Is This Network Setup Even Possible?

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by techtitan, Nov 2, 2021.

  1. techtitan

    techtitan Specialist

    I wanted to "split" my internet connection to run two separate routers simultaneously. I bought a TP Link TL-SG10 switch from Amazon. Here is the workflow.
    1. Connected the ethernet cable coming out of my cable modem to the switch.
    2. The first switch port I ran my main router. It's what feeds all the gadgets in my house with wi-fi and a direct hardwire connection to the desktop I'm typing on right now.
    3. The second switch port is where I connected my other router. Then, a laptop is hardwired to that router here (no wi-fi needed).

    The main side on port #1 (with my wi-fi network and hardwired desktop) connects fine. No issues. But THEN when I try to connect via my laptop simultaneously on the port 2/second router side, it's not working.

    Does that mean this setup won't work? I didn't buy just a regular ethernet splitter, because I heard you can't connect both sides at once. And a switch would do the job. But with it set up this way, is that even possible?

    NOTE: I have attached a diagram.
     

    Attached Files:

    techtitan, Nov 2, 2021
    #1
  2. plodr

    plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

    If you connect a switch to a modem, only 1 port will work, as you discovered.
    A modem assigns one IP given by your ISP. That IP is given to the switch and your computer has the same IP assigned from the ISP. No other IPs will be assigned so all other ports are useless on the switch.

    When my router died, I tried to use a switch connected to the modem and connected 2 computers to the switch. Only 1 worked. I then had to remove the switch and connect 1 computer to the modem, power it and the modem down then connect a different computer to be able to get online.

    I suggest you connect the router directly to the modem, then connect the switch to one of the ports on the router. That will work. A switch connected to a router gives you additional router ports. (I've done this in the past.)
     
    plodr, Nov 3, 2021
    #2
    Tonez likes this.
  3. foogoo

    foogoo Major "foogoo" Geek

    What is the netmask that the cable modem gives you? It's possible that there may be another IP you could use that is not handed out by your modem.
    Plug in a computer, open CMD and run ipconfig /all.

    Or depending on your router you might be able to VLAN a port for the other device.
     
    foogoo, Nov 3, 2021
    #3
  4. Replicator

    Replicator MajorGeek

    If you want to set up the new router as a network switch on port2, plug an Ethernet cable into any free port of the second router other than the uplink port, and connect it to any port of the first router other than an uplink port. ...

    Set the DHCP address range of the second router to fit inside the address range of the first router.
     
    Replicator, Nov 4, 2021
    #4
    Tonez likes this.

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