Two routers connected to a single network Question: How do you manage traffic between them?

F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Networks Two routers connected to a single network Question: How do you manage traffic between them?

Two routers connected to a single network Question: How do you manage traffic between them?

Two routers connected to a single network Question: How do you manage traffic between them?

T

TheYoanZ
Member

156

08-12-2023, 05:34 AM

#1

Hi everyone, I’m trying to expand my restaurant’s Wi-Fi using a Netgear Orbi, but the size of my space makes it tricky. I’ve switched it to Router mode, which helps some things but still lets everyone on my network see what’s connected—like my Sonos and printers. I need more control so I can manage shop floor devices directly from the BT Hub at 192.168.0.x while staying on the Orbi network at 10.0.0.x. Can I get that setup adjusted? Thanks, Chris

T

TheYoanZ

08-12-2023, 05:34 AM #1

Hi everyone, I’m trying to expand my restaurant’s Wi-Fi using a Netgear Orbi, but the size of my space makes it tricky. I’ve switched it to Router mode, which helps some things but still lets everyone on my network see what’s connected—like my Sonos and printers. I need more control so I can manage shop floor devices directly from the BT Hub at 192.168.0.x while staying on the Orbi network at 10.0.0.x. Can I get that setup adjusted? Thanks, Chris

W

wizebana
Member

141

08-12-2023, 06:12 AM

#2

The OBI is designed to work with a guest network. I configured it, then provided the customers with the Wi-Fi name and password. Devices such as the printer were set up on the primary network.

W

wizebana

08-12-2023, 06:12 AM #2

The OBI is designed to work with a guest network. I configured it, then provided the customers with the Wi-Fi name and password. Devices such as the printer were set up on the primary network.

P

Power_Girl2007
Junior Member

12

08-17-2023, 09:12 AM

#3

Set up several Wi-Fi networks using distinct VLANs. One for visitors and another for staff. Activate client isolation within the guest network as well. This configuration doesn’t require deep Netgear expertise—it should be manageable.

P

Power_Girl2007

08-17-2023, 09:12 AM #3

Set up several Wi-Fi networks using distinct VLANs. One for visitors and another for staff. Activate client isolation within the guest network as well. This configuration doesn’t require deep Netgear expertise—it should be manageable.

C

Crazydog300
Senior Member

599

08-19-2023, 12:31 AM

#4

If your modem lacks dual outputs common in many modern DOCSIS 3.1 models, you can use a basic unmanaged switch and connect both routers as independent WLAN networks. This setup allows you to create two distinct networks—one for visitors and another for personal use, with the latter hidden from view. You may need to run an Ethernet cable (CAT5) between the routers since one might not already be connected.

C

Crazydog300

08-19-2023, 12:31 AM #4

If your modem lacks dual outputs common in many modern DOCSIS 3.1 models, you can use a basic unmanaged switch and connect both routers as independent WLAN networks. This setup allows you to create two distinct networks—one for visitors and another for personal use, with the latter hidden from view. You may need to run an Ethernet cable (CAT5) between the routers since one might not already be connected.

M

mark100
Member

69

08-25-2023, 05:54 PM

#5

I've tested this setup. Unfortunately, in AP mode the guest network separation isn't enabled (hidden). In Router mode, both networks receive IPs outside the 192.168.0.x range. I haven't verified yet, but it seems the Orbi assigns 10.0.0.x addresses regardless of the SSID (especially when another router is present). The real problem lies with the BT Business Hub. It refuses to allocate a valid IP to any AP connected to the network. I've used Netgear, TPLink, and Enermax APs without success. If it works, wait a day or two and then it drops back to a 169 address. Interestingly, other devices like my NVR, CCTV, tills, and office PCs connect fine, but anything linked to the AP fails when it detects one. I could contact BT for a replacement hub, but my comms cabinet is in disarray and I'm hesitant to spend another night waiting.

M

mark100

08-25-2023, 05:54 PM #5

I've tested this setup. Unfortunately, in AP mode the guest network separation isn't enabled (hidden). In Router mode, both networks receive IPs outside the 192.168.0.x range. I haven't verified yet, but it seems the Orbi assigns 10.0.0.x addresses regardless of the SSID (especially when another router is present). The real problem lies with the BT Business Hub. It refuses to allocate a valid IP to any AP connected to the network. I've used Netgear, TPLink, and Enermax APs without success. If it works, wait a day or two and then it drops back to a 169 address. Interestingly, other devices like my NVR, CCTV, tills, and office PCs connect fine, but anything linked to the AP fails when it detects one. I could contact BT for a replacement hub, but my comms cabinet is in disarray and I'm hesitant to spend another night waiting.

T

torri10
Member

118

08-25-2023, 07:16 PM

#6

Avoid the 10.0.0.x range because it won’t work consistently. The system should function identically if the OBI is the primary router, the BT modem uses pass-through, and only the OBI network is connected to the modem.

T

torri10

08-25-2023, 07:16 PM #6

Avoid the 10.0.0.x range because it won’t work consistently. The system should function identically if the OBI is the primary router, the BT modem uses pass-through, and only the OBI network is connected to the modem.

S

SKY3R
Member

138

08-31-2023, 08:12 AM

#7

If your router supports routing across private networks, you should be able to do so. Otherwise, consider using an alternative router or implementing ACL or policy-based security measures.

S

SKY3R

08-31-2023, 08:12 AM #7

If your router supports routing across private networks, you should be able to do so. Otherwise, consider using an alternative router or implementing ACL or policy-based security measures.