New router soon, optimal setup for my LAN?

[Infryndiira]

Hello!

I got a call from my ISP yesterday, being told that the line will be upgraded PSTN to VoIP. This is a standard process they've started for their whole infrastructure/backbone for a while now, and while it's currently optional for me, sometime in 2017 it will be mandatory and I'd rather get over the issue rather than postpone it for later.

As a result, I need some advice relating to my LAN topology, as I will receive a new router to connect to the Internet, but want to keep using my existing one for the purposes of DHCP and Bandwidth Control/QoS. Primarily because the free routers ISPs offer are craptastic.

Currently I am using a TP-LINK TD-W8970 as my main router. The machine works perfectly for what I need it: it regulates bandwidth for a number of wireless and wired devices, and everyone's happy. However I don't think it will work over VoiP, so the new router will have to take over as the network's modem.

I want to keep the TD-W8970 as the 'master' for the purposes of DHCP and Bandwidth Control. What do I need to do? Should I opt for the new router functioning as a modem, and connect LAN to WAN with the TD-W8970, leaving the rest of the network intact? What other options do I got?

I am currently considering the following setup: the existing router's WAN port connected to one of the new one's (let's refer it to it as the modem from now on) LAN ports, in a cascade. The modem will have its DHCP and Wi-Fi disabled, for extra measure. However, I am not sure whether I will need additional settings, besides the cable connection and making sure the modem and the router are on different subnets.

Someone on reddit suggested bridge mode for the incoming modem, when I do receive it, if that is supported. How's that gonna work? Is it an option?

 

[Ralston18]

How do you currently receive your telephone service?

Just because they are setting up for VoIP does not mean (I hope) that you have to use it.

Lots of companies offer "improvements" with some sense of the process being mandatory. And many people just do not understand otherwise. (And the required device and service will probably cost more......)

Very good that you are thinking ahead and planning but be sure that there are really no other options.

And if your service is changed and you do need a new modem/router (either your own or rented from the ISP) then that device would simply be configured as a bridge serving your existing router. In other words it will not provide any router functions. Physically should be just an ethernet cable from the modem (or modem/router) to your router.

See if you can find out what device(s) they are offering and/or supporting: make and model. Check out the respective User Manuals/Guides to learn what physical connections and configurations will be available. Bear in mind that the device may be "branded" and have firmware changes customized to the needs of the ISP and not you.

 

[jsmithepa]

This picked my curiosity and took a look at my ow Aris Surfboard with VOIP capability but currently not using, and saw a RJ11 jack labeled, phone line 1/2.

This surfboard of mine is a GATEWAY, meaning modem+NAT+WIFI+4portSwitch+VOIP in one box, in your same situation and with a similar box, I would turn the TP-LINK into an Access Point, and turn off the Aris' WIFI. DHCP server can remain on the TP-Link. This is from the top of my head.

 

[Ralston18]

My setup is a bit different.

I have the Comcast/Xfinity provided Arris TM722 Modem. One incoming coax cable to serve the house.

The Arris does not support Xfinity's Hot Spot "offering" but I expect that the eventual replacement will do so and that I will probably not be able to disable that "feature". (Something you may wish to look into - i.e., that other people may be able to freely connect to the internet via the wireless hotspot on your ISP provided device.)

Note: For the record I would prefer to have my own modem but have learned that Comcast/Xfinity cannot blame the modem per se if it is theirs....

The modem has two RJ11 telephone ports - one port in use to serve the wireless telephone base station (with four client stations) via VoIP. Second RJ11 port is unused.

Then there is only one RJ45 ethernet port labeled with the network icon and some unreadable text. That port is connected to the Internet (WAN) port on my router. The router's LAN ports then serve various wired devices. I also use the wireless function as well.

 

[Infryndiira]

How do you currently receive your telephone service?

Just because they are setting up for VoIP does not mean (I hope) that you have to use it.

Lots of companies offer "improvements" with some sense of the process being mandatory. And many people just do not understand otherwise. (And the required device and service will probably cost more......)

Very good that you are thinking ahead and planning but be sure that there are really no other options.

And if your service is changed and you do need a new modem/router (either your own or rented from the ISP) then that device would simply be configured as a bridge serving your existing router. In other words it will not provide any router functions. Physically should be just an ethernet cable from the modem (or modem/router) to your router.

See if you can find out what device(s) they are offering and/or supporting: make and model. Check out the respective User Manuals/Guides to learn what physical connections and configurations will be available. Bear in mind that the device may be "branded" and have firmware changes customized to the needs of the ISP and not you.

Apparently they're changing their network infrastructure, and while atm it's optional, it will apparently be mandatory sometime in 2017. They apparently offer a 'Speedboard Entry 2i' and I am 100% sure they'll have customised firmware, like they always do.

Google fu revealed this as the manual from my ISP: http://bit.ly/2dORoJK

I'll go study it and come back later, meh...