Solution for a single network featuring several access points and switches
Solution for a single network featuring several access points and switches
I'm setting up a home network with a single large network covering both LAN and WLAN. My router only has four ports, so I considered getting a switch. This brought up another question—there are L2 and L3 switches; which one fits my needs? I want all devices on the same subnet so they can be easily found. Is this even feasible? Can multiple access points connect directly to the router using a 1Gbit switch for four PCs? Also, can an AP extend its Wi-Fi signal by matching the SSID and adjusting channels? What important details should I keep in mind before purchasing anything?
The LAN side is simple and any switch would suffice. The Wi-Fi concern is the main issue—use Ubiquiti access points for better performance. They cost more, but they manage the entire setup, ensuring your devices connect to a single reliable Wi-Fi network with optimal signal strength.
For adding extra ports, the arrangement isn't crucial. Getting several APs for mostly static devices is simple, but it becomes more complex when you need many TX/RX nodes on the same WLAN. Finding a maker that offers this out-of-the-box is ideal.
I possess unused Asus routers that can be set to "AP mode" automatically. Would you consider using a primary Asus router and connecting two additional routers to it in AP mode? APs should be positioned sufficiently apart—perhaps one in a garden house where the signal is weak. Clients would switch seamlessly, eliminating any problems with multi-NAT and ensuring all devices on different APs appear unified on the same network. The main router would also have its radio active.
Using identical SSIDs and connecting to the same network in Access Point mode is sufficient for basic purposes. The main limitation is that devices usually don’t automatically switch to the strongest signal, which may require manual reconnection. This approach addresses mesh networking challenges and is supported by Ubiquiti APs as well as ASUS models if they offer AIMesh. If you already own those routers, testing them first can help determine if it meets your expectations. While Uniquiti APs are excellent, investing in new equipment only makes sense if your current setup falls short of your requirements.