Seeking a 2.5Gb router, switch, or WAP setup suited for a three-story home.
Seeking a 2.5Gb router, switch, or WAP setup suited for a three-story home.
I need a mix of router, switch, or WAP that delivers Ethernet to the basement, a WAP on the main floor, and supports 2.5Gb+ for a home NAS. A budget under $400 works best. I already own a 100ft Cat 6A cable and several short Cat 5E cables, but no other networking equipment. I recently got close to my dream of buying a townhouse with my partner. It’s a multi-level condo with a basement and living space. We’re planning the move soon. For computers, we want desktops in the basement and Ethernet to them for low latency. The house is tall compared to its width, so a WAP on the main floor would be ideal—central location for guests. I also need a NAS with at least two 2.5Gb ports on the switch. I’m looking for something affordable but functional. I’m open to spending up to $400 if it fits. If everything can fit on one router, that’s fine too; otherwise, a separate 2.5Gb+ switch would be okay. Cable costs matter since I only have one long cable. I’m not sure if buying more cables and running them together is cheaper than getting a dedicated switch. A WAP from the basement to the main floor would work, but it probably won’t handle much traffic. We likely start with 200Mbps internet, so bandwidth for NAS isn’t a big concern. The WAP might be the first thing to need upgrading, so I’d avoid expensive fixes. If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them.
I understand you need some illustrations of what you've been considering. Here’s a concise version:
I found the top choice so far. Running your Ethernet cable from the router to the basement and placing your NAS there would cost around $300. Would there be a way to improve on that?
What rates apply? Are you requiring 2.5Gb? Do you frequently handle large file transfers?
The internet connection will probably start at around 200Mbps. That’s a big jump from my usual 50Mbps experience, and I’m used to feeling that speed quickly. I’m planning to install a NAS, which is why I want a 2.5Gb Ethernet connection ready. Right now, I back up everything to USB 3.0 ports connected directly to my main computer. I think I don’t really need the 2.5Gb speed; a 1Gb connection would work just fine. Still, I imagine that with a NAS offering 2.5Gb, I might use it more often for storing files, since those speeds usually hit the limits of most hard drives. At 1Gb, I’d probably only archive files. Honestly, what I’m doing now is just about convenience and easier access to shared data. I’m also considering the cost differences. A basic 5-port switch costs about $15, while the cheapest 2.5Gb model I’ve found is $100. I can usually get decent routers with 1Gb switches for under $50, but finding a good 2.5Gb router under $300 is tough. My goal was to discover a more affordable option than what I’ve found myself. The main reason for wanting 2.5Gb was to make faster networking more accessible, but it seems that hasn’t really changed much since it came out years ago.
Most entry-level all-in-one setups won’t last long. Where your network equipment is placed greatly affects your choice. I favor a central spot for the modem and switch. I use a pfSense router, followed by an Ubiquiti Enterprise 8 with 2.5GB PoE switch and an U6 access point. It’s performed well, but it’s quite expensive compared to your budget. If this were my home, I’d keep the router and switch in the basement near most devices and place the access point on the main floor. Much depends on cable run options or existing wiring.
Here’s a diagram of my setup: modem, pfSense on an HP thin client, switch, and NAS. The access point sits in a hallway near the center of the house. For your reference, I’d opt for a budget thin client with a PCIe slot—around $25—and add a 2-port gigabit NIC. I found one at eBay for that price. Then purchase the mentioned 2.5GB switch (though I might go for more ports and Poe for the AP). Finally, get a U6 Lite AP for $99. The advantage of this arrangement is flexibility: you can upgrade the NIC in pfSense if speeds exceed 1Gbps, and later add more switches or APs as needed.
It seems you're considering a few different setups for your home network. You're thinking about using the modem, router, and switch together in the basement, which could simplify things. However, you're aware that the exact wiring layout isn't clear to you yet. You mentioned encountering coax issues in the past, which might have required extra equipment like an amplifier. The ISP you're dealing with is likely Comcast or Xfinity, both of which use cable infrastructure. If feasible, you plan to run a long cable from the switch to the main floor for Wi-Fi access. You're using Cat 6A cable, which is great for running under walls and ceilings. Building your own router would be costly if you want it to be power-efficient, so you're considering buying a pre-built one instead. You found a 1Gb model for around $220, which includes the modem and router, plus a switch and a refurbished router that can act as a WAP. This could save money compared to buying separate devices. Your options include placing the router upstairs to avoid coax limitations or keeping it in the basement with the switch built-in. You're also weighing the pros of a dedicated WAP versus a multi-function device. Your concerns about potential issues with the setup are valid, so you're thinking carefully about what works best for your situation.
Both options are fine; it's about choosing wisely instead of a simple good vs bad. I prefer software routers that are prosumer level, offering stronger long-term support and upgrade options. If you purchase products from the same brand—like Ubiquiti or TP-Link—you can handle them through a single interface rather than setting each one up individually.
Use a 2.5Gb switch, 2.5GB AP, and a 1Gb router. The router won’t handle your LAN transfers afterward.
I hadn't considered that. I was considering running the WAP and the switch separately to the router, but it might be simpler to connect the WAP directly to the switch and link the router only to one of them. If it functions properly, the switch should handle all traffic. Windows appears capable of negotiating connections based on the switch rather than the router. I have a motherboard with a 2.5Gb port connected to a router that has a 1Gb port, and the link between them is gigabit according to Windows.