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Forum Discussion
wired ethernet router
I have a new cable modem CM1200 Nighthawk in my basement. Several ethernet cables also terminate in my basement. I also have an Orbi WiFi system in my house, currently connected via the 1 live port on the cable modem. So, in my basement, I need a wired router to connect all the ethernet outlets in my house, including the one that my Orbi System is connected to. What should I get?
5 Replies
Seem like you would need a Gb LAN switch, not a rotuer, to connect your LAN ports and outlets to your Orbi system.
Check out NGs GS series of switches.
How many LAN outlets do you have in the home?
conanreidy wrote:I have a new cable modem CM1200 Nighthawk in my basement. Several ethernet cables also terminate in my basement. I also have an Orbi WiFi system in my house, currently connected via the 1 live port on the cable modem. So, in my basement, I need a wired router to connect all the ethernet outlets in my house, including the one that my Orbi System is connected to. What should I get?
This appears to be an unfortunate situation where someone "planned ahead", but did not anticipate the appearance of mesh WiFi systems. Running ethernet cables to a central point is correct. Running them to where the internet modem is located is a typical practice. The intention was to install a router in the basement and use the ethernet cables to connect devices all over the house. The Orbi router could have been installed in the basement, connected to the modem, and used to support devices through the ethernet cables. However, installing a WiFi router in the basement is not generally a great idea, so it was put upstairs. Now the remaining ethernet cables cannot be used.
There can be only one device directly connected to the modem https://www.netgear.com/home/products/networking/cable-modems-routers/cm1200.aspx This device needs to be a router, not a switch. Most consumer routers seem to come with 4 ethernet ports. One for the Orbi and 3 for other devices. If there are more things to connect, then either (a) the router needs more ports, or (b) there should be a gigabiit switch in addition to the router.
As far as I can determine, Netgear does not sell a "router". There are lots of choices of cable modem/router and WiFi/router, but no "just a router." If you want to stay "All Netgear", then you need a WiFi/router and disable the WiFi function. Other companies sell "routers". Ubiquiti, for example, has been mentioned in a number of posts. They sell 3, 5, 8, 24 port "Edge Routers". I have never used one myself.
And, once a router is put into the basement, the conventional wisdom is that the Orbi should be placed in "Access Point" (AP) mode.
Sorry to rave on.
Confguration should look like this:
CM1200<Orbi RBR in router mode><Gb LAN switch with 8 or more ports connected to back of RBR, depending on LAN outlets needed in home.
FURRYe38 wrote:Confguration should look like this:
CM1200<Orbi RBR in router mode><Gb LAN switch with 8 or more ports connected to back of RBR, depending on LAN outlets needed in home.
I agree. This works great (and costs less) as long as putting the Orbi in the basement does not drastically affect WiFi coverage.
