Connectors linked to the modem rather than the router.
Connectors linked to the modem rather than the router.
Hello everyone, Our home network hosts around 10 wired devices linked to our att router via a switch, plus more than 20 wireless devices connected directly to the router or AP. The router (Eero Pro) is also tied to the modem—previously through a switch setup. I have some concerns: does connecting devices straight to the modem create any security risks? I recently switched from modem → switch → router to modem → router → switch. Now the router advertises gigabit speeds to the switch, but only 100Mbps to the router, whereas previously it was full gigabit. The network performance has dropped noticeably—WiFi speeds are down from 50Mbps to about 20Mbps, and ping times have increased to around 100ms and 103ms respectively. This seems unusual. Could this be a temporary issue? Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated.
The setup shouldn't offer any security advantages or drawbacks. The modem should already prevent incoming traffic by default, and Windows includes a built-in firewall. Most threats come from downloading malicious files, which your modem/router/switch can't address directly. The main protection comes from common sense and antivirus software like Windows Defender. Could you share more about the hardware you're using? If any part only supports 100 Mbit, it could restrict bandwidth even if not obvious beforehand. No. Home network devices should respond to pings in less than 1ms for wired connections. Inspect cables for sharp bends or damage. For Wi-Fi, minimize obstacles between devices and the access point.
Thanks for the update. Our setup includes an Eero Pro router (model b010001), a BGW21-700 modem from around 2018 with two gigabit switches—TL-SG108E and TL-SG108. We have two Wi-Fi extenders, an Eero device (d010001). All performance checks and ping tests are performed using wireless equipment; currently, no computers are connected via cables. The only wired devices are a few NAS units, a Raspberry Pi, a VoIP box, and a solar data receiver, with possibly more additions on the way.
Modems… keep things open. If they restricted anything, changing a port in your router wouldn’t help since an upstream firewall would stop the data. Linking windows straight to a modem poses serious security risks. In short, are we certain this modem isn’t a combined modem/router? If OP used to have a separate switch between the modem and router, with extra drives connected there… The modem needs to be a router or there’d be constant IP conflicts everywhere. Modems don’t run a DHCP server or handle NAT traffic. Without it, all devices on the switch would share the same public IP, making routing impossible.
Optally, OP should enable it in pass-through mode with just one router. It’s not a major issue—but that’s the perfect network layout.
Today, when someone mentions "modem," it usually refers to an ISP's modem or router package.
Many people today lack basic knowledge and often make mistakes like connecting a switch to a modem without realizing what’s happening. With rising consumerism and more claims of instant functionality, real understanding appears to decline.