Home network help?

[DMF13]

So I’m finally getting around to setting up a home network.

The previous owners of the house ran CAT5e lines to several spots throughout the house (8 lines total), but the coax line for the internet comes into a closet in corner of the house, and the CAT5e lines originate there. That’s where the modem (ARRIS TM1602A https://www.amazon.com/ARRlS-Touchstone-TM1602A-Telephony-Optimum/dp/B084XVVX1T/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=arris+tm1602a&qid=1585691633&s=electronics&sr=1-5) is located, I currently have one Ethernet cord plugged in that connects to a jack in a loft, that is somewhat centrally located in the house.

I have a Wi-Fi router (ASUS RT-AC1900P https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Dual-Band-AiMesh-Router-AC1900/dp/B00FB45SI4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8Y2F8PZ9S8BV&dchild=1&keywords=asus+rt+1900p&qid=1585691736&s=electronics&sprefix=asus+RT-19%2Celectronics%2C270&sr=1-1 ) in that area, because I’m trying to get the best coverage around the house. A closet in the corner of the house wasn’t going to get the done!

When things are running smooth I get 400+ Mbps download right next to the router, over the 5G signal, However, in some spots, far from the router, speeds get down around 80-100Mbps, and the signal can be very weak, and therefore a little unreliable. The 2.4G signal is strong throughout the house, but obviously much slower than 5G.

I’d like to keep the WiFi router where it is, but get the jacks in some of the remote corners activated. That would allow me to hook up my Fire Sticks, personal and work laptops, printer/fax/scanner, etc, to Ethernet connections.

I have an 8 port unmanaged switch (D-Link DGS-1008G https://www.amazon.com/D-Link-8-Port-Gigabit-Desktop-DGS-1008G/dp/B003X7TRWO/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2MTWUFDEAYVWI&dchild=1&keywords=d-link+8+port+gigabit+switch&qid=1585691584&s=electronics&sprefix=d-link+8+port%2Celectronics%2C281&sr=1-3 ), that I haven’t hooked up yet, because I know nothing about using one of those.

Can I simply run the Ethernet cable from the modem to the switch, and connect the Ethernet cables from switch out the jacks in various rooms? Some searching on the internet suggests in addition to the switch I might need another router in between the modem and the switch, but the tech who hooked up my internet, and one who came out to do a repair, seem to think I don’t need an additional router. An additional router is also less than ideal, as it’s more equipment to buy, but also the closet where the modem is only has one electrical outlet, but if I need a router between the modem and switch, I’d then need to power three devices. Also, the cabinet that houses that stuff won’t hold all three devices, so I’d have to mount some equipment to the wall outside the cabinet.

If I do need a router, any suggestions on what to get? Is there a better way to accomplish this? I’d rather not buy more gear, but if there is a better/easier way to do this I’m open to those suggestions.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Half Moon]

You are unlikely to need a router. Ethernet cables limit is 100 meters in a run. You're unlikely to go over that length in a home. Every device connected will need an IP address. So long as your modem can issue enough that's unlikely to be a problem either.

Another option might be to get a wifi extender and place it out towards the area you are losing signal. They can cause a small bottleneck but we have one to get signal to step-son's room and haven't noticed undue bandwidth loss.

On an unmanaged switch it should also be pretty plug and play.

[mark7]

I'm sure someone smarter than I in networking will come along but until then I know enough about networking to be able to get by simple things.

I'm going to ASSume your wireless router is handling DHCP (assigning internal IP addresses.)
You should be able to plug your unmanaged switch into a port on the wireless router then connect your ethernet jacks into the rest of the ports on the switch.

Check with the user manual on the wireless router to see if any specific port is designated as the UPLINK port (where you MUST plug another switch/router into.) Some have UPLINK ports, some do not.

There would be no reason to add another router. If you did need to add another, one of the routers would have to be designated to handle DHCP and the other would be designated as a bridge.

[TheRoland]

I run an engineering group at an ISP so here's a highly technical answer:

Jam that shit together and mess with it until it works.

Assuming your products have sane defaults:


Can I simply run the Ethernet cable from the modem to the switch, and connect the Ethernet cables from switch out the jacks in various rooms?

No. You want to run the cable from your modem to your wifi router, then from the ethernet ports on your wifi router to the switch. Or run the ethernet directly from the ports on your router (if you only are serving 4 ports).


