Modern installation with Ethernet cabling from the start.
Modern installation with Ethernet cabling from the start.
You have the option, though as noted earlier, installing a switch in the attic isn't wise. Running cables through walls is more challenging. This also explains why you should avoid doing it there—better drop them into the walls first. If network gear overheats, problems arise (especially if placed in the attic). When I used traditional routers, I upgraded them with fans to keep them cool. Netgear offers similar switches for home and business lines, mostly differing in price, warranty, and color. If you separate them, the internal heatsinks make a difference on those models. TL;DR, patch panels might fit in the attic, but switches aren't recommended.
It seems you should connect the exposed cables to a patch panel or switch within the home, since you don’t have all the equipment in the attic.
Link the switch to your router instead of connecting it to the modem.
In numerous situations the "Modem" functions more like a gateway, merging a modem and a router. ISPs refer to these items as modems, routers, or gateways. Consequently, many individuals mistakenly use the word "modem" when they mean something else entirely.
Essentially, yes. If you need the switch in the attic, choose one that runs on PoE and can withstand high temperatures. Connect it with a PoE injector at the location of your modem downstairs. You don’t require a complex managed switch for a simple home setup—unmanaged works just fine.
OP states they have a modem and a router, placed in different areas. They inquire whether to connect the switch to the modem. The response is that it shouldn't be done.
It doesn't necessarily indicate anything. If the "Modem" comes from your ISP, it's probably a gateway. Your ISP only provides gateways, and people often set them to "bridge" mode to disable the router function. This still doesn't confirm it's a modem. Most folks misunderstand networking basics—plugging routers into routers, routers into gateways, etc.—because they're not familiar with the details. Without model numbers, you can't determine what the other person has.
I’m providing precise guidance as requested. The words you’re using are unclear and could cause confusion. It seems you’re mixing up different networking concepts. In typical home setups, you either have a device that combines functions of a modem, router, and gateway, or you have separate modems for each role. Many ISPs used to include built-in modems in routers, but this isn’t standard anymore. It’s important to understand these distinctions so you can communicate effectively about your setup. For clarity, consider focusing on the specific hardware roles rather than vague terms.