Opinions on future network setup
Opinions on future network setup
Expect significantly higher speeds compared to 50mbit with a mesh configuration. A stable backbone should rely on a 5g Wi-Fi connection, which will provide a substantial improvement over 50mbit. Would you really need everything? I think a solid home mesh system would likely be more cost-effective.
I’m really aiming for a dedicated home lab setup. I already have a 5GbE cable installed between floors, but I’ll be swapping it out. The main goal is to get quicker Wi-Fi performance and have a proper lab environment.
You’d probably need a few nanoHDs for your personal use and to boost your WiFi speed.
Do you aim for high Wi-Fi performance? It varies based on your location and home structure. You quickly hit reduced speeds on 5G networks.
This will likely need high-speed connections, so you'll want plenty of access points. I don’t know your exact home setup, so I’ll go with a 4 and test it out. There are software tools to help predict performance, but there’s a risk. Are all the connections working at full speed? Also, note that the original fiber can’t handle 10g because the switches only support 1g.
You're asking about what those pairs refer to. It seems the connection speed isn't what you expect, and both your main switch and the cable are showing 100mbps, even though it's not the actual rate.
For clarity, the building I work in features two levels inside a solid concrete tower. Each level has its own Cisco router the size of a small refrigerator, supplying power over PoE, while each floor also has a second router that only handles the fiber link—though SFP modules can be plugged into the switches. In this layout, the setup isn’t overly complex; with around 250 connections per floor, it’s perfectly manageable. Trust me, the fiber choice here is more than sufficient for your needs. Ideally, plan the network around the main entry point (like the cable modem) so devices flow smoothly from there. It’s best to keep Ethernet for any device needing a stable connection, using Cat6 cables for speed and reliability. If you need extra power over PoE, consider adding a POE insertion point—such as a managed switch on the second floor—and run APs or security gear from it. Alternatively, if you prefer wireless everywhere, you can mount an AP directly on the second-floor switch and use repeaters in each room. Personally, I’ve found that wired Ethernet lasts about ten years, no matter what you do with it, whereas Wi-Fi tends to fail quickly unless the AP keeps working. Plan for a long-term solution—around ten years—without worrying about temperature changes affecting the cables. If you go fiber, be aware it’s more fragile due to thinner insulation, so plan accordingly.
Choose the desired speed it operates at and set it to 1gbit. Connect a device like a laptop to both ports and use Boeth devices.