How to connect one router on the internet to a router.

Ok, I have the internet gateway/modem in one room (2wire DSL modem/gateway) , and I have another router (D-link)that has functions that the other one doesn't.

I need to know how to hook the one in the room(D-Link) to the gateway(2wire).

I tried just receiving an IP address and what not on the one router (D-Link) in the other room via DHCP on the 2wire gateway, but it said DHCP renew timeout.

The connection light on the D-Link does not stay on. I also tried putting a switch in between the two to make sure the cable didn't need to be a crossover. I also just set DHCP on each router and disable it on the other.
I also assigned private IPs on both.

Does this require subnetting? If so how would I go about applying it.

Help me please.

I also tried installing a Linux Live Kiosk CD on them the other day without the new D-link and could not get them to receive a DHCP assigned address. That did not work.

I believe the problem is with the 2wire gateway, I am going to try talking to SBC about it tomorrow.