Ideas on a network switch
Ideas on a network switch
I'm searching for a replacement switch to install before my router. The one they provide offers strong coverage, but it only has a gigabit Ethernet port. My home has two routers because the walls are very thick with brick, and access points don't work even when placed in another room. We have one cable connecting across the house, which gives a gigabit connection, but it only delivers 900 Mbps—clearly not enough for the other side.
They place a switch before the router because ISPs only provide switches with a modem or gateway installed. Are you certain they didn’t supply an internet gateway? Running in their default router mode isn’t ideal. It’s unclear why a wireless AP or router shouldn’t operate in AP mode either. Not grasping the setup. If the Ethernet cable supports gigabit speeds, a 900Mbps connection will work perfectly.
The signal strength remains unchanged whether using a router or an access point. The issue likely lies with the specific access points you were employing, possibly due to low-quality models. It’s not necessarily about whether they’re access points. I suspect you’re referring to mesh systems or WiFi repeaters, as you mentioned they don’t work in the next room. However, connecting them via a wired link back to your main router usually provides better results. Many organizations use enterprise-grade access points installed on ceilings, which generally enhance coverage and reliability. Switches should always connect after the main router, since the router manages your internet connection and distributes it across the network.
I’d confirm your routers lack a chaining capability so they work independently. This keeps the setup straightforward.