Configuration Questions for Home Ethernet Conversion

[Tmorg_6]

We are running into issues using our current system because we are taxing our wifi capabilties. Our home was prewired with Cat5E and I want to utilize that for our streaming TV's to lighten the load. In doing so I will move our current modem MB8600 down to our basement control panel location. I plan on keeping the DSL cable/filter connected to the amplifier/splitter. I have disconnected all unused cables and capped the unused splitter output ports to maximize signal strength. I was hoping to connect my unused WNDR4500 router and disabling the wifi on it. I just want to be able to utilize the ethernet ports on that router to connect my 4 prewired ethernet jacks to provide hardwired service to the various fixed locations in our home. At this point I do not need to add a switch if this configuration will work keeping in mind that I want to be able to connect my AC1900 on one of the prewired ethernet jacks to continue to provide wifi for the remainder of the household appliances. Just want to make sure that using 2 routers for the one IPV4 service line from Comcast will work.The AC1900 works wonderfully and provides strong signal at its current location. Was hoping not to have to move it down with the modem. Would there be any special configuration for either of the routers if this configuration is workable? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[antinode]

> [...] I will move our current modem MB8600 down to our basement
> control panel location. I plan on keeping the DSL cable/filter connected
> to the amplifier/splitter. [...]

   "DSL"?  At least one of us is confused.

   What are you currently using as a router?

> [...] I was hoping to connect my unused WNDR4500 router and disabling
> the wifi on it. [...]

   "connect" it to what, exactly?

> [...] I want to be able to connect my AC1900 on one of the prewired
> ethernet jacks to continue to provide wifi [...]

   "AC1900" is a speed, not a model number.  Look for "Model" on the
product label.

> [...] Would there be any special configuration for either of the
> routers if this configuration is workable? [...]

   Yes.  Simply cascading multiple routers can cause multiple problems.
If you plan was to connect the modem to the WNDR4500v3 router, then,
most likely, you'd waht to configure the other router ("AC1900") as a
wireless access point, rather than as a full-function router.

   Visit http://netgear.com/support , put in your (actual) model number,
and look for Documentation.  Get the User Manual.  Read.  Look for a
topic like "Use the Router as a WiFi Access Point" (or "access point",
or "AP").

[Tmorg_6]

Thanks for your reply
I am currently using a Motorola MB8600 modem and a Netgear Nighthawk R 7000 router/ wireless access point.
I want to move the modem to our control panel in the basement along with a different less robust router/wireless access point. I do not want to use the WiFi on the older router WNDR4500. In essence it will be used as a bridge or switch to connect my Ethernet cat5e cables that are hard wired throughout our home. I want to then connect our R7000 Nighthawk to an Ethernet jack on the upper level of our home as it is more robust as a wireless access point. Pretty sure this would be possible just not sure if their is some special configuration needed on one or both routers. Thoughts?

[antinode]

> [...] Netgear Nighthawk R 7000 router/ wireless access point. [...]

   Firmware version?

> [...] I do not want to use the WiFi on the older router WNDR4500.
> [...]

   That's your choice.

> [...] In essence it will be used as a bridge or switch to connect my
> Ethernet cat5e cables that are hard wired throughout our home. [...]

   No, if you connect it to your modem, then it will, in essence, in
fact, in all ways, be your router.  (Or else you'll be in serious
trouble of your own making.)

> [...] I want to then connect our R7000 Nighthawk to an Ethernet jack
> on the upper level of our home as it is more robust as a wireless access
> point. [...]

   That's fine with me, but, if you do that, then you'll want to
configure the R7000 as a WAP.  In the R7000 User Manual, the topic title
is "Set Up the Router as a WiFi Access Point".

   So long as the router features of the WNDR4500v3 are sufficient for
your needs, I would not expect any special problems.

[w3wilkes]

I don't know if this applies to the WNDR4500v3, but there is a major security flaw that won't be fixed by Netgear with the WNDR4500. See this article;

https://www.theregister.com/2020/07/30/netgear_abandons_45_routers_vuln_patching/