Expanding my network with an additional switch.
Expanding my network with an additional switch.
I currently host a TP-Link AX3000 router on the main floor, managing all home wireless devices as well as an All-in-One PC and several living room gadgets like the Nintendo Switch, Nvidia Shield TV, Wii U. The final port on the router uses a Cat 6 cable that runs down to the basement, connecting to a D-LINK 16-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Desktop Switch. Connected to this setup are my main PC, a QNAP NAS serving media and acting as a network drive, another Shield TV, a Raspberry Pi focused on pi-hole, and a few game consoles that see limited use. In the near future, a second PC will be added to the basement, primarily for gaming by one of my children. I’m reorganizing the basement so the TV and media area is at one end (with the cable coming through the ceiling) while the computers are on the other side. Instead of running multiple Ethernet cables across the floor, I’m considering a second switch for the computer side to simplify wiring. My goal is to avoid network congestion between devices. I’m unsure whether keeping the NAS with media functions or moving it to stay with the computers makes more sense. Two computers, a printer, and dual Gigabit ports on the NAS would require five ports total. Would a second unmanaged gigabit switch suffice, or should I opt for something better to maintain optimal speeds? There’s also a question about whether linking two new switches together via 2.5GBE is beneficial, especially since the router operates at gigabit speed. My main worry is preventing one computer from slowing down the others on the network.
A gigabit unmanaged switch should suffice here. I’ll opt for an 8-port model since it’s affordable, allowing more devices to connect. 2.5GbE isn’t widely supported and comes at a higher price, so skip it. You likely don’t have access to faster wan speeds. https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Litewave-...755&sr=8-8 A good example is this switch.
I wasn't sure if that 2.5 between the two switches made sense. The model you mentioned is listed at $45 on Amazon in Canada, but this one should be similar in price after adjusting for exchange rates: https://www.canadacomputers.com/product_..._id=034281
Litewave offers 16Gbps switching capability (1Gbps per port full duplex). SG1008D provides 10Gbps switching capacity (port allocation unclear—verify if heavy transfers are expected). For typical home needs, this difference is negligible; focus on affordability and local availability.