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Forum Discussion
AJ290
Jun 15, 2019Aspirant
Router Placement
I'm wondering how placement of the router affects signal strength. Specifically with the RAX40. My current modem/router combo is a lease from Xfinity and sits on the desk next to me. Upgrading to ...
- Jun 17, 2019
AJ290 wrote:
The CM1100 modem has two ethernet ports. One port will be wired directly to the router, (other port remains unused?). Then I run a cable from the router to my laptop, correct?Correct.
AJ290 wrote:
what is the advantage of this vs a direct cable from modem to laptop?
Modem to laptop won't work. (See above.) There is no router in the modem.
AJ290 wrote:
And if the RAX40 doesn't support ethernet port aggregation, why set it up as if it does?
You can't set it up "as if it does". You just have a redundant port on the modem.
AJ290 wrote:
Is it worth the bump in price to go with the RAX80?
That's your call.
How fast is your Internet speed? Do you need faster access? Do you really want to "double maximum wired speeds"?
Port aggregation is one of those features loved by users who just like to boast about the speed of their systems, regardless of whether they need that speed.
AJ290
Jun 16, 2019Aspirant
I'm getting the CM100 modem. It has two ethernet ports on the back. Are you saying I shouldn't run a cable from the modem to the laptop?
AJ290
Jun 16, 2019Aspirant
Edit: that's the CM1100 modem.
- michaelkenwardJun 16, 2019Guru - Experienced User
The two ports are for Ethernet Port Aggregation. Both ports are supposed to connect to your router to give you even faster speeds.
I can't see that the RAX40 supports this feature, which seems to be reserved for the more expensive RAX120 and RAX80.
There is support for the CM1100, including manuals, at the end of this link:
>>> CM1100 | Product | Support | NETGEAR<<<
See the section Ethernet Port Aggregation.
You plug the laptop into the router.
- AJ290Jun 16, 2019Aspirant
You'll have to excuse my questions. I'm a tech-dinosaur, apparently. :smileyfrustrated:
The CM1100 modem has two ethernet ports. One port will be wired directly to the router, (other port remains unused?). Then I run a cable from the router to my laptop, correct?
In simple terms, what is the advantage of this vs a direct cable from modem to laptop?And if the RAX40 doesn't support ethernet port aggregation, why set it up as if it does?
Is it worth the bump in price to go with the RAX80?Not trying to be difficult; just trying to learn and understand. Thank you.
- michaelkenwardJun 17, 2019Guru - Experienced User
AJ290 wrote:
The CM1100 modem has two ethernet ports. One port will be wired directly to the router, (other port remains unused?). Then I run a cable from the router to my laptop, correct?Correct.
AJ290 wrote:
what is the advantage of this vs a direct cable from modem to laptop?
Modem to laptop won't work. (See above.) There is no router in the modem.
AJ290 wrote:
And if the RAX40 doesn't support ethernet port aggregation, why set it up as if it does?
You can't set it up "as if it does". You just have a redundant port on the modem.
AJ290 wrote:
Is it worth the bump in price to go with the RAX80?
That's your call.
How fast is your Internet speed? Do you need faster access? Do you really want to "double maximum wired speeds"?
Port aggregation is one of those features loved by users who just like to boast about the speed of their systems, regardless of whether they need that speed.