Searching for an affordable 8 LAN port router.
Searching for an affordable 8 LAN port router.
We're seeking a router that fits a unique 8LAN/1WAN setup, avoiding switches and rewiring. We need solid 5GHz coverage for about 40-50 feet across two floors. The budget is around $150, and we want plenty of static IPs—our current router only supports 48 based on MAC addresses. We also value good traffic insights to monitor device usage monthly.
Are you referring to DHCP reserved addresses? I wouldn’t configure those. What’s the purpose of setting them up? You just want devices to get DHCP addresses and use names to find their location on the network. Placing a switch next to the router won’t require rewiring and shouldn’t cause any problems.
Avoids frequent reconfiguration because the existing setup is designed for direct router connection. Would benefit from reassigning IP addresses, though my current router limits that.
Advantages:
- Simplifies device management
- Prevents data usage confusion
- Clearer tracking of bandwidth consumption
No need for complex solutions—this is straightforward.
I have two gadgets with assigned IPs on switches, neither connected straight to the router. My son’s devices follow specific guidelines and remain using DHCP, even though some are wireless and a few are on switches. The router can find devices without fixed IPs, and you can give static IPs to devices that pass through the router (switches). I think everyone was highlighting the extra possibilities if you didn’t limit yourself to an 8-port router only.
I understand completely. You're sharp, and it's clear you grasped the concept. If you wanted a better explanation, just let me know!
A switch changes how wiring works by connecting devices in a more organized way. Placing the switch near the router creates an 8-port setup, simplifying connections. Using DNS names becomes much smoother. You can assign clear, human-friendly names instead of numbers, avoiding conflicts.
Check out various all-in-one WiFi 6 routers available online. It seems there aren't many affordable options with eight LAN ports right now. I'm hoping to find a solid reason for avoiding an unmanaged switch, particularly if staying within your budget is important. Understanding the wiring changes and their significance would be helpful.
Under $200 usually means you’ll need to source items from sites like eBay. Around $250 gives you more choices, though they’re still quite restricted. The Asus RT-AX88U meets the port and signal specs, but I can’t really discuss its software features. Overall, it’s a decent router with IP-based tracking that would simplify connecting clients without needing direct port connections and allows using a switch instead.
I should remember that thing I mentioned earlier. Mostly what I found today was another TP-Link router, but I think it would have the same annoying limit on static IPs. Regarding tracking devices, it’s not really about physical location—it’s more about monitoring usage per device. Right now we don’t have a plan without limits, and I can’t access my account (there’s been a confusing situation). It could still be handy later if something suddenly uses a huge amount of data. My current router is mounted on the wall, so there’s no room for change. Moving it would be tricky, especially in a visible spot. The only practical move would be down to the basement below, but that wouldn’t be ideal for wiring or signal quality. I don’t like how my dad set everything up, but I’m just the one who keeps the internet running smoothly.