Question about routers and modems supporting multiple networks
Question about routers and modems supporting multiple networks
I'm working through this step by step. It seems like you're trying to understand how network speeds work with different port configurations. First, plugging the modem into a router with only a single Gigabit WAN-in would likely limit your speed to 1Gb, since there aren't enough ports to distribute the traffic efficiently. Using an Ethernet splitter might help share the signal but probably won't double the throughput. Ideally, matching the number of WAN-out and WAN-in ports on the router could optimize performance. Alternatively, choosing a router with a higher WAN-in limit would be more practical. Everything else depends on your specific setup and goals.
Yes, your performance is constrained by the slowest device here, which is the gigabit router.
Regarding the splitter, keep this important point in mind... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Warning: This Ethernet splitter permits two computers to use one Ethernet line sequentially, but it can't have both devices connected to the internet at the same time. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consider using a router and modem that both allow link aggregation. This works well when each has limited 1gbps ports, but the router can aggregate them. It may also be more affordable than high-end models with 2.5 gbps ports, since switches with aggregation are generally cheaper. Devices with 2.5 gbps ports tend to cost more on average, or those with all such ports can be significantly pricier (2-3 times) due to market dynamics. For peer-to-peer file sharing, it’s acceptable as long as other network gear and desktops support 2.5 gbps and you have SSDs. If the project focuses on a NAS without an SSD, 2.5 gbps offers limited benefit compared to 1 gbps, which is more likely to reach 150-200 MB/s with HDDs (unless using performance RAID). Discuss real-world scenarios before assuming budget for the most advanced setup.
Then 2.5 gbps offers a solid performance. It doesn't imply OP receives identical speeds and advantages. We might assume it's for P2P or consumer NAS setups, which typically deliver much lower rates—often just under 150 MBs per read, barely reaching 1gbps. I'm not against 2.5 gbps. Still, let's discuss real-world scenarios before assuming the optimal setup.
I'm not recommending the priciest option. I suggest starting with 2.5g as a starting point—it's affordable and practical right now. He outlines a broad use case, such as a large non-profit overhaul, which would likely involve extensive document sharing. Time is money.
Thank you for your feedback. I wasn’t aware that aggregate/non-aggregate routers and modems existed, so I’ll explore that further. The non-profit aims to stream content once a week while offering online learning spaces—either solo or in groups—with free and stable internet access. NAS/Plex is something we hope to offer later, but right now ensuring dependable connectivity for any number of users is our main focus. Appreciate the suggestions! Moving on to hardware shopping—I’ll have a clearer direction now.
Consider the supplier must back that capability. The reason they relied on aggregation on the modem side was because the 2.5 Gbps Ethernet standard wasn’t available then. You may notice cable companies no longer offer that feature and expect you to use a modem with a 2.5 Gbps port to achieve more than 940 Mbps. Verify with the provider before purchasing anything. Also, I don’t believe many routers support this. I think most users handled it through PF Sense.