Some searching on the internet suggests in addition to the switch I might need another router in between the modem and the switch,

You don't need another but you do need at least one router and at least one switch between your modem someone who wants to use it. Your wifi router contains one of each. Your switch contains only a switch.

[DMF13]

I run an engineering group at an ISP so here's a highly technical answer:

Jam that shit together and mess with it until it works.

Assuming your products have sane defaults:



No. You want to run the cable from your modem to your wifi router, then from the ethernet ports on your wifi router to the switch. Or run the ethernet directly from the ports on your router (if you only are serving 4 ports).



You don't need another but you do need at least one router and at least one switch between your modem someone who wants to use it. Your wifi router contains one of each. Your switch contains only a switch.

Thanks for the laugh with that first part. So, if I understand you correctly a router needs to be between the modem I have, and the switch I have. So my problem is that means taking my current router from roughly the center of the house, to the back of a closet, in the back corner of the house.

Rather than get another separate router between the modem and switch, so I can leave the wifi router in it's current spot, would something like this work, instead of a router and the switch? D-Link DSR-250 https://www.amazon.com/D-Link-Gigabit-Dynamic-Filtering-DSR-250/dp/B008021NSI/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=wired-only+gigabit+router&qid=1585703501&sr=8-7


Also, keep in mind, when it comes to computer technology, I'm like Zoolander and Hansel trying to get the files from "in the computer."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQGX3J6DAGw

So which setup would be easier for me to "jam together until it works?"

Again, thanks to all for all the advice.

[TheRoland]

The amazon link in your post is a router and a switch (so it would be ‘another router’). That’s fine but if you drop a second router in your network you will have to configure stuff, as Mark7 referenced.

Can you run a cable (or multiple) back from your wifi router to the closet? If it were me I’d go to great lengths to avoid needing to spend $100 because that’s the way I’m wired.

[beenalongtime]

Put your Dlink in the closet, next to the modem. According to the owners manual, all auto ports auto detect/switch to what is needed (uplink port). Put the wire from the modem to the Dlink and then run the wire to your wireless as well as the ones to the other rooms. In your configuration, make sure you have the Asus set as the gateway.

[DMF13]

In your configuration, make sure you have the Asus set as the gateway.
Thanks. Quick question, since I'm very ignorant about this stuff: How do I set the ASUS router as the "gateway?"

[DMF13]

Can you run a cable (or multiple) back from your wifi router to the closet? If it were me I’d go to great lengths to avoid needing to spend $100 because that’s the way I’m wired.I'm not sure how hard it would be to run a cable back, although based on how the house is laid out, I'm guessing it wouldn't be easy. I'm a cheap bastard, so I'm loathe to spend extra money if I don't need to. So, I will consider running a new line, if I can't figure out how to set it up the way Benedictine suggested

[beenalongtime]

Thanks. Quick question, since I'm very ignorant about this stuff: How do I set the ASUS router as the "gateway?"

Is your system set up for DHCP, or do you have fixed addresses? It will depend on your device. (Android is different from Windows, and I haven't messed with Firesticks, but it is in Networking, somewhere)
I obtain my IP, from my DHCP server, on most of my computers. Things like my Print server, uses a fixed IP address, and I block it from internet access, via the firewall software. Then in a separate room, I installed an ad blocker/DNS server on a Raspberry PI, and direct some of my computers to go through that, while others typically go through your ISP, or are set to Google, OpenDNS, etc.
I am going to disagree with TheRoland some, because the wires take communication both ways and a lot of what you need to do, can be done via software settings. Once you start adding other firewalls, (more DHCP servers, second layers of security, etc), you will need to start messing with subnet mask settings.

[EricM]

My 2 cents...it's great to have things hardwired when you can, but if it were me, I would still want solid wifi throughout the house.

Your Asus router supports AiMesh, which allows multiple Asus routers/repeaters to work together to expand your wireless coverage. So you could put your current Asus router in the cabinet connected directly to the modem, put another Asus AiMesh-compatible device on the other side of the house, and use one of your CAT5e lines to connect one of the LAN ports on your current router to the WAN port on the new device. Once the new node is configured to know your original router is the boss, your wifi devices will connect to whichever Asus device gives them a stronger signal, and in theory at least should transition seamlessly as you move through the house. You can also use the LAN ports on the new node to connect wired devices to your network in the other room, just as if you had connected a switch. (Of course you can still add a switch too if you need even more ports.) The new Asus device could be another RT-AC1900P router, or a RP-AC1900 repeater, or any other Asus product that supports AiMesh and has similar wireless specifications. While you would have to go through the steps to configure the new Asus device, nothing would change about how you configure your laptops, phones, etc. to connect to the network.

