLink router as the bridge or the hub. They also replaced the ethernet cable running into the office to the DLink router since it now runs from the family room and not from the back of the house where the line enters the home.
I am not certain if the problems that caused me to want to replace the DLink router have been corrected by either limiting the use of the DLink router to just a bridge or hub, or even by replacing the ethernet cable. However, I am concerned about the intermittent problems returning and then having to figure this out at that point. It also might only happen after three or four weeks and I would rather just address the problem than not. Also, I have the second Actiontec router just sitting here… Hence, my desire to replace the DLink router with the second newer one. **ADDED NOTE - I was not home during the installation so did not know what they did until they left and could not ask them my questions directly.**
I asked my second question because it seems like my performance might actually improve with the newer box replacing the older DLink box. But, I am not sure, so I figured I would "ask the audience". Obviously, if you tell me that it won't improve, I would take that under consideration.
Finally, I have not been a big fan of wireless connections because of the performance dip. (I did just tell you that I took advantage of doing a renovation on my home to place ethernet jacks in three rooms of my home, right?) However, with two wireless routers working together in the home I assume the wireless "coverage" of my home would improve. So, I might start giving it more of a try… and expect to eventually start using devices that might benefit from it. If I do, it seems like the two newer boxes would probably do a better job, but again… I don't know for sure.
I hope that helps you to help me.
Thanks again.
Hi ,Thanks for the full explanation,
Using an additional wireless access point is a well recognised way of reducing the performance problems inherent with wi fi
Finally, I have not been a big fan of wireless connections because of the performance dip. (I did just tell you that I took advantage of doing a renovation on my home to place ethernet jacks in three rooms of my home, right?) However, with two wireless routers working together in the home I assume the wireless "coverage" of my home would improve.
As you know the wireless signal can be attenuated by solid objects, doors, walls etc twixt Wireless Access Point and the wi fi enabled computer in use…and usually there are some areas of the family home that receive such a weak signal that performance is compromised.
Its always possible to fit an addirtional access point to try and eliminate bad /missing or weak signal areas, and yes you could get the tech team back from your ISp to do this for you….if you decide on this then be sure to specify the locations in your home that are important for you (for using your wifi enabled computers) and they will then be able to locate the Wireless access points to provide the coverage you need.
Knowing the difficulties of getting a good widespread comprehensive wi fi signal that can be accessed anywhere in your home and the work involved in chasing into wall the conduit/ethernet cables and all the work of "making good" afterwards and the redecorations if using a fully wired system….. have you thought of using the existing house wiring for your mains electricity as a suitable system for carrying a strong network signal from your modem/router/gateway/wireless access point , throughout the whole of your house?
Mains wiring is usually good thickish copper and carries a network signal well, and can be accessed from any part of the home that has an electrical outlet socket… the signal is likely to be good and strong, not subject to the electrical interference provided by things like mobile telephone sets (DECT phones) microwave ovens, baby alarms and other equipment that works close to the usual frequency used by the wi fi in your router/modem/gateway/wireless access point.
Such home networking is very cheap, fast and does the job…. it may be worth you checking it out… different equipment is available at various prices but here is an example tof a set up that I have used sucessfully on many home networks over here in the Uk….. I'm sure you have access to similar sort of equipment in your neck of the woods. I tend to use this for large houses as the set up is very quick……. just plug it in! and time is money. http://www.ebuyer.com/150039-extra-value-8…5500-twin-pack-
Regards
paws
Ok, thanks for the reply. If I need an alternative, I'll check that out. However, I still don't know the answers to my original two questions. I don't need network somewhere that requires wifi. I need to know if I can swap out one box for the other. That is the simplest solution.
Can I replace the old DLink and use the second Actiontec as a bridge or a hub?
Is there a benefit to making the trade?
Thanks again.
Edit: I should also say, if it is possible and desirable… I am hoping for some guidance on how to make the Actiontec unit act as a bridge or hub.
