Consider upgrading your setup with additional direct Ethernet ports for improved connectivity.
Consider upgrading your setup with additional direct Ethernet ports for improved connectivity.
Hello, I'm working on upgrading my home network. I'm unsure which option is best for my requirements. For example, should I choose a router or a switch? My current setup uses a modem with 4 Ethernet ports and both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi. I also need a Wi-Fi extender due to coverage issues. Additionally, I want more direct Cat6 connections to boost speeds for devices like my Smart TV, Nvidia Shield, and printer. What would be the ideal solution? Thanks!
You have $200 to spend on something fun. Think about what the pimp my wifi did before—follow the same idea. A 10 gigabit switch is priced accordingly.
Cat6 supports 1Gbps over 100 meters or 55 meters at 10G speeds. It remains the most widely used cable available.
It looks like your modem/router has fewer Ethernet ports than needed. Adding a switch could provide more connections for wired gadgets. Consider including an access point to improve WiFi coverage in areas with weak signals. Are you using a Wi-Fi extender or a powerline + extender setup? Internet > Modem/Router > switch > all wired devices + possibly an access point.
The modem includes a built-in router. Including another router will complicate things. You'll need a switch that can handle at least 1Gbps, assuming you're using CAT6 cables rather than CAT6a. Just connect the cables to the switch, and link one of its LAN ports to a router's LAN port. Everything seems set. I've heard Netgear offers quality switches, so I'll start there.
It relies on your connection speed. For speeds outside providers like Google Fiber, consider saving money and purchasing a budget N or AC router. Install a flash dd-wrt and configure it as a repeater at needed locations for wired internet. Using another router as a switch doesn’t automatically handle NAT; disable unnecessary settings so DHCP continues to the main router. This setup works well with printers, connected routers, etc. Keep in mind that using a cheap Wi-Fi chip for both repeater and extender will halve your bandwidth. If you aim for future-proof fiber speeds, opt for direct cables and more expensive routers/switches instead.
Internet modem connected via Wi-Fi - Netgear Wi-Fi extender included
Using a router as a WiFi booster with a cable connected to the main network is quite easy and effective. Just disable the DHCP server, and it performs just as well or better than a standard repeater, since routers usually have smaller antennas compared to the larger, high-gain antennas of repeaters.
It's frustrating having to set things up by hand. Not all routers offer an access point, and not everyone knows how to configure them properly. When giving guidance, I explain things as if I'm explaining to someone completely new to the topic.