WAX 625 on Spectrum

[jhibbard]

I have a functioning Spectrum internet account. It consists of a Spectrum modem (model: U10C153.10), a Spectrum wireless router (model: no info), a Netgear WAX 625 AP and a GS 348 PP.

Current physical configuration:

Modem <=> Spectrum router <=> GS 348 <=> WAX 625 <=> various other stuff both wired and wireless (desktops, laptops, NAS, cell phones, tablets, printers, UPSs) on a more or less permanent connect. There are a number of transient connections to this LAN that come and go (these are almost always wireless connections).

All of the above work as expected, with each wireless routers having their own SSID.

I _think_ I would like to eliminate the Spectrum router from the LAN and reclaim my monthly rental fee for it.

However, if I simply unplug the Spectrum router (both power and ethernet) and plug the ethrnet cable into the WAX 625, I can get wired connectivity (sporadically) _AND_ no internet connectivity.

- Yes, I have also eliminated the GS348 and gone directly from the modem to the WAX 625 <=> to a desktop.

- What does work is to plug the desktop into the modem; I'm guessing this means that connecting to the internet _without_ the Spectrum wireless router means that internet connectivity does not require the Spectrum wireless router.

Qs:

1. What am I mis-configuring in the WAX 625 to cause the problem (no internet connectivity)?

2. Do I really want to get rid of the Spectrum modem? At this point it provides an additional function (antoher SSID) appreciably slower, and no option to configure it which makes me wonder what information Spectrum is collecting that they probably could not collect without the Spectrum router. It is pretty annoying to see all of the LAN devices on their website. I am allowed to change PnP and DNS settings on the Spectrum modem but very little else.

I expect I am missing some WAX 625 config option but am apparently not bright enough to figure it out...

[michaelkenward · Accepted solution]

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@jhibbard wrote:

Thank you for the response. I have the manual. I don't find any info on using this AP as a basic router.

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That was my suspicion. Depending on how much you pay to rent the router, It might be cheaper to buy one for your own use.

I am not familiar with the WAX625 devices. They seem to be designed for businesses rather than the average domestic network.

Why did you pick that device? It seems to be designed to add a "Managed Wifi" PoE network to a commercial operation. I'd ditch and get a capable domestic router.

[michaelkenward]

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@jhibbard wrote:

However, if I simply unplug the Spectrum router (both power and ethernet) and plug the ethrnet cable into the WAX 625, I can get wired connectivity (sporadically) _AND_ no internet connectivity.

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You can't just plug and unplug devices and expect the network to pick up the pieces.

Looking at this:

Spectrum router <=> GS 348 <=> WAX 625

I assume that the GS348 is a switch. This should come after whatever you use as the router on the network.

If this anonymous Spectrum router is functioning as a router, then the WAX625 may (should) be in access point mode to avoid clashes with the main router.

Netgear sells this as an access point. If it is set up as that, then remove the Spectrum router and your network does not have a router.

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- What does work is to plug the desktop into the modem; I'm guessing this means that connecting to the internet _without_ the Spectrum wireless router means that internet connectivity does not require the Spectrum wireless router.

That's because the PC is getting its Internet connection from the modem. The router is there so that you can connect all the other stuff to the network.

Some WAX devices can operate as a basic router. I leave it to you to look in the manual for advice on that. At a quick glance, I can't see any indication that this is possible.

Or you could try posting in the bit of this community where they talk about these devices.

Business Wireless - NETGEAR Communities

[jhibbard]

Thank you for the response. I have the manual. I don't find any info on using this AP as a basic router.

[michaelkenward · Accepted solution]

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@jhibbard wrote:

Thank you for the response. I have the manual. I don't find any info on using this AP as a basic router.

---

That was my suspicion. Depending on how much you pay to rent the router, It might be cheaper to buy one for your own use.

I am not familiar with the WAX625 devices. They seem to be designed for businesses rather than the average domestic network.

Why did you pick that device? It seems to be designed to add a "Managed Wifi" PoE network to a commercial operation. I'd ditch and get a capable domestic router.

[jhibbard]

Beta tester