Looking for a budget-friendly multigig router?
Looking for a budget-friendly multigig router?
I work remotely creating content and use a NAS for storage. My network is fully gigabit, but I want to improve performance. The NAS can combine several gigabit ports, while my desktop has only a 2.5GB NIC. I also have gigabit fiber internet, though my current router struggles with high overhead and isn’t routing at full speed. I’m okay with decent performance now. My network uses CAT6a cables, so that’s fine. I need a router that supports multiple gigabits, as affordable as possible. Ideally, I’d like 2.5GB ports, but they’re not crucial. I can’t afford expensive 10G devices. In an ideal setup, I’d have all my devices hardwired with Wi-Fi access points on every floor. My goal is simply to connect them to a router that meets the multigig requirement without breaking the bank.
I'll connect with a multigig switch, eliminating the need for a router that supports it, which saves costs. Which router are you currently using? What is your budget looking like?
I understand this perspective. The cheapest option for a multi-gigabit router seems to be assembling a pfSense unit with a solid CPU and a 10 GbE NIC. Even then, you might still need a separate multi-gigabit switch. However, you likely don’t require your router to manage more than 1 Gb; as long as your computer and NAS are connected to the same switch, all data will simply pass through to the two devices.
I understand the situation but note the loss of WAN bandwidth due to overhead. Using a direct connection with Cat 6a achieves near-full gigabit speeds, though I lose 100-200mb/s through the router. The router is a Google WiFi with three hardwired access points on CAT 6a. Since you likely can't afford a PF sensor box, would you like a switch suggestion in the meantime?
For the setup, how many ports are required? I think I'll use one of those 24-port microtics with two SFP+ slots, dedicating them to your desktops and NAS. Add in 10GbE adapters if necessary. Then connect separate access points, such as the UniFi ones, plus a PFSense unit. A used desktop or low-end parts should give around 200-300 for a PFSense box, about 150 per slot for a nano HD, and roughly 200 for the switch and transceivers.
there is a 5 port unmanaged 2.5gbe switch for a 113. https://www.amazon.com/QNAP-QSW-1105-5T-...WW9A1BDG49 Maybe get that first. How big is your house? good wifi + high speed wired routing won't be cheap.
The switch seems sufficient at this point! Appreciate it. A larger effort would likely cost significantly more.