Adding 2nd Linksys router

[artmoe]

I now find the need to expand my home network. I currently have a Linksys WRT54G and do not use the wireless feature. I currently use all 4 ports on the back and need to add 2 more. I 've searched and read that I can add a 2nd Linksys router, and bridge the 2 after flashing with DD-WRT. This much I understand. However I am lost as to what setting I need to set each router. I'm not interested in using the wireless feature on either router so they will both be hard wired. Do I plug the 2nd router into the LAN port or one of the others. Any additional information on the steps I need to take would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Murphy]

You need a switch, not another router. The uplink port on the switch connects to one of the 4 ports on your router. Here's one for $13.99 + shipping.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=184225&CatId=0

[Mike Cornwell]

If you spend a few more dollars, you can get a Linksys switch that has feet that will fit into the top of the WRT54G that you have. Even though all my wiring terminates in my walk-in closet, and chances are very few people will ever see it, I went this route, in addition to a Linksys Cable Modem that also has the same feature, giving me a triple decker...

[artmoe]

[QUOTE=Murphy]You need a switch, not another router. The uplink port on the switch connects to one of the 4 ports on your router. Here's one for $13.99 + shipping.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=184225&CatId=0[/QUOTE]
Do I need to change any settings on my router once I add the switch? And will my router continue to assign IP address to additioinal hardware I connect to the switch?

[Ace987]

[QUOTE=artmoe]Do I need to change any settings on my router once I add the switch? And will my router continue to assign IP address to additioinal hardware I connect to the switch?[/QUOTE] Nope, think of the switch as a splitter. It's a little bit smarter, but essentially just lets you add extra networking devices. With a plain old switch, the router will countinue to assign the IP addresses.

Now, if you turned a router into a switch, that's another story.

[artmoe]

That's sounds easy enough. Now I can get my 3 RTV's, Xbox, Vonage, PC and still have room for more. Thanks for the advice.

[rkramer]

[QUOTE=Mike Cornwell]If you spend a few more dollars, you can get a Linksys switch that has feet that will fit into the top of the WRT54G that you have. Even though all my wiring terminates in my walk-in closet, and chances are very few people will ever see it, I went this route, in addition to a Linksys Cable Modem that also has the same feature, giving me a triple decker...[/QUOTE]


careful stacking though, make sure the router is on top, wrt's WILL develop enough heat to kill themselves (or shorten their lives quite a bit) if they are covered on top.