[NBLUG/talk] substituting DHCP/DNS in cheap routers

[Irish]

This is sounding like a good meeting topic talk... (wink wink)


On Sat, Dec 31, 2011 at 9:34 PM, William Tracy <afishionado at gmail.com> wrote:
> This is involved Westell hardware from AT&T, but the same basic principle
> applies:
>
> I got a DSL modem that let me plug a computer directly into it, and the
> modem did DHCP and everything. That sort of worked. Then I got a Linksys
> switch (disclaimer: I used to work for Linksys' parent company) and stuck it
> between the computer and modem. All hell broke loose, until I went into the
> settings on the modem and told it to not do anything other than provide
> PPPoE. Then I configured my switch to basically do the work that my modem
> was supposed to be doing (log in to the ISP via PPP, provide connectivity,
> and provide DHCP for the local network). Then everything was hunky dory.
>
> The lesson I took away was: Don't let the hardware from your ISP actually do
> anything. Get the cheapest DSL or cable modem that you can, and plug it into
> a real network device. Basically, I'm now suspicious of any hardware that
> combines a modem in with a switch and/or access point.
>
> Also, check the reviews of any network equipment before you buy it. I found
> out the hard way that Linksys makes some *awesome* products and some
> *horrible* products. (For starters, the WRV200 does *not* work as
> advertised.) Forget brand loyalty and always look for reviews of the
> specific model that you are considering purchasing.
>
> Finally, look into DD-WRT: It's a third-party FOSS Linux-based firmware for
> a variety of networking equipment. (Think Cyanogen for routers!) If it looks
> like you could use the exctra functionality it provides (and can live
> without the manufacturer's warranty) plan on buying a product that it
> supports. (You can save a buck by getting some of the older and
> better-supported models of off Craigslist and/or Ebay!)
>
> That was longer than I meant it to be. I hope that some of that is useful.
>
> William Tracy
> afishionado at gmail.com
> Cell phone: (805) 704-0917
> Internet phone: (707) 206-6441
>
>
> On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 2:59 PM, Troy Arnold <ta at tsu.biz> wrote:
>>
>> Also, if you do decide to add a separate device into the mix, the DGN1000
>> should have a setting for 'modem only'.  I'd try that.
>>
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