Can I plug a second router into a powerline?

[Flightsimluke]

Hello,

I'm not exactly a networking boffin, I'm more of a components guy. As a result of this, when it comes to the subject I could do with some second opinions.

I'm going to make this as brief as possible - currently, I run a powerline from my main router (BT Hub 5) to my bedroom two floors above. I have to manually unplug and plug in when I switch from PC to Xbox. I also get shoddy wifi connection. Can I, quite simply, go BTHub to powerline to second router to PC and Xbox using long Ethernet cables, and any wireless devices in my room? Would eliminate the need for manual switching and also remove the burden of horrific wifi connection.

Regards
Luke

 

[byza]

Yes, what you want is also called an called an Access Point. You can get power over ethernet (PoE) which can come in handy depending on the location.

 

[APassingMe]

So what you're saying if I understand correctly is that your current setup is as follows:

Router -> Powerline 1 - > Powerline 2 -> (PC or Xbox) and you have to choose which one you have plugged in.

If that's the case and you're asking if you can do the following:

Router -> Powerline 1 -> Powerline 2 -> Router -> (PC and Xbox/other devices) both plugged into the integrated switch on the router.

then the answer is yes but you will need to turn dhcp off on one of the two routers since you're really only using it as a switch and and multiple dhcp providers interfere with each other, normally you would turn off the dhcp on the router that you are not using for your internet connection. If you want to replace one of the routers with a switch, then that works as well. Also be careful on your wireless settings since you could interfere with your own wireless connection if you have wireless setup on both routers and don't do it correctly.

If you use wireless on both routers, either set them to the same channel (find the best one with inSSIDer) or if you have enough open wireless channels then pick either channel 1, 6 or 11 for one router and one of the remaining channels mentioned for the other router. If you're not going to use the wireless on one or both routers then please disable the wifi signal on them so that your neighbors can have a better wireless experience.

 

[APassingMe]

One other thing, if you're using a router as an additional access point or as a switch then don't using the port marked for internet access on the router. If you did use it everything might still work but you would be creating something called a double NAT which should be avoided if possible, plus it's easier to setup if you avoid the internet port for the above mentioned purposes (AP or Switch).

 

[digitaldoc]

Yes, you can and should set this up so you can use both the PC and Xbox simultaneously.

Leave the BThub as a router, and leave it setup as you have now. The access point can be plugged into the powerline network, which will both improve your WiFi, and give additional ethernet ports.

 

[Flightsimluke]

Thanks for the help - would you recommend, therefore, the easiest thing to do would be to simply disengage the Wireless internet function and simply use a cheap router as a switch? My father is in the process of setting up an Apple Airport Express network around the house which should improve my wireless signal.

Or - just get a dedicated switch: http://www.ebuyer.com/428130-tp-link-tl-sg105-5-port-gigabit-desktop-switch-steel-case-tl-sg105 ?

 

[APassingMe]

Thanks for the help - would you recommend, therefore, the easiest thing to do would be to simply disengage the Wireless internet function and simply use a cheap router as a switch? My father is in the process of setting up an Apple Airport Express network around the house which should improve my wireless signal.

Or - just get a dedicated switch: http://www.ebuyer.com/428130-tp-link-tl-sg105-5-port-gigabit-desktop-switch-steel-case-tl-sg105 ?

If you have an unused router with enough switch ports on the back then just disable dhcp (and the wireless connection if desired) and use it as a switch. If you don't have any old routers or switches laying around or if they aren't functional then just buy a cheap 100 mbps switch. The 1000 mpbs switch you have linked should be fine but if you find a 100mpbs switch at a cheaper price it should be sufficient for your needs as well.

If you end up buying something I recommend buying a larger switch to have at least two ports open after you plug in everything you want connected so you'll have some flexibility in the future, if money isn't an issue then go for twice as many ports as you think you might use within the next year.