Dead router = switch.... right? Read more inside

[Homerboy]

Ok... I have an older Netgear RT314 router laying around that had a bad bios flash applied to it.

Im thinking at this point it SHOULD be a glorified switch correct? just no "rotuer" abilites, but I should be able to use it as a switch...

So if the above it true, how do I do it?

Wall Jack -> cross over cable -> one of the 4 LAN ports (not the WAN) -> straight CAT5 cable from other 3 ports to PCs correct?

 

[AFB]

Yes,and you use straight cables,not crossovers, when going to PC-to-switch.

 

[JackMDS]

You can give it a try.

The Switch in the Cable/DSL Routers share some of the Firmware for internal LAN control so it may or may not work.

 

[ktwebb]

Unless you happen to have a X-over handy I'd try it with a straight through first to uplink the switch. Most contemporary switched ports, even budget switches are autosensing these days, and will detect and configure for proper wiring on the fly. Yours may not but it's worth a shot.

 

[Homerboy]

Originally posted by: amdfanboy
Yes,and you use straight cables,not crossovers, when going to PC-to-switch.

Right I thats what I said the first time

 

[Homerboy]

Originally posted by: ktwebb
Unless you happen to have a X-over handy I'd try it with a straight through first to uplink the switch. Most contemporary switched ports, even budget switches are autosensing these days, and will detect and configure for proper wiring on the fly. Yours may not but it's worth a shot.

Well Ill be making the cables either way... but your suggesting a straight Cat5 to the WAN port? then Id have 4 PC ports rahter than 3?

 

[martind1]

off hand, i woudl guess the uplink would be dead. but the other ports may or may not work, depending on how the switch was setup. give it a shot.

 

[Homerboy]

crossover to 1 LAN port than straight CAT5 out to PCs works perfect
cool
thanks guys for re-assuring me

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: Homerboy
crossover to 1 LAN port than straight CAT5 out to PCs works perfect
cool
thanks guys for re-assuring me

Great!

You might want to cut and paste this:

The general Rules of Cable connection are:

NIC to NIC - Crossover Cable. (Computer directly to second computer).
NIC to Hub/Switch - Straight Cable. (Computer to Hub/Switch).
NIC to Uplink - Crossover Cable. (Computer to Uplink on a HUB/Switch).

Hub/Switch (regular) to Hub/Switch (regular) - Crossover Cable.
Hub/Switch (regular) to Hub/Switch Uplink - Straight Cable.
Hub/Switch Uplink to Hub/Switch Uplink - Crossover Cable.

Cable/DSL Router WAN Side is an Uplink jack.

 

[ktwebb]

Well Ill be making the cables either way... but your suggesting a straight Cat5 to the WAN port? then Id have 4 PC ports rahter than 3?

No, I was not suggesting you use the WAN port. Glad you got it working.

 

[Homerboy]

if I was smart I should just return the whole unit to NetGear and have them fix the bad bios flash hey?

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

I can't believe that you're going to so much trouble to save the cost of a $10 five port switch!

I'd second the recommendation to send it back to Linksys and get the flash issue resolved and have a router again. I have several five port Gigafast switches that I got free after rebate in my closet, it seems silly to try to make one out of a broken router.

 

[martind1]

Originally posted by: gunrunnerjohn
I can't believe that you're going to so much trouble to save the cost of a $10 five port switch!

I'd second the recommendation to send it back to Linksys and get the flash issue resolved and have a router again. I have several five port Gigafast switches that I got free after rebate in my closet, it seems silly to try to make one out of a broken router.

ITs not any trouble if it works. And who says he can rma it anywyas?

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

The Netgear RT314 has a 5 year warranty, so it's a real good bet that it's still under warranty.

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: gunrunnerjohn
I can't believe that you're going to so much trouble to save the cost of a $10 five port switch!

LOL.
John you have to update yourself. :Q

You actully can make money from buying a Switch.

Link to: 5 Port 10/100 Mini Fast Ethernet Switch.

The above cost $27.99 and there is $28 reabte. So you make One Cent. :beer:

Taxes, and or shipping might alter the equation, but the principle is there. :brokenheart:

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

I actually have a couple of the Gigafast switches that I got for free (minus the stamp for the rebate), and I am using a D-Link router that OfficeDepot paid me to take off their hands.