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PetrellaMD's avatar
Sep 04, 2020
Solved

How do other pc's see devices on my RO318?

Hello! :-)

I have connected my RO318 to an Ethernet Port on a TP-Link Archer C9 Router (which is connected to a C7000v2). 

 

I'm wondering why devices that are connected wirelessly to the C9 can't see the devices physically connected to the RO318? (I'd like to connect our printers to the RO318; but wireless devices can't seem to find those printers?) 

 

I'm obviously not understanding, or my expectations are naive; so any info that can lead me to the things that I should be doing to accomplish what I'm hoping to do, would be much appreciated. 

 

Thanks in advance!! :-D Mario 

 

p.s. Why, if I connect wirelessly to the C7000v2, can I not see anything connected "downstream", i.e., anything connected to the Archer C9 ..? TIA

  • FURRYe38's avatar
    FURRYe38
    Sep 18, 2020

    You can always add a ethernet Gb switch to the back of your C series modem for additional ports. They make 5, 8, 16, 24 and 48 port model switchs. I have a 24 port behind my router. 


    PetrellaMD wrote:

    Hi again, and thanks again ... :-D 

     

    I've replaced the RO318 with a GigaBit Switch and am able to see all devices that are connected to the intermediate Router (the Archer). Thanks! 

     

    I will be making the C7000v2 the primary Router for our location, just as soon as my wife completes the Webinars that she's presenting over the next few weeks (she doesn't want any "hiccups" from modifications to our set-up). 

     

    I didn't mention that our (adult) sons use their own printer (HP 7510) that is connected via an old Hawking Print Server that appears to require that the Gateway explicitly be 192.168.1.* ... but ... our C7000 already has all 4 ethernet Ports in use (3 pc's plus the Archer); that's why I feel limited to continuing to use the Archer ... ;-) 

     

    I'll report back in a few weeks to let you all know how this turned out. ;-) 

     

    Thanks again!!! Mario


     

10 Replies

  • FURRYe38's avatar
    FURRYe38
    Guru - Experienced User

    You have two routers on the same line, actually 3 if you have the C series modem online as a gateway router. 

    I would remove the RO as it's older and not really needed. Just use connect all your devices to the C series modem router. 

     

    Or configure the C series for modem only mode and use your TP-Link router as your main wifi router. 

     

    Good Luck. 

  • > I have connected my RO318 to an Ethernet Port on a TP-Link Archer C9
    > Router (which is connected to a C7000v2).

     

       Why?

     

       You seem to have cascaded three routers.  Cascading multiple routers
    can cause multiple problems.

     

    > I'm obviously not understanding, or my expectations are naive; [...]

     

       Yup.  These gizmos are more complicated than extension cords; you
    can't just string them together and have everyone communicate with
    everyone else.

     

    > p.s. Why, if I connect wirelessly to the C7000v2, can I not see
    > anything connected "downstream", i.e., anything connected to the Archer
    > C9 ..?


       Same basic problem.  By default, each of these routers will create
    its own little LAN, with its own IP address range, and devices which are
    connected to one of them will not be able to communicate transparently
    with devices which are connected to another of them.  Have you looked at
    the IP addresses of devices which are connected to each of these
    routers?  How similar are they?

     

       The usual way to arrange a moderately complex network is to have one
    router, and then one or more stupider devices, like network switches
    (for more Ethernet ports) or wireless access points (for more, or more
    distant) wireless devices.

     

       If you want to connect client devices (wired or wireless) to the
    C7000v2, then that should probably be your router.  If your Archer C9

    was intended to extend your wireless-betwork coverage, then it should
    probably be configured as a wireless access point, rather than as a
    full-function router.


       I don't know what the (antique) R0318 was supposed to be doing for
    you, but it's too old to be good for much of anything.  If you were
    trying to add more Ethernet connections to the Archer C9, then you
    should invest ($20?) in a cheap gigabit/s-capable network switch, and
    use that, instead.

     

       If you can explain the actual problem(s) which you are trying to
    solve with this gizmo collection, then you might be able to get more
    customized (accurate, precise) advice.

    • PetrellaMD's avatar
      PetrellaMD
      Tutor

      Thanks, all, for your Replies ... They're all extremely helpful! :-D 

       

      I should explain what I've done (how I have things connected, etc.), and I should explain what I'm hoping for: 

       

      The Cable line-in is connected to C7000 (192.168.0.1), and all 4 wi-fi broadcast signals are  turned off. This device is physically located in a room used by our adult sons, at the far end of the house. They have 3 pc's connected to it via Ethernet.

       

      The TP-Link Archer (192.168.1.1) is connected to the 4th Ethernet port on the C7000; and we've disabled 3 of the 4 available wi-fi signals. 2 pc's, 2 tablets, 2 cell phones, 2 printers, and a TV and an Echo use that wi-fi signal. I also have a USB hard drive connected to one of the USB ports on the Archer.

       

      My oldest son has asked if we can eliminate wi-fi signals (he's concerned about the "rays"), and I'm interested because I presently spend time maintaining a MAC filter list to minimize the likelihood of "drive-by's". 

       

      I would like to find something like an "extension" to physically connect all devices (the cell phones can use cell data instead of wi-fi). I'd like to be able for each device to connect via Ethernet, and to still see each other, and the printers, and the network hard-drive. 

       

      So that's why I dug out this old Router. I ran a 25' ethernet cable from the TP-Link to our bedroom, which is our home office, and have connected 2 pc's, 2 printers, and a blu-ray player. From my limited understanding, the RO318, and all it's connected devices, are just another device(s) that is/are visible to everything else that is connected to the Archer. E.g., I'd like to be able to see the network drive that is connected to the Archer, from a pc that is wired into the RO318. But, pc's on the RO318 (192.168.1.164) can't see the network drive; and pc's in other parts of the house (e.g., when we walk downstairs with a laptop and connect to the TP-Link via wi-fi) can't see the printers. 

       

      I think it's obvious that I don't know what I'm talking about, so I've been trying to find any info available to help me come up to speed on what's going on. I'll continue to re-read your Replies, while I go through the downloaded manual. 

       

      In the meantime, if something I've just said is obvious to you, feel free to correct my misconceptions ... at will.  :-D 

       

      Thanks again!! Mario

       

      • FURRYe38's avatar
        FURRYe38
        Guru - Experienced User

        I would recommend taking the old RO router out of the mix and install a 1GB non managed ethernet switch that you can just connect the one feed wire from the TP Link router and connect it to the switch, then connect up all your other wired devices to this swtich. Plug in play here and no configurations needed. All of your devices will be on the same network as the TPLink and have internet services. 

        https://www.netgear.com/support/product/GS108.aspx

        There inexpensive to buy.

         

        Wifi signals are not harmful unless you stand next to a wifi source for a long period of time. You can also turn down power output of wifi routers as well to lession the coverage and still have wifi signals if needed. 


        PetrellaMD wrote: