Need assistance with setting up Ethernet and WiFi.
Need assistance with setting up Ethernet and WiFi.
Hello, I was trying to find guidance online but wasn't sure what to search for. I live in an apartment with a rent that covers basic internet, but I have an Ethernet port on the wall. I tested two routers, but they didn’t work because they only send data over Ethernet, not receive it. When I connected my laptop’s Ethernet port to a cable directly, it functioned properly. The issue is linking it to a router—what kind should I choose? Something affordable and reliable, using the wall-to-wall Ethernet connection for stable speeds, while keeping WiFi for neighbors and guests. My laptop only supports about eight devices on its hotspot, which feels limited.
You should consider a firewall and a switch instead of a router. Or, better yet, set up your own internet connection. This is useful when you need to open specific ports for services like your web server or a VPN.
I understand your perspective but it seems you're limited by available options. Most setups come with either fast included internet or slow 4G connections around 2 Mbps. I wasn't sure about a suitable switch. Also, I don't require VPN or firewall since the network is private and only a few people will be online. Since turning off my laptop stops the hotspot, I prefer keeping it on continuously for convenience.
Router functionality involves receiving and transmitting data through Ethernet connections, which are common in most models. Ensure the Ethernet cable from your wall is properly connected to the router's WAN port. Connect your laptop or PC to a different numbered port (such as 1-4) instead of the WAN port. If the issue persists, it may indicate a LAN IP or subnet conflict—adjust router settings accordingly. Please verify the ports and let me know what you observe.
Remove the rent and secure your own internet link—or negotiate with the landlord for an unrestricted one. What kind of switch would you need that isn’t available? Without a firewall, you’re vulnerable to attacks, and not all devices require online access. I’m sure more than ten people could target you if they had internet.
He could simply connect one of the two routers he already owns, and still face double NAT with the firewall. Not too complicated. Plus, getting his own WiFi isn't an option if he only uses a switch.
He mentioned the routers weren't functioning properly. I recommend checking the setup for IPv6 compatibility and consulting the documentation for proper configuration.
He also mentioned he believes routers are limited to sending data... It seems he’s still learning and requires assistance. There’s no mention of IPv6 in that discussion. That can be configured too. Edit: To clarify any confusion, the main idea is: let's first understand the current situation and then provide guidance accordingly.
Yes, and what would be a better recommendation than to get his own internet connection. Ok then please tell me how you get IPv6 to work in a situation like that. Will you explain to his landlord that they need to set something up like a subnet for each renter and delegate them a prefix? What kind of hard- and software will they need for that? I'd really like to know. With IPv4, single NAT is bad already and double NAT is even worse. Does the landloard give out an IPv4 address to each of their renters? I doubt it. What if the renters want to forward ports to their web servers or their XMPP servers or their consoles or whatever? And there are lots more questions to ask. Right, I'm assuming that the OP is in the unsustainable situation that he is behind some firewall and router he doesn't know anything about and doesn't have any control over. Or maybe there is no firewall. I'm assuming it because apparently he can plug his computer into the cable and gets an internet connection. If that cable was going straight to an ISP, that probably won't work. And I shouldn't assume, so how about this: He could make a fun experiment and set up his own DHCP server on his network cable and hand out name server addresses to servers that don't exist, or to his own name servers that leads them to fake web sites to phish their passwords. Then let the landlord figure out how to solve everyones internet issues and how to pay for the damages done That's part of the basic infrastructure I have on my network, only that I don't give out addresses to non-existant name servers and my own doesn't mislead anyone. That infrastructure is fundamental and everyone should have it for their network. But then, maybe the landlord is using one VLAN for each renter and doesn't let them communicate with each other, that's a question for the landlord. Next question is if every renter actually does 1GB internet or if they all share a 1GB connection. 10GB internet (or however much is required, depending on the number of renters) going to the building so that every renter gets 1GB from that isn't exactly common, or is it? And you also have to ask what the legal implications for the landlord are by operating as an internet provider. We'll have a very interesting thread. I'm trying not to be so contemptful and I'm sorry that I can't figure out how not to be. I still need to get better at that.