Link Aggregation and Failover

[jetjockey]

Just installing a new 5200b and have many questions.

1) I use a Netgear GS108 Prosafe 1GB switch. Can I enable Link aggregation on the 5200 to get a doubling of throughput to my network using two ethernet connections to my switch from the 5200?

2) Is this what the function is for?

3) If I disable the General web interface and leave only the secure port (449 I think) enabled, how do I then access the web interface for config purposes?

4) Can I access the 5200 from outside of my home network? I travel around on business and would like to access files on the 5200 from my laptop worldwide!! ;D

5) Despite my ADSL modem having a DHCP server installed it fails to issue an address to the Thecus. It's as if the 5200 is saying "no thanks, I'm happy with 192.168.1.100". This is fine I guess but should I be using the DHCP server in the 5200 instead?? I don't want addresses changing on my network everytime I reboot my computers, and this tends to happen under the present setup.

There are more questions but lets get these out of the way first.

Many thanks, Jetjockey.

[rookie]

Hi jetjockey,

1) The Netgear specifications tell there is support for "IEEE802.3ad Link Aggregation". So I think the answer is: Yes

2) Link aggregation or load-balancing is for heavy network traffic that will be divided on both networkports.

3) Just type https://[thecusipaddress] (portnumber is 443)

4) Of course you can. Config the WAN-port with fixed IP, correct DNS- and Gateway settings. Also you have to open a port or portforwarding on your router/modem.

5) If you are content with your DHCP-addressing from the modem, then you have to disable the DHCP-function on the N5200. Also it is advisable to give your N5200 fixed IP's.

Good luck with your new device, it's a good choice!

[jetjockey]

Hi rookie

Thanks for the reply.

A little more info please. Do you mean I type "192.168.1.100.443" to access webpage?

or do I type "192.168.1.100" and open a port (443) in my firewall to match the Thecus?

I have tried to use fixed IP addresses with my Zyxel 660 modem but it does not seem to work. Do I have to disable the DHCP server in the Modem? The Instuctions are very sketchy and don't give anywhwere near enough detail.

Finally, what port does one open to access the Thecus from outside my home network. How do I find my Thecus in amongst everybody elses on the web? Do I need a static IP from my Broadband Provider (Pipex).

Cheers, Gerald.

[rookie]

To access the web-gui via Secure HTTP from your internal network, you can type "192.168.1.100" or "192.168.1.100:443" if that is the IP-address of your N5200 and also if that is the IP-range from your local network (192.168.1.x i.e. for your other devices).

Your questions about the modem I don't really understand. For configuring your devices and network-settings, it's nice to understand a little of network basics (no offence).

Indeed for reaching your N5200 from outside your network, you need to know your external IP-address that will be assigned from your provider. But you need to set port-forwarding and/or open ports in the modem to your N5200 device (192.168.1.100 and port 443) otherwise it can not be reached from outside your local network.

Hopefully this may help you a bit, otherwise maybe people can explain better than I do

[jetjockey]

Hi Rookie.

Yup, I tried dialling 192.168.1.100 with no success after turning off the General web access page. I could not access the secure web page for love or money.

Re the modem. I told it to allocate IP addresses to all the attached equipment on a static basis using the MAC Address of each item for identification.

Didn't work!!!

turned off the DHCP function on the modem router and then nothing worked, including static IP addresses!!

I do understand the Basics of networking, Just trying to work out how to set it all up.

Cheers, Jet.