[TheRoland]

I am going to disagree with TheRoland some, because the wires take communication both ways and a lot of what you need to do, can be done via software settings.

You should certainly try this, because you have all the stuff, and maybe it'll work and then you're done.


In your configuration, make sure you have the Asus set as the gateway.

If you read the manual I'll not disagree with you, but I thought it unlikely the wireless router was going to support assigning itself an external IP and offering DHCP on the same port. If it does, great! But even if it does, I don't think that's sufficient, because the router will be trying to reach its NATed addresses and the public internet through the same layer 2 domain, so he'll probably have to setup VLANs, which is a pain.

[DMF13]

Thanks again.
Is your system set up for DHCP, or do you have fixed addresses?I have the router set up for DHCP (according to the ASUS app that "controls" the router settings. I have Windows 10 on my laptop.


I obtain my IP, from my DHCP server, on most of my computers. Things like my Print server, uses a fixed IP address, and I block it from internet access, via the firewall software. Then in a separate room, I installed an ad blocker/DNS server on a Raspberry PI, and direct some of my computers to go through that, while others typically go through your ISP, or are set to Google, OpenDNS, etc.I don't know what that means, sorry. :(

After work, I hooked the modem to the D-Link switch in port 1, and attached the ethernet cable that runs to the router in port 2. I've hooked all the other ethernet cables to other ports. I then went to one of the jacks in another room, and hooked up the laptop. I get message in Windows that there is an "Unidentified Network" "No Internet" for an ethernet connection. Trying to diagnose the connection gives me "Problems found, 'Ethernet' doesn't have a valid IP configuration"

I have no idea how set my router as a "gateway."

With everything hooked up that way the Wi-Fi still works, on both the 2.4G and 5G signals.

I'm stumped. :confused:

[DMF13]

My 2 cents...it's great to have things hardwired when you can, but if it were me, I would still want solid wifi throughout the house.

Your Asus router supports AiMesh, which allows multiple Asus routers/repeaters to work together to expand your wireless coverage. So you could put your current Asus router in the cabinet connected directly to the modem, put another Asus AiMesh-compatible device on the other side of the house, and use one of your CAT5e lines to connect one of the LAN ports on your current router to the WAN port on the new device. Once the new node is configured to know your original router is the boss, your wifi devices will connect to whichever Asus device gives them a stronger signal, and in theory at least should transition seamlessly as you move through the house. You can also use the LAN ports on the new node to connect wired devices to your network in the other room, just as if you had connected a switch. (Of course you can still add a switch too if you need even more ports.) The new Asus device could be another RT-AC1900P router, or a RP-AC1900 repeater, or any other Asus product that supports AiMesh and has similar wireless specifications. While you would have to go through the steps to configure the new Asus device, nothing would change about how you configure your laptops, phones, etc. to connect to the network.If I can't get it set up the way beenalongtime is suggesting, I may end up doing this. Also, I may have to fish some line anyway, as there is no ethernet line run to where the TV is in the master bedroom.

[DMF13]

You should certainly try this, because you have all the stuff, and maybe it'll work and then you're done.Oh I'm trying, but not having any luck.
If you read the manual I'll not disagree with you, but I thought it unlikely the wireless router was going to support assigning itself an external IP and offering DHCP on the same port. If it does, great! But even if it does, I don't think that's sufficient, because the router will be trying to reach its NATed addresses and the public internet through the same layer 2 domain, so he'll probably have to setup VLANs, which is a pain.I'm not even sure what all that means, so I'm way in over my head.

Here I thought the hard part was done because the CAT5e lines had been run to most locations I wanted, only to find out that's probably the easiest part of this mess, and I still have at least one more line to run!

[rob_s]

I was very close to running CAT5 all over my house, out to my guest house and shop, out to my gate for a security camera...

Then I came to my senses and bought these things and stopped worrying about wires.

https://eero.com/


It’s not 1997. You don’t need wires.

[beenalongtime]

You should certainly try this, because you have all the stuff, and maybe it'll work and then you're done.



