F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Networks Determine if you require a managed switch based on your network needs and scalability requirements.

Determine if you require a managed switch based on your network needs and scalability requirements.

Determine if you require a managed switch based on your network needs and scalability requirements.

M
Monawar
Member
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108
06-07-2016, 11:42 AM
#1
I’m working on enhancing my home network setup (AT&T Fiber connection) with an HP ProDesk 600 G1 processor and an HP NC360T NIC that I’ll be converting into a pfSense router. I’m also adding two TP Link AC1200 APs to cover the house with dual-band WiFi. This upgrade aims to reduce reliance on the AT&T BGW-210 gateway, which frequently drops connections for both wired and wireless traffic even under normal usage. Since many of my household tasks are done remotely—like participating in meetings or accessing company VPNs—I need stable connectivity throughout the day. The house is wired with CAT5e cabling and features a patch panel in one bedroom, giving me flexibility to route traffic efficiently.

I plan to follow a specific network layout as shown, using a pfATT plugin to forward certificate requests through the AT&T gateway for a true bridge configuration rather than just IP routing. This setup will keep the NAT table, firewall, and other packets routed through pfSense, which maintains the public IP address and connects directly to the ONT.

With five bedrooms and multiple RJ45 ports in each room—including the kitchen and living area—I have a lot of CAT5e cables at the patch panel. I already have several switches on site, including a few 4-port and an 8-port model, which will help manage the connections. For simplicity and to avoid complex cabling, I’m considering a switch with more ports—possibly a 16 or even 24-port model—to accommodate all cables and ensure full coverage.

My main question is whether using a managed switch would offer any advantage over a basic unmanaged 16 or 24-port switch. While some sources suggest benefits from a managed switch, especially when pfSense handles routing, I’m uncertain if the added cost justifies it for a straightforward home network.
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M
Monawar
06-07-2016, 11:42 AM #1

I’m working on enhancing my home network setup (AT&T Fiber connection) with an HP ProDesk 600 G1 processor and an HP NC360T NIC that I’ll be converting into a pfSense router. I’m also adding two TP Link AC1200 APs to cover the house with dual-band WiFi. This upgrade aims to reduce reliance on the AT&T BGW-210 gateway, which frequently drops connections for both wired and wireless traffic even under normal usage. Since many of my household tasks are done remotely—like participating in meetings or accessing company VPNs—I need stable connectivity throughout the day. The house is wired with CAT5e cabling and features a patch panel in one bedroom, giving me flexibility to route traffic efficiently.

I plan to follow a specific network layout as shown, using a pfATT plugin to forward certificate requests through the AT&T gateway for a true bridge configuration rather than just IP routing. This setup will keep the NAT table, firewall, and other packets routed through pfSense, which maintains the public IP address and connects directly to the ONT.

With five bedrooms and multiple RJ45 ports in each room—including the kitchen and living area—I have a lot of CAT5e cables at the patch panel. I already have several switches on site, including a few 4-port and an 8-port model, which will help manage the connections. For simplicity and to avoid complex cabling, I’m considering a switch with more ports—possibly a 16 or even 24-port model—to accommodate all cables and ensure full coverage.

My main question is whether using a managed switch would offer any advantage over a basic unmanaged 16 or 24-port switch. While some sources suggest benefits from a managed switch, especially when pfSense handles routing, I’m uncertain if the added cost justifies it for a straightforward home network.

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T
TBNRFlameBoy
Junior Member
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33
06-14-2016, 04:37 PM
#2
For simplicity, stick with an unmanaged switch unless you need a highly complex home network setup.
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T
TBNRFlameBoy
06-14-2016, 04:37 PM #2

For simplicity, stick with an unmanaged switch unless you need a highly complex home network setup.

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