ARRIS C1F2, paired with NETGEAR WNDR4300v2
Hey there!
I'm an amateur in regards to computer networking. I understand the basics (initial setup of software/hardware, troubleshooting issues as well as overall maintenance) and am trying to teach myself the more advanced stuff. I'm doing alright, but after recently switching to a new local cable company, I'm having a really hard time understanding how to properly setup, maintain and keep an eye on my network.
The local cable company provided me with an ARRIS C1F2, which I have connected to a NETGEAR WNDR4300v2.
Does anybody have a step-by-step guide, or any suggestions/advice? Ultimately, I need to learn how to best secure my entire home network, while simultaneously being able to maintain a close eye on any web/internet activity due to the kids.
Thanks for your help!
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Why do you use two routers and not just one?
If you decide to use the Netgear router, alone or in addition, your next decision would be if you want to use either OpenDNS Home or Netgear Live Parental Controls. You cannot use both at the same time due to their incompatibility.
Also, regarding connecting multiple routers, you're in the wrong forum here. You better visit forums specific to your routers. This is where the router nerds are.
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Whoops, I didn't realize I was in the wrong forum. My bad.
We're using the modem as a gateway, I already have OpenDNS and have been using it for quite sometime with previous Netgear routers. I haven't really struggled with setting up the modem / router preferences before. I should have been more specific, I wasn't sure what to ask at first..
The Arris modem is connected directly to the cable line, and the Netgear router is connected to the modem.
I'm only able to redirect the DNS on the modem if I chose to go static, rather than dynamic. I tried this out and was successful at first, but then the connection started to stutter and ultimately failed until I switched it back to dynamic.
Should I just say screw the modem and use the router directly? I'm embarassed to admit I'm not entirely sure if we need it, I do know we're "renting" it every month from our ISP though.
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I should mention this is where I'm lacking in experience: establishing and maintaining static IP's, IPV6/IPV4, DNSRelay, DHCP...
Typically, I've been able to educate myself just by doing some research and practicing as I go, but I have too many questions and too little guidance about this particular setup.
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None of these other technologies is relevant to OpenDNS. If you want to learn about them you'll need to find a different venue.
As best as I can tell you are trying to ask how to use OpenDNS with your combination of routers. If the Arris you received from your ISP is a "modem" as well as a router you more than likely will need it, although you might you might be able to buy a compatible "modem" only device. Many of the modem/routers you get from ISP's do not allow you to change your DNS services on them, so you would need your own router to do that (something I recommend anyway, relying on a device from the ISP to be your router severely limits you).
Also, unless you are paying for a static IP address from your ISP, leave the setting to dynamic. Changing it to static on your own is a guaranteed way to lose your internet connection.
Once those devices are connected, as rotblitz said, you simply choose whether you want to use OpenDNS Home or Live Parental Controls and set it up accordingly. There are no special instructions for that, you can just follow "getting started" from the OpenDNS home page.
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"Should I just say screw the modem and use the router directly?"
This is worth a try. If you got access credentials from your ISP, it may be indeed possible to connect the Netgear router directly without the need for the modem. This would simplify things.
If it does not work, you still can go back to your current configuration.
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