In the Verizon FAQ about replacing the Actiontec router with a new router for wireless function (https://www.dslreports.com/faq/16858?r=0.153127042696212), Option 8 requires use of a 3rd router to serve as a "back end router." Specifically, it says:
"you'll need a simple router with Network Address Translation (NAT) features to use in addition to your primary router and the Actiontec. This router doesn't handle all of the traffic from your internal network to the Internet, but it supplies the set-top boxes with Video on Demand. It must support static DHCP assignments."
I'm really not sure what that means, but I'm going to just follow the instructions in the FAQ and hope it will all come together.
However, I'm trying to figure out in advance where I may need switches for attaching multiple devices to the network.
The 3rd router I'll be using as this "back end router" is a Netgear WNDR4000, which appears to have 4 Gigabit ethernet ports in addition to a 5th RJ45 port marked "Internet."
As I read the instructions for Option 8, on this 3rd router I'll be using the port marked "Internet" and just one of the 4 ethernet ports to accomplish what Option 8 describes.
It would save me buying a switch if I can use the other 3 Gigabit ethernet ports on this WNDR4000 router as additional connections on the network. Can someone tell me whether, once the network is set up and operational as described in that Option 8, will those 3 otherwise unused Gigabit ethernet ports on the WNDR4000 be available for use as additional hardwired ethernet ports on the network, or does the way the WNDR4000 is being used preclude that?
Thanks.
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