Combine WiFi 6 and WiFi 5 devices for enhanced connectivity.
Combine WiFi 6 and WiFi 5 devices for enhanced connectivity.
The APs would link to the network using Ethernet. I acknowledge what I mentioned before: sorry for the delayed reply!
Consider this: you have a basic router without Wi-Fi (turn it off). Many of these hubs come with a central unit that can serve as a router, firewall, or DHCP server. If it weren’t disabled, they wouldn’t function properly when connected to your modem. To ensure your main router manages routing, security, and IP assignment effectively, you should disable those advanced features on the mesh network. Alternatively, set up a network with just two of these capabilities. For instance, if your ISP provides 68.8.8.8 as an external IP, your router assigns it an IP address like 192.x.x.x. In a double NAT setup, the hub gets a static IP (192.x.x.x), while connected devices receive dynamic IPs (10.x.x.x). This prevents wired and wireless devices from communicating directly, requiring extra steps for port access. A simpler option is to purchase a switch with multiple ports—plug your modem connection into one and use the switch’s extra port to connect both wired and wireless devices, letting the hub handle security and IP management.
It seems I need to be more specific about my needs. I’m looking for a multi-gig network with Wi-Fi 6 capabilities, but currently only have access to Wi-Fi 6E routers. I can’t find any that support both multi-gig LAN and WAN ports. I was hoping to use a multi-gig router without needing Wi-Fi 6, just connect it to an existing Wi-Fi 6 mesh system. I’m curious if this is feasible with Wi-Fi 6 technology.
You're asking about the purpose of a multi-gig switch, since it seems like you're considering getting one instead of a regular switch.
Most everyday routers offer just one LAN port with gigabit capability. For multiple devices you’ll still require a switch that supports gigabit speeds, which isn’t inexpensive. You must also use network cards that handle those high rates. Unless you already have a gigabit internet plan or a setup demanding gigabit LAN, this is largely unnecessary... and even the latest premium routers with gigabit should include Wi-Fi 6.
Relies on your setup. My NAS and main PC connect via a multi-gig switch, allowing faster file transfers between them. I haven’t installed WiFi 6 yet, but even that won’t reach or exceed Gigabit speeds—so manufacturers focus on multi-gig ports for WAN connections. With a 2Gbit FTTP connection, you could download at Gigabit to multiple clients simultaneously.