If you read the manual I'll not disagree with you, but I thought it unlikely the wireless router was going to support assigning itself an external IP and offering DHCP on the same port. If it does, great! But even if it does, I don't think that's sufficient, because the router will be trying to reach its NATed addresses and the public internet through the same layer 2 domain, so he'll probably have to setup VLANs, which is a pain.
The manual I read was on the switch, as I was specifically looking to find out if it had an uplink or shared port to worry about. Maybe a mistake, but I ASSumed that the way the first post read (or maybe I misread it), that he had the internet working through the router, but just had dead lines in area's of his house (not hooked up to anything, asking how to hook up). Several of the DIY firewalls, I have done, use one network card, however, if his wasn't receiving internet before, via wired, then maybe this one will only accept its IP from the fixed uplink port, rather then a regular port. (where others switches need an uplink port, to hook to another switch).

Thanks again.I have the router set up for DHCP (according to the ASUS app that "controls" the router settings. I have Windows 10 on my laptop.
I don't know what that means, sorry. :(

After work, I hooked the modem to the D-Link switch in port 1, and attached the ethernet cable that runs to the router in port 2. I've hooked all the other ethernet cables to other ports. I then went to one of the jacks in another room, and hooked up the laptop. I get message in Windows that there is an "Unidentified Network" "No Internet" for an ethernet connection. Trying to diagnose the connection gives me "Problems found, 'Ethernet' doesn't have a valid IP configuration"

I have no idea how set my router as a "gateway."

With everything hooked up that way the Wi-Fi still works, on both the 2.4G and 5G signals.

I'm stumped. :confused:
Long work yesterday (I am unfortunately, essential), sorry.
So on your wireless system, can you see the internet, or just your home network? (let's define, wifi works)

[DMF13]

Long work yesterday (I am unfortunately, essential), sorry.
So on your wireless system, can you see the internet, or just your home network? (let's define, wifi works)No worries, I'm considered "essential" also, so we stay home when possible, but often have to go out to get the job done. Today is a "paperwork" day so mostly from the home office.

Yes, with the router connected through the switch, I still have both a signal, and access to the internet, but none of the Ethernet lines appear to have the internet. Under "WAN Connection Type" the router is set to "DHCP."

Thanks again for trying to help. I really am clueless about this stuff.

[Chance]

Rather than start a brand new thread, I figured I'd just hijack this one:

What's a decent wireless router these days? I've really been wanting to tinker with various gizmos, like PiHoles, but my present router is so security-oriented, it doesn't let you change any settings outside of curated pre-sets. I don't mind spending some money, but I'm concerned that getting anything "advanced" will result in me buying something I can't screw with.

[RJ]

Rather than start a brand new thread, I figured I'd just hijack this one:

What's a decent wireless router these days? I've really been wanting to tinker with various gizmos, like PiHoles, but my present router is so security-oriented, it doesn't let you change any settings outside of curated pre-sets. I don't mind spending some money, but I'm concerned that getting anything "advanced" will result in me buying something I can't screw with.

Settings being?

I looked at the page on github on piholes.

https://github.com/pi-hole/pi-hole

Looks like you would need to set the DNS manually to the pihole, instead of getting it from the ISP. FWIW my Nighhawk R7900P with the latest firmware has this ability, under Advanced, under Domain Name Server Address.

Would that not work?

[Chance]

Settings being?

I looked at the page on github on piholes.

https://github.com/pi-hole/pi-hole

Looks like you would need to set the DNS manually to the pihole, instead of getting it from the ISP. FWIW my Nighhawk R7900P with the latest firmware has this ability, under Advanced, under Domain Name Server Address.

Would that not work?

It'd work fine, but the router I have presently doesn't allow me to tweak those settings, and it isn't supported by open source firmware. I just picked up a Linksys router that advertises being compatible with OpenWrt so that I can screw with it at leisure. I'll keep the schmancy router around as a backup for when I inevitably bone something and have to get the Internet working before I get kicked out of the house.

[RJ]

It'd work fine, but the router I have presently doesn't allow me to tweak those settings, and it isn't supported by open source firmware. I just picked up a Linksys router that advertises being compatible with OpenWrt so that I can screw with it at leisure. I'll keep the schmancy router around as a backup for when I inevitably bone something and have to get the Internet working before I get kicked out of the house.

That should work. I bought a Linksys router and reflashed it with DD-WRT. From the Goodwill Store. For $2 :) (I wanted that one because it had an external RP-SMA connector for an antenna I wanted to mess with. But I leave the "house" router alone lol - my wife would skin me alive if I messed up the internet.

Good luck with your project. Hope it works out.