Yes most routers can be set to act as a wireless range "extender"….. however I can't see any advantage in switching one unit for another (unless the original one is faulty) I hope this is the information you need.
regards
paws
Does the Actiontec manual I linked to explain how to set it up to work in this context?
Will it figure out that the other Actiontec router is between it and the internet and then play nice or will they conflict in some way?
Thanks again.
Does the Actiontec manual I linked to explain how to set it up to work in this context?
No…. they prefer you not to try and use it as a bridge. Have a look at the manual you linked to in your first post……its about half way down page 66……..
Will it figure out that the other Actiontec router is between it and the internet and then play nice
Very unlikely…..
or will they conflict in some way?
Its highly likely…..and a lot of experimentation would be required to try and overcome this…
You can of course go against Verizon's recommendations and try and have it set up as a bridge, be prepared for a lot of experimentation (but remember, if you do, that you must have its DHCP server disabled on it…. as 2 DHCPs on the same network will really spoil your day) however I strongly advise that you do not go against Verizon's recommendations…….
It would be far better for you to either leave your existing set up as it is… or consider using the mains electrical system in your house as a comprehensive wired network, using the sort of low cost devices that I linked to previously that are available to you locally and compatible with your existing set up.
Regards
paws
Ok, thanks for pointing out the information on page 66. I think i was probably focused on finding a reference to "hub" and just read right past the "bridge" section staring me in the face. (I'm not 100% fluent in networking!)
Since you specifically say not to do it, I won't do it. (I mean, who cares what the manual says.)
I will leave the existing setup as is for now. If something goes wrong, I'll look into buying a "switch". I don't need the main electrical system thing because I already have both locations wired up and ready to go. I just need the right box to plug the ethernet cables into. Currently, that box is the DLink router.
Again, paws, thanks for your time and your guidance. It is appreciated.
Hi Ramza. You don't want a "bridge" or a "hub." You want a "switch." That's exactly what you are getting out of your Dlink.
The Dlink has a router, wireless access point, and a switch all built in. Most home wireless "routers" are exactly like this (they aren't really JUST routers). Your actiontec is a device that your ISP provides which also has a "bridge" built into it.
To turn your Dlink into a plain jane switch, you disable DHCP, set a static IP on the router to match the settings required on your existing network, and turn off the wireless radio. You then block off the Internet/WAN port and do not use it. Your remaining network ports just become standard switched ports when you plug into them. The procedure would be similar on your actiontec.
A switch serves to "split" an ethernet connection into multiple connections, which is what you are doing. A "bridge" is a device that connects two (or more) different kinds of networks together (i.e. wireless and wired, Coax to ethernet, DSL to ethernet, Fiber to ethernet, etc.). A hub is much like a switch but repeats the network signals on ALL ports at the same time causing "collisions" and performance issues that are eliminated by a "switch" which is a smarter device that can figure out what data should be sent down which port to get where it needs to go. Putting your actiontec in "bridge" mode has nothing to do with what you are trying to accomplish.
If you think you are having a problem with the Dlink, just go buy yourself a real, plain jane switch. I recommend a Netgear prosafe gigabit switch. You can get a 5 port for very cheap.
Most wireless-N routers (and some wireless-G) routers are able to provide a strong, mostly reliable signal throughout the entire house. But, wireless will never be as reliable as wired. I don't see much advantage to attempting to place multiple access points in something as small as most homes. One wireless access point, properly configured to minimize interference and centrally located in the house is pretty darn good.
Finally, your Dlink is archaic. I've had a ton of problems with those units. But, as a plain old switch it should be fine. However, it is only a 10/100 switch and your actiontec would be a gigabit switch. But, it really is overkill trying to mess around with turning a home based router into a switch when you can buy a reliable gigabit switch for so darn cheap and not have to worry about configuring it.
Take care.
Thanks appleoddity for your reply! Very helpful.
