F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Networks Need guidance on networking? Here’s some advice to help you connect effectively.

Need guidance on networking? Here’s some advice to help you connect effectively.

Need guidance on networking? Here’s some advice to help you connect effectively.

E
Ebkon
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166
06-19-2016, 02:32 PM
#1
I possess a 1-gigabit fibre link with an ISP-supplied onu/router package (Optilink 71110AC PR10 or similar). I aim for a tidy setup, so I’m considering three R5 air adapters for three separate rooms. Each room has one Ethernet cable, which goes inside to a central point where the ISP unit is located. Which option fits best?

1. Operate the ISP box in router mode, place three R5 airs in AP mode with an unmanaged switch in between (since the combo only offers two LAN ports). ISP Combo (router mode, Wi-Fi off) → unmanaged switch → 3 R5 AIR (AP mode) → one PC via one AP.
2. Run the ISP combo in bridge mode and use one router in router mode while the other two act as APs. This setup requires an extra LAN cable from the router to the central hub, where the switch resides, which connects to both APs. It’s tricky because you can’t run three R5s directly and each has a WAN and LAN port. ISP Combo (bridge mode) → R5 router → unmanaged switch → 2 APs → one PC via one AP.

The first approach seems simpler, but I’m uncertain about the ISP’s hardware—possibly outdated with no updates—and it lacks secure firmware. Port forwarding is active for remote access. I need a dedicated router/AP per room to prevent signal loss and latency issues. The combo doesn’t allow extra rent, and my PC will connect via one AP, hoping minimal delay. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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E
Ebkon
06-19-2016, 02:32 PM #1

I possess a 1-gigabit fibre link with an ISP-supplied onu/router package (Optilink 71110AC PR10 or similar). I aim for a tidy setup, so I’m considering three R5 air adapters for three separate rooms. Each room has one Ethernet cable, which goes inside to a central point where the ISP unit is located. Which option fits best?

1. Operate the ISP box in router mode, place three R5 airs in AP mode with an unmanaged switch in between (since the combo only offers two LAN ports). ISP Combo (router mode, Wi-Fi off) → unmanaged switch → 3 R5 AIR (AP mode) → one PC via one AP.
2. Run the ISP combo in bridge mode and use one router in router mode while the other two act as APs. This setup requires an extra LAN cable from the router to the central hub, where the switch resides, which connects to both APs. It’s tricky because you can’t run three R5s directly and each has a WAN and LAN port. ISP Combo (bridge mode) → R5 router → unmanaged switch → 2 APs → one PC via one AP.

The first approach seems simpler, but I’m uncertain about the ISP’s hardware—possibly outdated with no updates—and it lacks secure firmware. Port forwarding is active for remote access. I need a dedicated router/AP per room to prevent signal loss and latency issues. The combo doesn’t allow extra rent, and my PC will connect via one AP, hoping minimal delay. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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T
Teekanner
Junior Member
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7
06-20-2016, 11:46 PM
#2
I usually get very low bandwidth when I have ISP service, but turning off Wi-Fi and using it just for management should work fine. Still, it might not offer the full internet speed if many devices are connected or if you need a quick download. It's up to you.
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T
Teekanner
06-20-2016, 11:46 PM #2

I usually get very low bandwidth when I have ISP service, but turning off Wi-Fi and using it just for management should work fine. Still, it might not offer the full internet speed if many devices are connected or if you need a quick download. It's up to you.

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I
isak1010
Junior Member
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6
06-21-2016, 03:49 AM
#3
I suggest using either Ethernet to all rooms as is, and if more ports are needed, just an unmanaged switch for each room that needs it. A central AP may be enough. Also, there is a way at least on iPhone to use the data cable to a switch that allows usb ethernet, or possibly, a usb-to-Ethernet adapter. This way, smartphones can also use wired networking, and charge at the same time. I highly doubt each room needs wi-fi which might slow down performance with multiple APs all connected together.
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I
isak1010
06-21-2016, 03:49 AM #3

I suggest using either Ethernet to all rooms as is, and if more ports are needed, just an unmanaged switch for each room that needs it. A central AP may be enough. Also, there is a way at least on iPhone to use the data cable to a switch that allows usb ethernet, or possibly, a usb-to-Ethernet adapter. This way, smartphones can also use wired networking, and charge at the same time. I highly doubt each room needs wi-fi which might slow down performance with multiple APs all connected together.

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