I was in the exact same situation last week. I needed 265 computers connected, but my router would only allow 255.

 

I've never tried this b4.

So... Do I need a twisted-pair cable to plug the second router to the switch and the "DSL Modem" port? or just plug the second router to the switch and the ethernet port?

 

It is a eSoft. They charge everything per user. It add$ up when adding this and adding that. So, I am trying to avoid that.

So, Do I plug the second router to the switch? Don't I need a twisted-pair cable or something?

 

You shouldn't need a crossover cable....Just connect one port on the old router to the WAN port of the new one. Assign is one of the old routers IP address and then use NAT on the new one.

 

Thanks. will do that.

 

Here is a little diagram of the devices and what ports you should be plugged into. I also put in IP Subnet info you could use as an example.

INTERNET
|
|
| Phone (or Cable)
DSL (or Cable) Modem
| PC
|
| WAN
Main Router
| LAN
| 192.168.1.x
| WAN
Cheapy Router
| LAN
| 192.168.2.x
|
Switch (or Hub)
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
User Users Users

Like Whiskers said, you should be able to use all normal straight-thru patch cables.

By the way, you don't have any publicly accessed servers (Web, E-mail, etc) in your network do you? By that I mean servers that are in your office that people access from the internet.

Also, be aware of any devices in your network that uses Static IP's...

 

Thanks for the diagram. But can I plug the cheap router to the switch instead:


INTERNET
|
|
| Phone (or Cable)
DSL (or Cable) Modem
| PC
|
| WAN
Main Router
| LAN
| 192.168.1.x
|
Switch (or Hub)
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Users Users
|
| WAN
Cheapy Router
| LAN
| 192.168.2.x
|
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
WiFi Connection for the laptops

 

Sure! Shouldn't be a problem. Basically all your wireless users would be taking up only 1 IP on your Main Router.

Another option is to do the opposite. Place your WAP (Wireless Access Point) between your Main Router and Cheapy Router. Unless of course the WAP is built in to your Cheapy Router.

The advantage of putting the WAP between the routers is that it would be in a sort of "DMZ" so wireless computers would not be able to access computers on your wired LAN. This would be advantageous if for example an untrusted computer (like a client, consultant, etc.) wants access to the internet from their laptop. You would not have to worry if they have viruses / malware or whatever that could spread to your office computers. It would also help if a hacker broke into your wireless connection for the same reason.

All your wired computers would take up only 1 IP. Of course your 10 license limit could become an issue again if too many wireless users connect to your WAP...

 

Thanks.

I will give it a try when I borrow a cheap wireless router from my friend.