Discussing switch speeds
Discussing switch speeds
Hi, I understand your situation and will try to clarify things simply. When you moved in, your ISP installed their own equipment, but they only provided the router. You can connect to their network, but the physical Ethernet ports aren’t available in all rooms. They suggested using a third-party switch to expand the connection. A technician came and quoted a price that included a 2Gbps switch. You asked if it wouldn’t be cheaper to use your existing router as a switch, but they said it would only work if it supports 2Gbps. Your internet speed is 100Mbps, which is much lower than the required 2Gbps for that setup. Even for local streaming, 2Gbps isn’t necessary—your current connection should suffice.
They seem confused about the 2Gb/s reference. Can you share a link for clarification? There are 2.5GbE switches available, but I haven’t seen a 2GB link speed before. I’m planning to get an 8-port switch around $20. Setting up Ethernet is straightforward if the ports are already installed in the walls. Usually there’s a central hub where all cables connect, and you can plug those into your switch so all wall ports function properly.
He’s going to follow through exactly as planned. I’d handle it myself if I weren’t so poor at connecting with people. They’re now billing me $55 for the switch—am I being overcharged?
Ethernet ports indicate existing cable connections throughout the space. Whether you have access to the opposite end, especially near the router installation, simplifies things. If available, connecting everything to the switch—including the ISP’s router with a free LAN port—should resolve the issue without needing a technician. The cost typically ranges from $15 to $20 for basic setups.
Sure, at least in my space. He visited to verify the previous time and found an RJ45 cable there. Yes, but they handled it in an unusual manner since TV cables and possibly other connections are also in the same main box. All this combined with my limited network experience makes me hesitant about doing it myself.
The benefit lies in handling future needs without immediate high-speed demands. Even though current speeds are low, a 2-2.5Gbps switch prepares your setup for smoother streaming later, while supporting everyday tasks like working, gaming, and casual browsing for you and your family.
You could benefit from increased data transfer between your network gadgets no matter the internet speed you use. This is clear when using a NAS—multiple units can process more quickly than a standard 1 Gbps connection. To make this work, you need 2.5 Gbps adapters on each device.