2 Routers on the same network?

I have a new Belkin n1 that works great and I really like it. BUT, I have some older wireless B stuff that can't connect! I didn't know the n1 didn't do B. so can I use my old B router connected to the n1? I really like it and don't want to return it. Like this:

>>>= Wired
---= Wireless
.......= These are there so it doesn't cut out the spacing (ignore)

.......................Desktop
............................^
............................^>>>>>>Printer
............................^
Cable Modem>>>>>N1>>>>>Old Router----------Old B stuff (wireless)
............................|
............................|
.................Laptop and G stuff (wireless)

 

I'm not 100% sure but I don't think 11b and 11n are compatible might be a setting in your routers web page where you can set the 11n router to just run 11b if possible. I'm sure someone can tell you for sure.

 

no my router only has the option for "mixed" mode, which is N and G

EDIT: OH WAIT NEVER MIND!!! I didn't check since I updated the firmware. When I first got it the thing only said "Mixed N and G" But now it says "Mixed N & G & B" Thank you for having me check!

 

You're welcome.

 

my understanding is that when you run in mixed mode all connections downgrade to the speed of the slowest hardware

 

The problem you will have is that the 11n sees the 11b (2.4ghz) spec requires it to drop to the lower speed for compatiablity, and to try to play nice with other. You also loose your wpa and only have wep. I would setup you old 11b router as a AP only for your 11b clients, wep. The have the 11n set to WPA for you 11g/n clients. Most routers require you to disable DHCP, NAT, and firewall if an option. Then you connect through the lan port to your 11n router (lan to lan).

 

So when the B is connected, it will slow down, but when it disconnects it will speed up again? This sounds incredibly inefficient and confusing. And I lose the WPA when it is connected, but it comes back? I think I will just try to configure the B to work as an access point. Is there anything specific I need to do to either router to make this work as illustrated?

EDIT: Also, do I need a crossover cable or can I use a regular one?

 

When you connect the 11b as a AP you will connect through the LAN ports (not WAN). You must disable DHCP and the firewall on the 11b before connecting to your 11n LAN port. Connects like a wired pc. Some assign a static IP to the router outside of your DHCP. This way you have a IP to configure the router with.

 

Ok, Thanks! The one thing i'm not sure about is the difference between the LAN and WAN. Both routers have 5 connections on the back. An internet in, and 4 ethernet out. Which ones are which? Thank you for your patience!

 

The Internet is it WAN (Wide Area Network) port. So you use the ethernet out (LAN Local Area Network).

 

OK, thanks for clearing that up sorry for delayed response...

 

OK, so hopefully this will be my last question on this thread. Everything works great, the access point, the router, everything. I decided to use the n1 as an access point, because recently the wired connections started to cut out. So with the n1 as the access point, however, the modem light keeps flashing orange. That's supposed to indicate a problem. And on the router config page, it says "NO CONNECTION" but it is connected! And I can connect through it! THis is a minor annoyance, but if there is a solution I would be glad to hear it

 

Generally when you turn a wireless router into a AP only the wan port is not used, which will give that warning. All DHCP is handled by the upstream router.

With 11n hardware make a habit of checking weekly for firmware updates. Due to the shakieness of the hardware it may change rapidly.