Network setup: Use a single large switch or multiple smaller switches at each endpoint?
Network setup: Use a single large switch or multiple smaller switches at each endpoint?
Hey everyone! I'm finally starting to connect my home with Cat6 cabling and planning the setup. Your feedback would be really helpful. I'm thinking about moving my router, main switch, and access point into a central closet that also contains my media server and camera hub. From there, I'll run Cat6 up the attic to every room that needs a solid connection—currently around six rooms, possibly seven more. My biggest worry is managing the endpoints. There are two main approaches I'm considering:
1. A big central switch with separate cables for each room. This keeps things simple from a layout point of view but could get messy if multiple hard lines are needed (like in two home offices and a media center).
2. A medium-sized switch at the core, using single cables to each room, then branching off with smaller switches where needed. This would save on main runs but might complicate the network layout, especially with four switches at the start.
For the home offices, I'm concerned about compatibility—my network phones use VPN tunneling that’s been unstable on our mesh setup. Any tips or experiences you have would be greatly appreciated. I’m confident in my networking skills but this is my first big project.
If you can route all cables to one central point that’s not far away—like hundreds of feet—then it’s always better than a chaotic setup from the beginning. Make sure to follow proper procedures by documenting and testing each cable as you install it. There’s nothing worse than putting in all the effort only to discover something faulty later.
Think about connecting LC duplex fiber to every room, plus a few cat6 cables when needed (about 1-2 per room), or use cat6a for longer runs. Standard LC duplex can reach up to 25 gbps, and with the right transceiver it can go higher. You’ll likely need 10Gbps SFP+ modules (up to 400m with OM4 fiber) or 25Gbps SFP28 (100m with OM4, 70m with OM3). For QSFP+ you enter MTP/MPO bundles (12 fibers), which is pricey for long distances. OM3 is affordable, while OM4 is roughly double the cost but still reasonable. You can cover 30 meters of OM3 fiber for $20 and extend further. Alternatively, a budget 4-port 10GbE switch with multiple 10G or 1G ports works well, or use inexpensive 10G SFP+ cards with a 30-40$ network card to achieve the same.
There's no technical reason why switches at the edges wouldn't work. The biggest downside is that you're limited to 1 gig leaving each switch back to the core. If you're going to pull one cable, you might as well pull two. Getting to the point where you can pull cable is about 3/4 of the work anyway. Just run Cat6, so in the future you can run 2.5/5/10 gig over copper.
The design of wiring offices often includes closets for cables, with fiber links connecting them. This approach can be problematic for larger buildings. Think about adding backup—each room should have at least two Ethernet connections. This helps avoid total failure if a cable breaks; you can reroute without major disruption. For single-floor spaces, run two Ethernet cables per room initially, and add switches or wireless APs later if needed. On multi-story buildings, lay cables in parallel to each floor, routing one path up and another down (e.g., through attic or basement). While redundancy isn’t mandatory, hiding cables inside walls can make removal easier. Remember, Ethernet connections typically last about 20 years; physical breaks or kinks often cause issues. The ideal setup is two cables per room—similar to a home with one device and one media unit—but if you prefer simplicity, an Ethernet switch suffices. Be aware that shared bandwidth at switches can limit performance, especially for devices like NAS units.
That idea isn't the best approach. Sure, one cable is affordable, but scaling it across six rooms adds up quickly—potentially reaching over $100 just for the extra cost. Instead, I recommend that the owner handle everything through conduit, which makes replacement easier if needed. Or, add more conduit to cover the space.
You're right to question the approach. It's better to focus on essentials and avoid overcomplicating things. Running extra cables isn't necessary unless you really need redundancy. Stick to what fits within practical limits—don't waste effort on unnecessary upgrades. Simplicity saves money and hassle in the long run.
Thanks everyone! Your ideas are helpful and I’m leaning toward the centralized switch. Since my house is small and only one level, cable length won’t be a major issue. I already have the Cat6 cabling, so that’s solid. I just want reliable wired performance because my wireless mesh isn’t up to the task. I’m hoping it’ll save me the hassle of running all those wires, even though it might seem like a big effort at first.
My buddy works as a real estate agent, which is a great time to be. He often jokes about new homeowners who are replacing old wall jacks with drywall, since they don’t have enough space for parking cars in front of them. Twisted pair in homes isn’t popular anymore. Even those who like vintage record players prefer the outdated wall jacks. Cat6 cables won’t improve your Netflix experience, and except for computers, I rarely see devices with Ethernet ports at home. If you need to edit videos locally on a NAS, that makes sense. For regular cable connections, I don’t use them. When people say their Wi-Fi isn’t working, they usually mean their device or the ISP’s setup is the issue. I handle many Ubiquiti setups, which are reliable and affordable. If you’re trying to fix a problem by running a plenum cable, I understand. But if your Wi-Fi can’t function, it’s not your fault—often it’s due to crowded channels on 2.4GHz in apartments.
Eventually those individuals will complain about sluggish performance or endure a much worse situation than necessary. Even the strongest Wi-Fi connections can't fully counteract interference from other networks, physical obstacles like metal in drywall, furniture placement, router positioning, or countless other factors that hinder signal quality. The ideal setup would feature a compact Access Point placed centrally in each room, yet still struggle with delays and lag—especially if I’m using it near my laptop. I really wish none of them are gamers; otherwise, Wi-Fi will always feel like a less-than-ideal alternative to wired connections. This is just the challenge of transmitting data through the air. My Access Point came with a hefty price tag, but I can assure you it rarely reaches 940Mbit consistently. On some days it only delivers half the speed, due to wind direction, device angle, or simply no clear explanation, since radio waves behave unpredictably. It’s clear these systems are complex and not easily resolved by simple fixes.