Networking – switch that will connect directly to the modem and allow the router to serve only as a WiFi connection

modemnetworkingswitchwireless-networkingwireless-router

Details

Devices

  • Internets -50Mbps Cable Internet
  • Modem – Motorola Surfboard Extreme
  • Router – Netgear WNDR3700v3
  • Switch – D-Link DGS-1008G
  • Wired Ethernet Cable – Cat6_24Awg_
  • Device Configuration – Modem\Router\Switch

Internet Usage

Wired Demand

  • XBOX 360
  • 1 Gaming PC
  • 2 PC – HD video

WiFi Demand

3 android + 1 Laptop for browsing and group video chat simultaneously

Specifics

I am experiencing problems with network speeds and reliability on both wired and wireless connections. On many occasions I experience WiFi Speeds that vary between the 15mbps to 0.50 mbs (or less) and ping ranging from 15ms to 500ms. These results are from when I notice problems with internet lag and run speedtest.net to get details of problems. I have a stretched out floor-plan and old building materials drastically affecting my cellphone signal strength as well).

After Reading the "Known Issues" Section on the webpage below

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Netgear_WNDR3700#Known_Issues

I bought the switch and Cat6 cable to increase speed and relieve stress on router in an attempt to fix the symptoms. I thought I'd use the router in a Modem\Switch\Router configuration. I thought I'd only have to use the router for mobile WiFi connections like android or Laptops when necessary (hopefully eliminating the problem caused by the router when subjected to all those demanding Ethernet connections)

When I started unboxing the switch, I noticed the manual of this DGS-1008G shows it being connected in the Modem\Router\Switch order and not in the Modem\Switch\Router configuration I was aiming for. I have not been able to find a solid plan to remedy my specific problem without buying another expensive router.

I would like to get the speeds I am paying for without buying another router. (My WiFi Adapters would also need to be updated if new router is required, meaning more $$$). I can always sell the switch and get a better one that will bypass the router because my most demanding internet connections are Wired.

Questions

  1. Can I accomplish a Modem\Switch\Router configuration with current switch?
  2. Is there a different way to get the wired speed I need while providing WiFi only when necessary?

Best Answer

Solution:

  1. Connect only the Switch to the Modem.
  2. Connect the WiFi router to one of the ports on that switch (a port similar to the one you would connect other hardwired devies on)

Config:

  1. The wifi router can remain a DHCP for the WiFi LAN. For the wifi router to be able to talk to the switch the WiFi router will have to be configued with a static IP of its own(just like any other device thats connected to the switch).

  2. Since you have all your other hardware already configured to use the switch (hardwired) and the Wireless Devices configured to use the same router, "NO" config changes will be required on either the hardwired devices or the Wifi devices.

  3. Apart from the Static IP update stated above, no config changes should be done on the Router.

  4. If you have any hard wired connections into the router and you are re-connecting them now to the switch, make sure those devices are re-configured with static IPs, so as to be able to talk to the switch.

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