Problems with two-router setup, computers can't see each other

Hi all,

I've been trying to get this to work for a few days now, with no luck.
Firstly, I have two routers because my WRT54GS does not always connect
to my cable provider, most times it does not get an IP. My wired
router (BEFSR41) always seems to work.

High level:

Cable Modem -> BEFSR41 -> WRT54GS -> 2 wired PCs and 2 wireless laptops
BEF's IP is 192.168.1.1
WRTs IP is 192.168.1.2

BEF is connected to the WRT with a regular ethernet cable from a random
port on each router, not uplink or anything.

Right now they're both in Router mode
BEF has DHCP turned on, WRT has it turned off

The LAN DHCP is working fine, the laptops connected wireless through
the WRT get IP addresses fine. Same with the wired ones, connected to
either router.

I can ping both routers from any workstation, doesn't matter wifi or
hardwired

I cannot ping one computer from another. They all see the internet,
through any ports, ftp, http, ssh etc. I can VPN out to my office too
from all machines, no problems.

The most weird thing is, I took off the WRT, plugged both desktops into
the BEF router and they still don't see each other but both have IPs
and both see the internet!

Any help would be really be appreciated!

Thanks,

Kevin

(E-Mail Removed) wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I've been trying to get this to work for a few days now, with no luck.
> Firstly, I have two routers because my WRT54GS does not always connect
> to my cable provider, most times it does not get an IP. My wired
> router (BEFSR41) always seems to work.
>
> High level:
>
> Cable Modem -> BEFSR41 -> WRT54GS -> 2 wired PCs and 2 wireless laptops
> BEF's IP is 192.168.1.1
> WRTs IP is 192.168.1.2
>
> BEF is connected to the WRT with a regular ethernet cable from a random
> port on each router, not uplink or anything.
>
> Right now they're both in Router mode
> BEF has DHCP turned on, WRT has it turned off
>
> The LAN DHCP is working fine, the laptops connected wireless through
> the WRT get IP addresses fine. Same with the wired ones, connected to
> either router.
>
> I can ping both routers from any workstation, doesn't matter wifi or
> hardwired
>
> I cannot ping one computer from another. They all see the internet,
> through any ports, ftp, http, ssh etc. I can VPN out to my office too
> from all machines, no problems.
>
> The most weird thing is, I took off the WRT, plugged both desktops into
> the BEF router and they still don't see each other but both have IPs
> and both see the internet!
>
> Any help would be really be appreciated!
>
> Thanks,
>
> Kevin
>
>
If I understand what you want to do correctly.
The set up is correct, however with
Cable Modem ->(internet port) BEFSR41 (switch port)-> (internet port)
WRT54GS (switch port) -> 2 wired PCs and 2 wireless laptops
BEF's IP 192.168.1.1
WRTs IP : 192.168.*2*.1
You don't have to, but I place DHCP _*on*_ for both machines


The trick with the second router is to set it up off line (laptop Cable
to switch port) with the alternate IP. Don't forget to disconnect the
modem and 1rst router
Then, after assigning the second IP, Setup the all hardware with the
power turned off. Turn on the modem, wait 10 sec, then turn on the power
to the routers.

These routers will be different networks! If you want all the same
network then you need a bridge between the routers. Or use a switch box
attached to the wireless router.

I personally find that the wireless is better as the first IP, as more
and more retail wireless devices require an IP of xx.xx.1.1