My first network Help!!!!!!!

[fluffy_bunny]

Hi,

I'm quite new to this so I hope this isn't a stupid question!

Currently I have a home network serving 5 computers wirlessy (connecting through Netgear WGR614 wireless router to virgin broadband). I also use this network to stream media over the wireless connection to an Xbox 360. When streaming media, the internet access on the other machines slows to a crawl.

In an attempt to solve this problem I am trying to connect the laptop containing the media to a second wireless router (Linksys WRT54GS Ver 6) using a LAN cable, then connect the xbox wirelessly to this network to allow it to access the media. I would also like to keep the wireless internet connection on the media laptop (connecting using a Belkin F5D7051 usb network adaptor).

When I connect the wirless router (using a LAN cable) to the media PC, the internet connection stops working. When i disable the LAN connection or plug it out, the connection works again.

The connections are default (automatic IP address, gateway address etc). I know how to change these values on the PC and on the routers, but I do not know what to change them to for this all to work. Can anyone offer any advise or talk me through how to configure the devices (without using too may big words!)?

Many Thanks

[cszeto]

You state that this is your "first network" and to avoid "using too may big words," but you have a complex network that is beyond that of most typical SOHO networks.

It looks like what you are facing is the fact that by default, the wired connection is preferred over the wireless one when both are active. You should be able to change this behavior with the "route" command by specifying that the wireless connection is "more preferred" than the wired one for the "default gateway" across the system's routing table.

The following thread provides general information on the "route" command and some examples of its use.

http://forums.practicallynetworked.com/showthread.php?t=3854

Keep in mind, there will probably not be much (if any) more information on this subject as it is beyond the typical SOHO networking discussions that takes place across these forums.