Network dilemna
Network dilemna
I rely on my Synology RT6600AX as the main router. My previous RT2600 is connected as a wireless AP in my workshop or garage. I installed 2Gb Fiber on Monday between 10 and 13 of last year. I also have a QNAP NAS on the same network. The problem is with the single 2.5Gb port on the 6600. I’m considering adding a Unifi Cloud Gateway Fiber as my router, keeping the 2600 in AP mode too, which would let my 10Gb Nas connection and multiple 2.5Gb ports work. I want my personal PC to enjoy full internet speed and access the higher speeds for the NAS. My PC has two 2.5Gb connections. I’m open to the idea but prefer the VLAN configuration on the 6600 with my IoT network and Wi-Fi setup, rather than starting over. Any thoughts would be appreciated?
I recommend creating two simple diagrams that:
1) illustrate the existing network setup (devices, ports, port types/speeds, connections/connectivity, etc.) and
2) depict the modifications you plan to implement.
Include every device with its make and model details.
Keep it straightforward and easy to read.
Capture or take photos of the sketches so they can be shared here via imgur (www.imgur.com) > green "New post" icon.
Understanding the overall view often helps clarify what’s needed.
The paperwork may prevent some redoing later...
That’s my perspective on the issue.
Good idea, but I have many devices. I'll try to draw it out. The main aim is to include some 2.5Gb ports. My neighbor currently has only 1Gb LAN connections after converting the 2.5Gb LAN to a WAN connection. I really want my PC to make full use of all my bandwidth.
You'll still need to reconfigure your VLANs on the Unify, but only your RT6600AX will function as a WiFi access point or switch—it won't support advanced capabilities. Ideally, you could place a router behind the router, though this isn't the best setup either. If you don't require the 10Gb NAS, it's better to use a 2.5Gb switch for your 6600 to add more ports.
A considerable number of devices are involved. It’s important to clearly outline everything, especially the devices and their connections that are directly relevant. Any modems? We should consider examples like those suggested by @jeremyj_83 and others who might contribute. It’s quite simple to cause network problems or other complications due to overlooked or irrelevant suggestions.
This rough arrangement was put here in December of last year, and I've been hoping for the Fiber update.
Yeah, your approach would be effective — you can rely on the UniFi Cloud Gateway Fiber as your primary router and configure both Synology routers (the RT6600AX and RT2600) in AP mode. This way, UniFi manages all routing while your Synology devices focus solely on Wi-Fi.
The main drawback is that you’d miss out on the Synology VLAN and Wi-Fi management capabilities, which are only functional when the device acts as the main router. You’d have to recreate your VLAN and IoT configurations within UniFi, which isn’t too challenging if you’re comfortable with it.
On the positive side, UniFi offers more multi-gig ports and a dedicated 10 Gb link for your NAS, enhancing local performance and ensuring full internet speed to your PCs.
If you prefer sticking with your existing VLAN configuration on the 6600 without overhauling everything, another solution is to install a 2.5/10 Gb switch. You could retain the 6600 as the main router, connect your NAS and PC via the switch, and still enjoy fast local speeds — the only constraint would be your WAN speed at 2.5 Gb.
In summary: your plan is viable, but it hinges on whether you want to centralize VLAN management in UniFi or maintain a simpler setup with a multi-gig switch.
As an IT expert, networking isn't my area of strength. I'm not sure how the Vlans would work with the Wi-Fi from the Synology, but I'll attempt to understand it.
It's a disappointment that there aren't more 2.5Gb ports available. If you own an L3 managed switch, you might connect the WAN link directly to the switch and then the switch to a 2.5Gb port, though this approach is more complicated and may restrict your internet performance.