Switch Router Setup

[pbeverly]

For years my internet service input went to a switch. The switch then fed 2 routers. This has worked great for years.

I lost service yesterday and while the tech guy was here he noticed my setup and said service input should go to router, then router to switch, then switch to second router.

I would likes thoughts on this. Which is really better?

[wa8yxm]

Oh I tried the modem----router1----Router 2 set as access point.

I **THINK** it is working.. but not 100% sure.

[APT]

"Better" depends on what your goals are. Why do you have 2 routers? Latency and network privacy are two aspects plus many more.

[pbeverly]

enblethen wrote:
Mine is setup with a modem/router then ethernet cable to second router.
Why second router? To improve signal in other portion of house.

1st router is in office at end of house and where the line comes in. It is not in a good location for WiFi. WiFi is turned off on this one. It is used for PC, work PC and security system, all which need to an ethernet connection.

2nd router is in a central location which easily supports the whole house with WiFi.

[wa8yxm]

There are two common reasons for multiple routers
One (As he said) is because it's too far from Router one to the other end of the house.. I've had to use "Extenders" in the past in some cases.

Two: IN my case one router is a 2.4GIG. the other is.. I think a Dual band (though I'm nto sure it may be a 5 only POS Spectrum router) and some of the hardware here only connects at 2.4

One option I did not include.

This setup
Modem----Router 1 (Router)--------- Router 2 in Access Point mode

In this set up router 2 is just a wi-fi access point it does not "Route" it does not assign IP addresses. it is simply an "extension" of router #1 (--- is cat 5 cable) I'm not sure if Router 2 (Access point) has it's own SSID/PSK or not in this configure as I don't use it. But I may give it a try as it would solve an issue for me.

[enblethen]

Mine is setup with a modem/router then ethernet cable to second router.
Why second router? To improve signal in other portion of house.

[LittleBill]

depends on use case, for an rv it doesn't really matter. the real question is why do you need 2 routers in the first place?

[wa8yxm]

If you do the router1/switch/router2 set up then devices on router 2 can access router 1 devices... (I have something like that here)

But with switch-router/router they can not see each other (normally).

My system Modem-router1-Router2.. NOTHING is on Router 2 save a couple of "Smart" outlets and occasionally the phone that turn 'em on and off. (it's also mac locked) but when I had a computer on Router 2 due to other 2.4Gig Wifi devices (Router one is 5Gig) it could see router 1 devices but not the other way around.

Basically either system works... just one is a tad more secure. (The one you have been using)