Help with Router/Switch

Hi Everyone,

First let me explain my setup a little. Downstairs in the livingroom is my cable modem, microsoft mn-100 router, and 1 computer. Upstairs, in the bedroom, I have 1 computer and an Xbox. I only have one ethernet cable running upstairs and switch it to the Xbox from the computer if I'm playing Xbox Live.

Now here's the question. I have an extra microsoft mn-100 router laying around doing nothing. Is there any way I can use the extra router as a switch upstairs to connect both the Xbox and the computer at the same time? I really don't want to run another long cable all the way upstairs from the router. Or do I just have to buy a switch?

In the settings for the router, I can switch it to "bridging mode", but I don't know if that means it acts like a switch. What is "bridging mode".

Thanks for your help in advance.

 

Hooking up the router upstairs should work. Just plug it in as main internet. Ive setup a wireless router going to 4 comptuers and one thats connected with cat 5 going about 200 ft. to another wireless access point. Its worth a try before going and buying a switch which would work also.

 

Thanks bjgarrick.

I'm going to mess with it tomorrow.

I just noticed the I posted this in the wrong forum. I thought I was in networking.

 

Its ok, PM me if you have any problems and I'll walk you thru it

 

Sent you a PM bjgarrick.

I switch the router that I want to use as a switch to bridging mode. I had everything working. I have no problem with the computer or Xbox upstairs. Problem is downstairs. After everthing is working for a while, the downstairs computer loses connection. When I try to log into the base station management tool from downstairs, it won't let me sign in to the downstairs router. It will sign in to the one I'm using as a switch. It specifically states that once you switch the router to bridging mode that you won't be able to log in to the management tool on that router.

I think that I'm just going to have to spring for a switch.

 

weird, ive done this before..wonder whats up with it

 

Do I have all the cabling right?

I have cable modem to modem port on downstairs router.
Downstairs computer is connected to normal port.
Cable from another normal port running upstairs to modem port on router acting as switch.
Upstairs computer an Xbox to normal ports on switch.

I'm pretty sure thats right. The downstairs computer needed an update to the router software (not firmware) and all seems well again. Upstairs computer already had this update. We'll see how long it lasts.

Thanks again for your help.

 

I believe everything is connected right. Is everything working fine right now?

 

It only worked for a little while again then the downstairs computer lost connection.

I might try switching the routers around and see what happens.

I'm fed up with trying. I'm just going to get a switch or go wireless. Probably get a switch until I can save up some cash.

Thanks again bjgarrick.

 

Wireless would for sure the best and easiest way, however wireless cost a little more. Let me know if you need any further assistance.

 

GAH wrong thread

 

Just a little update.

I went out and got a Linksys 5 port switch today and got everything working the way it should be.

Thanks again.

Neil