Adding Media Server Using Netgear Switch

Wolfie · 13-08-2009, 10:27

Hi Guys

I've recently bought a 1Tb media server, fully expecting to just plug it in to a spare ethernet port on my modem. There isn't one. I have a Homeplug network setup - cabled from the only port on my NTL modem.

My question is this : can I cable from modem (source) to a netgear 10/100 ethernet switch hub thingy (into port 1?), then from port 2 into the Homeplug network and from port 3 into the media server? Will this allow any pc's on the Homeplug network to access the server?

Something doesn't feel right about the wiring to me but I don't fully understand how the hub operates internally. I feel the server should be plugged into the modem/router - it being the source of the broadband signal.

Can anyone put me out of my newbie misery?

Dai · 13-08-2009, 11:19

Hi Wolfie. The modem will only support (and issue an IP address to) one device. You will need to add a router connected to the modem. The router will handle IP addresses to extra devices and will enable you to achieve what you want.

13-08-2009, 11:22

I got a couple of routers sat in the draw I could let go reasonable however you are a new member and I wouldnt trust me either lol lol

Wolfie · 13-08-2009, 13:33

I do have a Belkin router that I used for a while wirelessly. I have just been out to buy a netgear ethernet switch/hub with 5 ports though! You didn't say whether this would work but the guy in the shop said it would be fine.

There is only one computer on the "network" so IP's are not a problem. I suppose I could have used the Belkin router in place of the netgear hub - it's doing the same thing right?

Thanks for your input anyway.

Raistlin · 13-08-2009, 13:45

There may be only one computer on the network but the media server will need an IP address as well.

You need to go from the modem to the router, then from that router into your media server, computer, and any other devices, separately.

---------- Post added at 13:45 ---------- Previous post was at 13:42 ----------

.....and no, if the Belkin device is just a switch (or a hub, the two are different BTW) then it isn't the same as a router.

Wolfie · 13-08-2009, 14:11

Jeez - I thought this was going to be easy! This is the media server I have http://reviews.cnet.com/network-stor...-33490441.html - not sure why that would need an IP address assigning to it.

But if you think the Belkin will work - I'll give that a try.

Dai · 13-08-2009, 14:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfie

Jeez - I thought this was going to be easy! This is the media server I have http://reviews.cnet.com/network-stor...-33490441.html - not sure why that would need an IP address assigning to it.

But if you think the Belkin will work - I'll give that a try.

The media server is a network-attached unit and needs it's own IP address in exactly the same way as a computer would.

You could go modem-->homeplugs-->router if that helps. Then the computer and media centre need to plug into RJ45 ports in the router.

Wolfie · 13-08-2009, 14:25

My main concern is keeping as much of the "kit" in the attic out of the way. The laptop lives in the kitchen and I don't want router/media server etc cluttering the place up.

So modem to Belkin router, then Belkin to Homeplug and media server. Got a sneaky feeling that I stopped using the Belkin modem for good reason, probably something technical that I couldn't deal with but we'll see.

I could be back tomorrow with a whole new set of problems but thank you all very much for your help and feedback so far.

Dai · 13-08-2009, 14:32

No problem. By the way, the guy in the shop advised you wrongly. The reason the switch won't work is that unlike the router it does not have a built-in DHCP server. You need one of these in a network to hand out IP addresses to each connected device. Switches are just 'dumb' devices, a bit like a mains extension cable that adds extra sockets.

Wolfie · 13-08-2009, 14:40

I understand about the added functions of a router but thought that because all my bits were cabled together (ethernet), IP addresses didn't need to be assigned. I'm not explaining myself very well here.

I am going to do as you suggest but still a little unsure why I can't "plug & play".

Dai · 13-08-2009, 15:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfie

I understand about the added functions of a router but thought that because all my bits were cabled together (ethernet), IP addresses didn't need to be assigned. I'm not explaining myself very well here.

I am going to do as you suggest but still a little unsure why I can't "plug & play".

I understand what you're saying. Assigned IP addresses and the associated details such as MAC tables in essence are a bit like house numbers.

You can't collect or deliver packets from one house to another unless each one has a proper address. That's the function fulfilled by the router software. It manages the flow of data between addresses and makes sure stuff gets delivered right.

That's a terribly naff and simplified view but hopefully will help to make it clearer.

13-08-2009, 16:14

you could go Modem to router to switch to homeplug? but if you have a router that works you do not need the switch

If you have a pc on the network thats always on you can go modem to pc to switch to homeplug to netowrk using ICS if your router is faulty

Edit I see you only use one pc

---------- Post added at 16:14 ---------- Previous post was at 16:05 ----------

ok I am now confusing myself. Why do you need a switch? you could just install a second ethernet adapter to your pc

Modem to PC Pc to homeplug to media centre

Dai · 13-08-2009, 16:24

Good grief Zing..

and anyway ICS has always been flaky at best.

Wolfie · 13-08-2009, 16:31

No kit is allowed in the kitchen with the laptop! Modem/router/switch/server all have to be in the attic out of sight! So the conns have to be made, then plugged into Homeplug in attic so that I can plug into Homeplug anywhere else in the house and have broadband and server connectivity!

Thanks for trying something else though!

Going home soonish so will have a go using modem>belkin router>homeplug!

Dai · 13-08-2009, 17:03

No problems there I think. Modem presumably at the moment has a patch cable running to attic homeplug so you'll just need a 2nd patch cable to insert the router into the circuit.

One 'gotcha' that I can think of immediately. The router will have a default range for IP addresses probably in a 192.168.xx.xx format. The media centre NAS may have a set IP in a different range. You may have to read the handbook and discover what are the default settings and if they need to be changed.

In your situation I'd add the router, restart everything and get the modem-router-laptop working first then think about adding the media unit once that is all OK.