A peculiar Ethernet multiplexer device?
A peculiar Ethernet multiplexer device?
Hello! I see you're dealing with a tricky setup. Have you heard of any solutions that let you extend your network without extra cabling? There are devices designed to boost speeds and create virtual connections, but they usually require specific hardware and careful planning. It sounds like you're looking into something beyond standard setups—maybe a custom bridge or a multi-gigabit splitter? Let me know if you want more details on what’s available. You’re not alone in this!
You only need a single switch connected to magic device A. Then connect your server via the long red cable. For multiple devices with the server, add another switch at location B. If you still require the router for the server, plug LAN into it—no need for WAN.
Vlans offer flexibility, but I recommend placing the router near the modem and using switches wherever you need connections. To avoid bandwidth issues on a single cable, consider 2.5gb or 10gb switches.
People above are correct—use switches that accommodate VLANs on both sides. Anything marked “Smart” works too. When it comes to bandwidth needs, remember the Ethernet connection is full-duplex: 1Gbps down and 1Gbps up per link. For instance, a speed test from one PC to the internet would show 1Gbps download or upload. Switches with at least one 2.5Gbps port let you pass through walls at 2.5Gbps, eliminating bottlenecks. By the way, the diagram you mentioned does exist, but it divides the cable pairs, giving only 100Mb Ethernet per channel. That was appropriate when 100Mb was the norm, but it’s no longer suitable.
With help from everyone, I managed to fix it by labeling the switch port where the modem was plugged with a unique VLAN number, then assigning that number to the WAN side of my router. The cable goes through a PoE switch, which needed two direct links—PoE switch to WAN and another to LAN—before devices could connect properly. I’m now working fine. Thanks again!
Needing those two links isn't uncommon—it happens because your router doesn't assume WAN and LAN are on the same port. If it were more adaptable, like PFSense, Mikrotik, EdgeRouter, etc., you could have set both on a single port (one with VLAN, another without), a setup known as "Router on a stick." However, this approach doesn't offer any additional benefits.