Do you need help with a network switch?
Do you need help with a network switch?
It’s an interesting idea. Connecting a switch straight to the modem instead of using a router could save some money and reduce clutter. However, routers usually include a firewall, which adds an extra layer of protection. If you skip the router entirely and go directly to the modem, your setup might be less secure. To improve safety, consider using a firewall on the switch or router itself, and keep your devices updated.
The explanation clarifies the setup process and its practical implications. It highlights how connecting devices in a logical order makes sense, emphasizing the role of routers and switches in managing network traffic. The author points out potential misunderstandings about port usage and IP allocation, stressing the importance of standard configurations for effective communication. The message reinforces that choosing the right equipment and understanding protocols are key to optimizing performance.
Why not simply connect the switch directly to the router? Consumer routers usually offer four LAN ports. My home setup includes a five-port switch linked to the router, which feeds cables to each room; my brother’s room also has a five-port switch due to his Ethernet gear; meanwhile, my own room has an eight-port switch with several devices connected. So: ISP > Router > Switch > Devices → Switch → Devices
Only if you're using a managed switch will this function properly. Your ISP provides one internet-accessible IP address, and a router with NAT lets several devices share that single IP. However, if you link a switch straight to the modem, each connected device will need its own IP from the ISP. You're limited to just one. A managed switch bypasses this issue, but it's usually complicated and costly.
I considered opting for a router designed for gaming. Some models offer up to eight ports, though many of them come with prices exceeding $300 for a solid option. From what I've noticed, that's generally the case.
Recently we’ve started using an extra router as a repeater for our Ethernet connections. The setup looks like this: modem → router 1 (connected via Ethernet), router 1 → router 2 (four devices connected through Ethernet), and router 2 → devices. While each device gets decent speeds, internet performance drops sometimes. For example, when several users are online on router 2, those connections slow down or drop out completely while router 1 stays smooth. My reasoning is that since all four devices are linked through the same port on router 2, only its speed is being limited. This is what my speed test showed on one computer in the house. It seems the issue lies with router 2’s capacity under load. The proposed configuration is modem → switch → router 1 (mainly Wi-Fi) → router 2 (mainly Wi-Fi) → devices.