Hello All... I apologize in advance if I'm using incorrect terminology, but I'm a software guy (Business System Analyst) and not a network guy, and this is my first time on a forum such as this.
So here's my back-story...
Switched to CentruyLink about 2 years ago
Due to not knowing my new home well enough, I had the installer setup the modem in a main-floor room.
I needed some additional ports in the same room as the modem, so I purchased a Netgear wireless router, plugged it into my VOIP device (Ooma) which was connected to the modem - all via Cat5 cabling.
I plugged the 3 desktop machines and a printer into the Netgear router and they (surprisingly) all worked fine for the past 2 years. The setup was: Modem > VOIP > Router > Desktop PCs
Now that my kids are older and gaming more, they want to leverage the stability of ethernet connections
I have about 9 LAN drops terminating in a switchroom in my basement
I moved the PZ5001Z and Ooma into the switchroom and powered them up - good-to go!
When I connected the Netgear router to the PK5001Z via one of the LAN drops, I could not use any ethernet ports on the Netgear, BUT full Internet access via WiFi (still on its own separate SSID)
I thought something might be wrong with the Netgear router, since it was pretty warm in the cabinet it was contained in over the past 2 years, so I borrowed a Belkin G150 router to test with - same exact results as the Netgear
In addition to the Belkin router, I also tried 3 different workgroup switches - including one that was a Gigabit 8-port... also no connection via Cat5
I read-up on and thought about bridging the modem, but didn't have the PPPoE password - so I knew I'd have to call Cust Support anyhow
I called Cust Support last Friday (02/06) and ran through the scenario with the tech. He kind of Hmmmed and asked if I would be able to wait while he IM'ed his Supervisor. I waited a bit, and the answer that came back was "Bridge the Modem."
Before attempting to bridge the modem, I did a factory reset of the PK5001Z, but still no luck
The only adjustments I've made on the PK5001Z were to the SSID and the admin password
My only objective is to expand the number of ethernet ports in my switchroom and leverage the stability of hard-wired connections in my home. I Pologize for the wall of text that resulted in this post, but I'd like to think that there are better options than bridging the modem, as that would require me to install another router in my switchroom - as I would then lose the 4 ports on the back of the PK5001Z (unless I'm not understanding the concept of bridging). If anyone would like me to upload any reports, diags, logs, etc - just let me know. I'm pretty savvy with Windows & have boxes with XP, Win7, Win8, and Ubuntu. Your insight and experience is much appreciated!
Cheers!...
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