Help using DG834 Netgear as a hub

Hi all,

I have 2 PCs (in different rooms, about 15 feet apart) on a network using Ethernet homeplugs and a DG834 Netgear router. Over recent months the internet connection has been dropping, sometimes several times a day. After multiple calls to the ISP we are now trying to eliminate the router as being the issue - we think it's a BT problem but we need to cover all bases first to avoid an unnecessary expensive call out. The ISP have sent a test router for us to check the connection over a period of days. Problem is it only has one port (it's Speedtouch ST-510) hence only the PC connected to it can get online but that's no good as both PCs need access to the net.

If I set up the Speedtouch for the net access, is there a way to set up the Netgear as a kind of hub to keep the network working? :confused Just to clarify in case anyone suggests it, wireless can't work here as we have 6 inch thick concrete walls between some rooms which has prevented it when we've tried previously.

Thanks for reading.
JulesM

 

You may be able to use the Netgear as a hub, actually a switch, by disabling the DHCP server in it and connect the Ethernet cable from the new Modem to one of the LAN ports on the Router. The remaining 3 ports should be able to connect the the other devices. You may need to use a crossover Ethernet cable but most equipment today auto detects.

NOTE: The DG834 is a ADSL Modem and a Router so the above may not work. I've never tried it with a Modem/Router combo. It won't harm anything, it just may not work.

 

Thanks shnerdly - I'll try that. I have connected them up before with no success but I hadn't disabled the DHCP server in the netgear.

What is a crossover Ethernet cable?

Really appreciate your help, thanks
JulesM

 

There will be not problem using the DG834 as a switch.

You can just use a normal patch cable (I am not sure if they make crossover cables any more as there is no real requirements any more with auto detect ports).

I use the DG834G as a wap (wireless access point) and switch and have no issues (I have also set a couple up with the same config at friends with no issues).

Any modem/router/wireless device can be used as a switch. As has been stated just make sure that you disable DHCP in the interface. Would also be better if you gave the DG834 a fixed LAN IP address too.

Good Luck