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Forum Discussion
BeeBeeMan
Mar 09, 2023Aspirant
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...
- Mar 09, 2023
I would try the RAX in AP Mode and then try the connection. Otherwise, one of these would be recommended:
BeeBeeMan
Mar 09, 2023Aspirant
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
FURRYe38
Mar 09, 2023Guru - Experienced User
I would try the RAX in AP Mode and then try the connection. Otherwise, one of these would be recommended:
- BeeBeeManMar 10, 2023Aspirant
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?
- michaelkenwardMar 10, 2023Guru - Experienced User
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.