The new Actiontec router is actually more centrally located than the router in my office, but still a bit closer to one side. The office is on the upper level and at the far end of the house. I figured if both are putting out the wireless signal I would be good to go. To the extent I decide I'm concerned about the wireless signal, you think I am better off with a switch that won't put out a signal? (Or is it that switches don't put out a wireless signal?)
The ISP techs that came plugged the ethernet from the new Actiontec router into the WAN port of the (archaic) DLink router. From your post it sounds like they should not have done that. So, the network is working, but I don't know if they configured the DLink to be a switch or if they just plugged it in and it worked and they left it like that. I also don't know if it is sending out the wireless signal or not. Thoughts?
Hello Ramza. I wouldn't expect a "tech" from an ISP to understand anything about networking - so it doesn't surprise me one bit that they hooked it up like that. They did so, because even if you don't know anything about networking you can make it work like that.
The problem is they have segregated your network. The devices plugged into the Dlink (or wireless) will not be able to see the devices plugged in on the Actiontec (or wireless) and vice-versa. That's not necessarily a problem unless you want to share files and printers. Configured this way, I would say it is highly unlikely they re-configured anything at all. Which means the Dlink is also fully functional exactly the way it was when it was previously in service. That means the wireless is probably also active. Chances are, you'll see both wireless networks if you search for nearby networks. Or, worse yet, they somehow got both wireless networks with the same name which will cause you more trouble because they aren't configured right to work together like that.
Its not how I would configure things, but it works - as long as the Dlink doesn't give you any trouble.
To do what you want to do I would be using a plain old gigabit switch and getting rid of the Dlink. I doubt it, but your ISP "techs" may have disabled the wireless on the actiontec if they felt it was better to use the existing wireless connection on the Dlink. The only way to really know is to get into the configuration interface of both of those units and find out what everything is set to.
And thanks again appleoddity. You and paws have done well by me on this issue.
Your last post helps me understand the "just use a switch" response. Even just knowing that there will be a barrier between the office devices and the family room devices if the router is used in this way makes it obvious I need a switch. Up until this point, I was sitting here with the computers working wondering why they seem so sure that it is not a good idea. Since I am still not done with renovating the family room, there are no devices in the family room. I have no way to know that they would be invisible to these other devices.
On the computer I am on, I can only view the DLink router under Network Infrastructure when I go to (in Windows 7) Start -> Control Panel -> Network and Internet -> View Network Computer and Devices. So, I guess this confirms that I cannot "see" the Actiontec router in the family room?
I will probably just leave things as is until I have completed the renovation as there won't be any devices to share with downstairs until then. At that point I'll go buy a gigabyte "switch" and replace the DLink router. I'll probably have to post for some help when it comes time for me to look at the Actiontec router's settings to make sure the wireless is on and all that.
Does that sound like a good plan?
Thanks again.
Obviously, if you tell me that it won't improve, I would take that under consideration.
Finally, I have not been a big fan of wireless connections because of the performance dip. (I did just tell you that I took advantage of doing a renovation on my home to place ethernet jacks in three rooms of my home, right?) However, with two wireless routers working together in the home I assume the wireless "coverage" of my home would improve. So, I might start giving it more of a try… and expect to eventually start using devices that might benefit from it. If I do, it seems like the two newer boxes would probably do a better job, but again… I don't know for sure.
I hope that helps you to help me.
Thanks again.
(I mean, who cares what the manual says.)
I will leave the existing setup as is for now. If something goes wrong, I'll look into buying a "switch". I don't need the main electrical system thing because I already have both locations wired up and ready to go. I just need the right box to plug the ethernet cables into. Currently, that box is the DLink router.
Again, paws, thanks for your time and your guidance. It is appreciated.
From your post it sounds like they should not have done that. So, the network is working, but I don't know if they configured the DLink to be a switch or if they just plugged it in and it worked and they left it like that. I also don't know if it is sending out the wireless signal or not. Thoughts?