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Using RAX80 as a switch
I'm trying to use my RAX80 as a splitter. I have an NBN box that connects to a modem, that modem connects to several ports in room 1, that connects to room3 and into the RAX80 which has wireless dev...
I would try the RAX in AP Mode and then try the connection. Otherwise, one of these would be recommended:
BeeBeeMan wrote:
I'm trying to use my RAX80 as a splitter.
Only a splitter? A cheap switch might be more sensible.
Back to the network.
I have an NBN box that connects to a modem, that modem connects to several ports in room 1, that connects to room3 and into the RAX80 which has wireless devices connected.
What sort of NBN? Cable? DSL?
NBN effectively means Australian Internet, the backbone network from NBN Co. There are several flavours of NBN Internet from many different Internet service providers.
What is this NBN box? What is this modem? Make and model?
The usual layout for a modem and router is to plug the router, and only the router, into the modem. Then everything else runs from the router.
It looks like your "modem" is a modem router. So you have added a router to a router.
Two routers on your network can cause headaches. For example, you can end up with local address problems. Among other things, the other router can misdirect addresses that the Netgear router usually handles, such as routerlogin.net or the usual IP address for a router, 192.168.1.1.
This explains some of the other drawbacks.
What is Double NAT? | Answer | NETGEAR Support
Unless you have specific reasons for using two routers – to create two separate networks for example – it is often easier to use just one router and then to set up the second router as a wifi access point. Netgear advises this, as does just about every site you will visit.
In your case, one option is to put the RAX80 into AP mode. But that has its drawbacks.
Disabled Features on the Router when set to AP Mode | Answer | NETGEAR Support
I'd start from scratch and work out the best way to set up your network, which appears to be a bit messy.
Thanks for the detailed response, let me clarify some things for you.
michaelkenward wrote:Back to the network.
What sort of NBN? Cable? DSL?
Fibre to the building.
What is this NBN box? What is this modem? Make and model?
I wish I could tell you, all I can see is a serial number and no device model number.
it is often easier to use just one router and then to set up the second router as a wifi access point. Netgear advises this, as does just about every site you will visit.
That is exactly what I'm trying to do. I have the NBN box with 1 working port sending data to a modem-router (TP-LINK) in Room 1 that has no WIFI enabled (broken). That modem-router sends data to 3 CAT6 wall jacks that distribute internet to 2 PCs in different rooms and the RAX80 modem-router in another room, that has 2 devices connected to it's LAN ports and the primary source of WIFI for the apartment.
My problem is when I connect a cable from the ethernet wall jack to the RAX80 WAN port I get no connection. I assume I have to change something here in the RAX80 settings but I've researched and don't understand what I need to do.
Photo for more context.
Network
I would try the RAX in AP Mode and then try the connection. Otherwise, one of these would be recommended:
Thanks, that worked. I can see a marginal speed drop (approx 5Mbps) but nothing concerning.
I was thinking of a switch but the wall outlets do that already, no?
BeeBeeMan wrote:
Thanks, that worked. I can see a marginal speed drop (approx 5Mbps) but nothing concerning.
I was thinking of a switch but the wall outlets do that already, no?
That may work but it may not be the best answer. It is easy, which is why I also suggested it, but that still leaves you with a horrible messy network, which could cause that speed drop.
Your description of your network, and that box on the wall, is familiar from other messages here about NBN connections.
michaelkenward wrote:
Back to the network.
What sort of NBN? Cable? DSL?
Fibre to the building.
What is this NBN box? What is this modem? Make and model?
I wish I could tell you, all I can see is a serial number and no device model number.
That box on the wall may well be an ONT (Optical Network Termination).
"Fibre to the building" isn't in Netgear's NBN repertoire. It has a variety of "fibre to" options – node, home, premises and basement.
What is an NBN network and is my NETGEAR DSL modem router compatible? | Answer | NETGEAR Support
Some of the deliver the Internet over optical fibre. In that case, you don't need a modem. You can just plug your router into the ONT.
You don't say what the TP-LINK is but from the photo, it seems to be connected through the Internet port. That implies that the modem is redundant
This would also explain some of the odd behaviour you see, the failure to connect.
The NBN box also has a single Ethernet outlet port, yet another indicator that you don't need the TP-LINK modem.
As an experiment., I would remove the modem and put the RAX80 in its place, in router mode. The advantage of this is that you not have to disable most of the features on the RAX80. My guess is that it is a better router than the TP-LINK.
Another advantage is that you can create a more logical network that is easier to manage and has fewer connections to get in the way and slow down the traffic..
BeeBeeMan wrote:
I was thinking of a switch but the wall outlets do that already, no?
Sure does, but with the cleaner layout that I suggested you may need a switch if you have multiple devices elsewhere in the house. elsewhere.
If you need the WiFi to go further, you could use the TP-LINK as an AP.
If the ONT does need a modem, then you can go back to the old spaghetti junction.