Networking dilemma

[Cristatus]

I have three routers: Linksys befw11s4 (Wireless B only), SMC 7004ABR EU (basically the European version of the 7004ABR) and a Thomson Speedtouch 510i

I don't think the model numbers are important except for simplification of how I want to link the three. Let's call the Thomson A, the Linksys B, and the SMC C. Also, one thing to remember is that my internet comes from router A.

Right now, my current configuration is: A -> B. Simple. Now, what I want to do is add the SMC in the middle so that it becomes: A -> C -> B. This is for the sole purpose of extending the range of the Linksys (I can place it somewhat more in the center of the house).

Yes, I do know that I could simply connect one of those extension connections, but since i have an extra router, I might as well use it.

Anyways, the following are the details of the connections:

Linksys:

LAN
I.P. adress: 192.168.1.1
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
DHCP Server: Disabled

WAN
I.P. adress: external ip adress
DNS number1: actual DNS
DNS number2: actual DNS
DNS number3: 10.0.0.138


DNS number3 is the actual IP for the Thomson router, but I can't seem to acces it (don't forget, that I'm accesing it through the Linksys).

All my IPs are in the 192.168.1.xxx range.

First I have to get this out of the way, before I can add the SMC.

How do I access the Thomson? Whenever I put in the IP adress in the browser, it just comes up with "time out" and even pings time out.

What do I do?

Thanks in advance.

 

[JackMDS]

As far as I know these Wireless Routers are only working in Gateway mode and can Not talk Wirelessly one to the other.

Assuming that you are using CAT5e cables for interconnections.

May be this can Help, Using a Wireless Cable/DSL Router as a Switch with an Access Point

:sun:

 

[Cristatus]

The only wireless one in there is the Linksys, the others are wired.

 

[whalen]

I really dont understand what you are trying to accomplish.......can you try to draw a diagram?

 

[whalen]

If you are just trying to extend the connection you could just use a switch between router A and C....so just use the "LAN" ports on the router, and make sure the LAN and WAN interface on B aren't in your subnet....

Im still not sure that I understand your setup though......

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: logic1485
The only wireless one in there is the Linksys, the others are wired.

Does Not matter the principle described in the page fits Wire as well as Wireless.

:sun:

 

[Cristatus]

Originally posted by: whalen
If you are just trying to extend the connection you could just use a switch between router A and C....so just use the "LAN" ports on the router, and make sure the LAN and WAN interface on B aren't in your subnet....

Im still not sure that I understand your setup though......

Well, here is a diagram. Surprisingly, I did not try that configuration. I did, put the Thomson in the WAN, and the Linksys in the LAN of the SMC.

 

[d3lt4]

I used two routers before and all it did was cause problems. Maybe not using all three is the best idea. Why do you want three ruters anyways? What do you need the range extended for?

 

[letstalkcisco]

Um, speaking from extensive personal experience you probably won't be able to make this work. Successfully interconnecting multiple routers requires a routing protocol like RIP or OSPF or one of those, and these consumer-class routers will not support any routing protocols. Then on top of that you're intermingling DHCP and potentially conflicting IP addressing schema and this is going to turn into a big jumbled mess that will require someone who's really experienced with this sort of thing to sort out.

In other words, no, you can't ping the Thomson from the Linksys and although you might be able to work around it by configuring ALL ip addresses on all interfaces to statically remain in the same subnet (192.168.1.1 through 192.168.1.254 mask=255.255.255.0) it's unlikely. Give it a try though.

Also if you're interconnecting with cables instead of using them as wireless repeaters then you'll want to make sure you're getting link lights - you might require a crossover cable or two if ports aren't coming up.

 

[Cristatus]

Bah, fuggedaboutit.

I thought, skip the confusing mess, and bought one of those plugs that has female RJ-45 plugs on both the back and the front, and moved the wireless router physically.

Basically, what I wanted to do before was move the wireless router, and since I had an extra router, I though I could've used that for an extension.

Anyways, this kind of stuff interests me. Networking stuff. I was wondering, what I would be able to do to further my knowledge in this field. What courses, exams, maybe even books (but books are useless without practical hands-on experience, in this field especialy).

I am based in the UK, if that makes any difference.

 

[letstalkcisco]

Well the Cisco certifications are the most popular for networking. Those are international and widely recognized. They're also pretty challenging to pass - you can check out the exam topics for the CCNA (entry-level certicication) here:
http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/current_exams/640-801.html

You're right that books don't offer a whole lot if you don't have the equipment to mess with yourself. You can find cheap Cisco gear on ebay or other places to build a lab with. Once you have two or three devices it's a lot easier to learn the concepts they're trying to teach you. But you will need the latest exam study book, which you can find at amazon.com just by searching for 640-801 and picking out whichever one you think looks best.

 

[Cristatus]

Sweet, thanks. Get back to you tomorrow, sleeping time now.

 

[whalen]

Originally posted by: logic1485
Bah, fuggedaboutit.

I thought, skip the confusing mess, and bought one of those plugs that has female RJ-45 plugs on both the back and the front, and moved the wireless router physically.

Basically, what I wanted to do before was move the wireless router, and since I had an extra router, I though I could've used that for an extension.

Anyways, this kind of stuff interests me. Networking stuff. I was wondering, what I would be able to do to further my knowledge in this field. What courses, exams, maybe even books (but books are useless without practical hands-on experience, in this field especialy).

I am based in the UK, if that makes any difference.

You could have done the same thing with what you had, only using the wired router in the middle and plugging the AP and router into the LAN ports on the router...essentially not using the router as a "router" but as a switch.

 

[Cristatus]

That's what whalen suggested, if I'm not mistaken.