Configuring and enhancing a 2.5 Gig network involves optimizing connections and performance.
Configuring and enhancing a 2.5 Gig network involves optimizing connections and performance.
Well this really depends on your goals, but here is probably a start. I'm guessing you have your own modem here already that not being touched, and it has a 2.5gbe port. Then you need a router. UDM SE(get the se for the 2.5wan port) is a decent choice and gives you a controller built in, or go with a Gateway max and a cloudkey(or run the software on your own PC) Then you need a switch. How many ports? Pro Max 16 seems like a decent options for a 16 port switch with 4 2.5 ports and 2 10g ports. Might want to get the POE version if your using their APs. Then you probably want access points for wifi. I'd get something like the u7 pro for wifi 7 at a reasonable price.
@Electronics Wizardy begins with solid gear, though the new 16-port Pro Max falls short—just four 2.5 Gbps ports. Using U7pro APs demands those ports for optimal speed, and you might need additional APs since Unifi’s 2.4 GHz range is limited on this model. My older ASUS router performed better on the 2.4 band. With two ports for APs, you retain two slots for devices; if that fits, proceed. Unfortunately, it didn’t meet expectations, so I upgraded to a POE switch costing $800 for 2.5 Gbps capability. The Enterprise version offered twelve ports, while the 24 Pro Max had eight 2.5 and 16 24x POE+ ports. Since I didn’t need POE+, the extra ports helped. For those without POE needs, the Enterprise is worth considering. Beware: these models are bulky and noisy—my setup kept everything in the garage, running Cat6 cables through the attic. The noise was a real issue; I’d opt for U7pro or U6 long-range if possible. I also kept a separate U6 lite in storage, using it for IoT devices.
These Netgear models perform well when you don’t rely on SFP+ 10G copper transceivers. The fans stay quiet under normal conditions.