Network at home
Network at home
I will start by saying that I know absolutely nothing about network. So it's look like a huge project for me. I want to setup a wire network for my home since my baseground is in a remodeling phase. I would start from my hub 3000 router include with my virgin plan. Then next to a unmanaged switch since the seem easier to setup. I would install double port wall plate in almost all room so about 8 wall plate . I would maybe install a media server but not right now more of a future project. What would be a nice budget switch to buy ? any brand to stay away or the are all good? Do I miss something in my setup ? Thanks
That seems reasonable to me if you don't need anything weird or fancy. The provided modem is fine if it's giving you sufficient speed, and you can expand the number of ports available with a simple switch. Should be $50 or less unless you need a crazy number of ports. Then just a bunch of cable and go to work. With a setup like that, there's not really anything technical to do in terms of configuration, etc. it's just a physical job of actually running the wire. One recommendation would be to install Cat 6A or better so you're set for 10 Gbit. It's starting to catch on and in 5 or 10 years you'll really wish you had done it if you don't, especially since I doubt the cost is even significantly different. As for brands, personally I would avoid D-link at all costs. We've tried two different products from them (a router and a webcam) and been extremely disappointed in both and ended up returning them shortly thereafter, but that's just a sample size of one so take that as you will.
I understand the D-link suggestion. I’ve had positive experiences with Cisco, Linksys, and TP-link products. Netgear has been inconsistent—some items worked well while others didn’t. 6A feels like a questionable investment now, but it’s worth considering for long-term reliability. You don’t want to end up replacing everything soon because the connections aren’t solid enough. If you value Wi-Fi, Ubiquiti is a solid choice. It complements a strong wired setup nicely, though even Ubiquiti can’t match a reliable Ethernet cable.
As Ryan_Vickers mentioned, if your budget permits consider Cat6A. Even without immediate need for 10G, it can boost your home's resale value. For switches, Ubiquiti offers consumer-grade options; Netgear seems less controversial as well. Ensure the switch supports gigabit speeds (10/100/1000). Many still sell only 100Mbit devices, which could slow you down if chosen. Choose wisely and avoid hubs—they function differently and aren't suitable.
Steer clear of hubs and anything under gigabit speed. Hubs send all incoming signals to every connected device without distinction, leading to excessive traffic and collisions. Switches route data precisely to the intended device, resulting in improved performance.
I see this model at 127, they claim it's a straightforward smart switch (meaning unclear to me). TP-Link TL-SG1024DE offers 24 ports with speeds up to 1000 Mbps, supports VLANs, QoS, and IGMP. It’s priced around $106 for a 10/100/1000 Mbps version. I’m trying to find it within my budget.
That's a lot of ports! I wasn't sure if we needed 24. Maybe we should check the plan again.
Currently I don't need 24 units. I plan to have two computers, a Steam link, an Nvidia shield, two printers. Someone suggested running two wires per room so it’s easier to manage. That’s why I was considering a 24 but could also buy smaller ones later if required.
My perspective suggests proceeding with the 10 gig Cat 6A cable will secure your setup for at least a decade, which is beneficial for projects needing future upgrades. The switch, on the other hand, can be replaced fairly easily. Currently, 10 Gbit switches with many ports are quite costly. I recommend choosing a switch that matches your present requirements—around 1 Gbit and about 8 ports—and revisit it later when prices drop and you have more devices. A 24-port switch at 10 Gbit could be considered then. If you opt for fewer ports or speed now, you’ll likely need to upgrade eventually, making it unnecessary to invest in more than what you require immediately. Ultimately, the decision depends on your anticipated usage and needs in the near future.