NetBIOS names not visible through 2nd router Solved/Closed

Question

Hello, I have the first router which is connected to internet by DSL, DHCP service on it uses the range 192.168.210.[0 - 254]. Then I have my local home Linux server connected to it by ethernet port, I have setup a samba service (analog to Windows shares), gave it a name HOMESRV and group name HOMEGRP. All other computers connected to the same router can access it by \HOMESRV in Windows , no problem so far. Then I the second router which is also a wireless access point connected to the first again by ethernet port, DHCP range is 172.16.100.[100-200], and here is the problem. All the computers connected to the second router cannot access my server by name, only by IP, \192.168.210.5. For both routers set the same Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0, if it matters. Using nbtstat on one of computers where my server is not accessible by name: >nbtstat -A 192.168.210.5 Wireless Network Connection: Node IpAddress: [172.16.100.103] Scope Id: [] NetBIOS Remote Machine Name Table Name Type Status --------------------------------------------- HOMESRV <00> UNIQUE Registered HOMESRV <03> UNIQUE Registered HOMESRV <20> UNIQUE Registered ..__MSBROWSE__.<01> GROUP Registered HOMEGRP <1D> UNIQUE Registered HOMEGRP <1E> GROUP Registered HOMEGRP <00> GROUP Registered MAC Address = 00-00-00-00-00-00 >nbtstat -a HOMESRV Wireless Network Connection: Node IpAddress: [172.16.100.103] Scope Id: [] Host not found. It may be the second router that is blocking netbios, but I investigated every setting in its web console and didn't find anything. Thanks.

xpcman · Answer

Installing a Two Router Network 
Installing a router to work as the second one on a home network requires special configuration. Do the following on the second router to ensure it (and the devices attached) function properly: 

      1. Connect as local device or bridge - If connecting the second router via Ethernet cable, plug it into one of the LAN ports on the first router. If connecting the second router wirelessly, ensure the second router is set for client mode. Note that some home wireless routers do not support client mode; these must be connected by cable. Check your router documentation for details on its client mode configuration support. 

      2. Check / change IP address - Most home network routers use a default IP address setting. Often, these default IP addresses will not work in a two router environment. Check the second router's IP address value and reset it if necessary to work within the valid address range of the first router (and to not conflict with any other device on the network). 

      3. Disable DHCP - To avoid IP address conflicts between all of the devices on the home network, only one of your two routers should assign addresses via DHCP. All mainstream routers provide an option to disable DHCP as part of the router's configuration screens.

NetBIOS names not visible through 2nd router

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