Need a replacement switch and some routers? Anyone willing to assist?
Need a replacement switch and some routers? Anyone willing to assist?
The setup is designed so the ISP modem connects to a switch, with Ethernet ports spread throughout the house. If you need more ports, you could run new wiring through the house instead. Fortunately, none of the ports are affected by the device I’m using, so it should work. You might want to choose devices that support easy integration and good compatibility for your needs.
Maybe I’d need to place it in the doorway, though it feels a bit plain. I’m aiming to leverage the existing cable, roughly following what Falcon proposed.
Repeaters are usually best as wall-mounted units plugged into outlets. Some models are made just for this purpose, depending on how well they work in your environment. If you run cable, it’s better to use a smurf tube instead—easier to change later. After living in the same spot for two decades, I’ve often wished I had done it differently. Models can become outdated, and leaving cables in place can cause issues down the line.
Repeaters serve as a final option since they typically retransmit on the same frequency, cutting transmission speed in half, and their performance depends entirely on the WiFi signal strength at the location. This often leads to a situation where the solution becomes ineffective quickly. A dedicated wired Access Point connected to the router offers better stability, as it isn’t constrained by the incoming signal quality and can operate on a separate channel, utilizing the full bandwidth.
They must already have Ethernet installed, so why not add another?
I’d prefer to install an NM conduit first. That would allow flexibility for adding more wires later and makes replacing them much simpler. Who knows what the future holds? It might even be useful to include fiber in the system someday. I’ve had to upgrade low-voltage wiring in my building, and it’s usually a mix of practical and unattractive solutions.
the cable for the tv is only a short distance behind the set, so I’ll leave it on the ground. however, i’m planning to cut it from the port to give internet access to several devices, and I’m hoping to use an access point switch setup if one is available.
According to @Falcon1986, if the router uses a particular port for IPTV, it won’t support general internet service—it will only handle IPTV. Typically, broadband brings two services in: one for internet and one for IPTV. This setup helps conserve bandwidth because IPTV streams are delivered only to areas that need them, while local equipment can copy and rebroadcast the channel for nearby viewers. The IPTV port runs on its own network, separate from the internet network, which prevents merging them. While a managed switch could theoretically combine both ports onto one cable, it would require additional hardware and complexity. Alternatively, using a TV with OpenWRT firmware as a router could work more affordably, though it adds extra steps. Would you prefer that convenience or stick with the current setup?