Evaluating the necessity to modify a 1 Gbps router for 2.5 Gbps USB dongles.
Evaluating the necessity to modify a 1 Gbps router for 2.5 Gbps USB dongles.
We use BT Broadband with their Smart Hub, launched in 2016. I’m thinking about purchasing two Plugable adapters—one USB-C and one Ethernet—for the PCs in our home. Both are linked via CAT5e cable to the wireless router, which caps speeds at 1 Gbps. Are there other ways to achieve this? Replacing the router might be one option, but could there be alternatives?
They are just two regular desktop computers linked to the wireless router using CAT 5e. I need quicker network performance so I can move files faster between them. Probably, even with the 2.5 Gbps switch, I’ll still be stuck by the slowest part—your 1 Gbps wireless router. I’ll have to connect directly to it in order for the PCs to reach the internet.
Even the most affordable 2.5 Gbps switch costs over £100. Adding the 2x Plugable 2.5G USB-C and USB to Ethernet adapter pushes the total near £175. In truth, such a price feels excessive for achieving 1 Gbps over 2.5 Gbps between the two setups. Appreciate your help in this analysis, @Electronics Wizardy
I chose to upgrade to a full 10G fiber connection instead of stopping at 2.5G. It was a straightforward project costing around $350 for the A24 port switch, two 10G NICs, four 10G transceivers, and the fiber cable. After connecting the router to the switch, file transfers between home computers bypassed the router entirely, making the 1G router irrelevant.
They should invest significantly more than a few 2.5Gbit USB adapters. If you have a budget-friendly switch, it’s likely outdated, lacks warranty, and consumes a lot of power.
this new switch consumes a massive 15w, which could really spike my electricity bill. MikroTik offers solid, affordable options. and while a fresh installation is pricier, more homes are adopting 10g connections over time. why wait? it’s under $400, and many premium wireless routers cost more than that while offering only 1g or 2.5g speeds. having a functional 10g network is worth it, especially since the price is a small fraction of what I spend on snacks in just a couple of weeks. saving money would mean skipping snacks for a while. the performance is definitely worth the investment.