I have three 'networking' devices.

- Cable Modem
- Dynex Hub/Router (Hardwire only)
- Linksys Wireless Hub/Router

My original thought was to daisy-chain the Dynex and the Linksys together and have the Linksys provide ONLY connection for wireless devices (a laptop, couple of phones, etc). The hardwired or docked PC's I thought I'd run to the Dynex directly.

Like so:



That didn't work (not sure why) and right now everything goes to the Linksys; the Dynex is not being used.

My question: What is the most effective way to connect/utilize these devices? Is there any advantage in having the two routers connected? If so, is there a specific order in which they should be connected?

 

What is doing your DHCP? My guess is it's the Linksys? Is the Dynex really a router or just a switch?

 

The Linksys needs to be changed to access point mode.

 

I have no idea which is doing DCHP. I don't know if the Dynex is a 'hub' or a true router.

The Dynex is a DX-E402, Dynex 10/100MB Router. http://www.dynexproducts.com/product...s/DX-E402.html

The Linksys is a WRT54GS.

But the Dynex is not currently connected (because the way I had connected it didn't work), so I guess my real question is: Is there any reason to use both devices?

 

 

Did you try switching the order? Go from cable modem to Linksys, then use one of the wired ports to feed the dynex.

 

No. I could give it a shot, but assuming doopster is right, having both in-line really serves no purpose. In which case, I'll let the Dynex sit as a 'backup' just in case.

 

yeah, as long as the linksys has the ports you need there's no real need for the Dynex...that's BB's house brand, i wonder who the OEM is for that (firmware, etc.).

The only reason why you'd need both is if you have more than one computer on another floor or room, and need more ports.

if it's just one floor, with only 3 wired computers, then just the Linksys should suffice.

so modem > Linksys (DHCP) > wired and wireless clients.

if you want more ports, have it this way:

modem > Linksys (DHCP) > Dynex (DHCP disabled, effectively a switch. WAN port is typically unused.). Wired clients can be on either, wireless clients obviously connect to the Linky.

 

I agree, if you only have 3 wired connections and your wireless router has 4 wired ports, I didn't really see any reason to use both devices in the first place.....other than just to use equipment lying around(which I can relate to).

 

As said just use the linksys as they are both 10/100 and your not gaining anything...

From what I am seeing with the two devices you more then likely needed a crossover cable instead of a straight through since your connecting 2 like devices...

WRT54GS is actually one of my top home router/switches of time because of how well it take DDWRT...

 

^best practices dictate a crossover cable, but for the everyday home user with any modern switch, a regular cable will be fine connecting a switch to a switch.

 

As long as you plug them into the switch side of the house IE the numbered ports it should be ok with a straight through...The WRT54GS has issues with daisy chaining on the stock OS...