Networking

[SpamSlayer]

Hey, maybe there are some networking gurus here. I'm still fooling around with hardware trying to get to work but heres the situation:

quick sketch: http://spamdre.com/sketch.jpg

Internet ->
Modem ->
Linksys Router #1 (192.168.1.1)

• Computer 1 (xavier)
• Netgear gigabit switch
  • Linksys Router #1 (192.168.1.1)
  • Computer 2 (zim)
  • Computer 3 (zen)
  • Computer 4 (aurora)
  • Linksys Router #2 (192.168.1.2)
    • Server 1 - Files server (spamslayer)
    • Server 2 - dhcp, pxe boot server (spamserver)

NOTE: Linksys Router #1 is the DHCP.
I want to run my own DHCP server (so i can pxe boot machines on the network) -- thats where Server 2 dhcp comes into play (see below for the problem).

Ok, so thats the current layout.

Problems:
Linksys Router #1 dhcp is now disabled.
Server 2 is now on and should be the dhcp server.
when server 2 is connected to linksys router #2 it cannot assign IP's to computers connected through Linksys Router #1 nor can it pxe boot machines connected to linksys router #2.

when server 2 is connected to netgear switch it can assign IP's to computer connected through linksys router #1 but not to linksys router #2. BUT, machines on the switch can pxe boot.

There has to be a better way to setup the network if anyone can provide some insight I'd greatly appreciate it

EDIT: Thinking of setting it up like this: http://spamdre.com/newlayout.jpg with both routers in "Router Mode" and dhcp disabled of course, since server 2 will be the dhcp.

[Baz]

Oh my lord what a mess!

Clearly what needs to be done here is

Internet ->
Modem ->
Computer 1 (xavier) (192.168.1.1)(esx server)

Computer 2 (zim)(vmware)
Computer 3 (zen)(vmware)
Computer 4 (aurora)(vmware)
Server 1 - Files server (spamslayer)(vmware)
Server 2 - dhcp, pxe boot server (spamserver)(vmware)

If more than one person requires use of a computer, I suggest you virtualise them too

<---- not an network guru
Can you set the two routers up in a switch mode (maybe called bridge mode)? From what I remember from school days of yore, you won't be able to dhcp through a router since dhcp requires broadcasting which routing prevents (but switching doesn't!)

speaking of truly epic networks.....

[Moses2k]

If the router gives you lip, flash it with Tomato or DDWRT. It's the only solution.

[westy]

What Baz said. DHCP requests won't traverse between your 2 subnets like that.

From you 2nd drawn diagram, you'll have 4 things there that'll function as a DHCP server (Modem, 2 Routers, Server), so be sure to only use one for proper functionality with PXE, or any network for that matter.


I would suggest

Internet > Modem > Router #1 > Switch + Everything else.

Disable DHCP on Router #1
Use DHCP on the PXE Server for all your computers.
Don't use Router #2 (unless it's setup to function like a switch)


The other option.

Internet > Modem > Router #1 > Switch + Everything else.

Flash your linksys router to DD-WRT.
Use that router as the only DHCP server.
Set the 2 DHCP options needed for PXE boot and point them to your TFTP server.
Don't use Router #2 (unless it's setup to function like a switch)

[SpamSlayer]

The other option.

Internet > Modem > Router #1 > Switch + Everything else.

Flash your linksys router to DD-WRT.
Use that router as the only DHCP server.
Set the 2 DHCP options needed for PXE boot and point them to your TFTP server.
Don't use Router #2 (unless it's setup to function like a switch)

Thanks for the help everyone!
I set it up similar to what westy said; only I used tomato firmware since I have a third router that uses tomato and I was wanting to wirelessly add it into the network
So Router #2 and #3 are set to act as switches.