Inquiries regarding enhancing your home network by incorporating a switch
Inquiries regarding enhancing your home network by incorporating a switch
I'm in a three-bedroom apartment in Beijing with reliable internet. The technician installed three Huawei Wi-Fi 6+ 3000M routers (China telecom models). The signal comes from the back of a wardrobe to the modem, then into the first router, and the other two connect to it. The installer was quiet and asked which rooms needed connection, up to two extra points. You want to add a 2.5GbE switch and an 8-bay NAS—how should they be set up? Modem → stitch → three routers?
It varies based on how the boxes are arranged. The black box functions as a combo unit (ont/router), so if it handles routing, you can operate it in that mode. The white Huawei devices seem to handle access points rather than routing. If they act as routers, switch them to AP mode.
Essentially Blue4130 points out the role of the modem/router. The question is about what the black box is actually doing. I’ve used a modem/router in place of a switch, which turns off its ability to transmit data. We rely on another device for WiFi coverage since the signal travels over a longer distance into a switch. One of the switch’s connections goes to a modem/router with all functions disabled, so it behaves like a switch except that one output is connected via WiFi.
I expected a straightforward explanation, but it turned out more complex. The black box is definitely a modem, yet I wasn’t sure why routers 2 and 3 were connected to router 1. I assumed it was set up as a mesh network, but I’m not certain if that’s the reason or just a convenience.
Can’t access the boxes directly—check their settings to verify the black box is using DHCP and the rest are either in bridge mode or DHCP disabled.
The black box from the ISP functions as an ONT or fibre gateway rather than a modem. It likely includes its own router. The position of the switch should be chosen based on your goals. If your main need is to move files between your PC and NAS at 2.5Gbps, connect them via Cat6/6a Ethernet to the switch using a regular gigabit uplink to another device acting as a router. Only the link between your PC and NAS should run at that speed—ensure both ends support it. For wider distances or multiple devices, place the switch higher up in the network, possibly after the primary router. Remember, if those devices connect through the second or third routers, their maximum speed will be gigabit.
Keep in mind: next time, inquire about the setup even if the technician seems reluctant. If you're unsure, this is the only way to confirm. This configuration might work well in bridge mode [gateway in bridge > AX3 (#1) in router mode > AX3 (#2 and #3) in AP mode] or could involve multiple NATs. Also, consider organizing cables neatly—avoid bending or damaging fiber optic lines! Heat-generating equipment won’t last long in a confined area. Plus, WiFi signals can weaken significantly, leading you to believe more access points are needed when optimal placement often resolves the issue.
I had a friend move into a new home. The modem/router was placed inside the switch panel along with other electrical devices like RCDs, all protected within a shielded metal enclosure. There was no WiFi available since it was housed in a metal box. We drilled an opening in the door and inserted the modem’s aerial from the box. The photos from the original location indicate items stored inside the metal case. If they need to stay there, consider swapping the door for a wooden one or removing the door to allow WiFi throughout the house.