This setup should function properly.
This setup should function properly.
The family-run business is transitioning into a new office location, and I assisted with organizing their networking layout. They possess a high-performance router (Netgear Nighthawk X10) that delivers strong overall speed and supports 10Gbps SFP+. I intend to maintain its role as the DHCP server for the entire network and also as the access point for the Wi-Fi. To ensure optimal signal reach throughout the space, the router should be mounted on a central shelf away from the server cabinet. This is the current strategy: * The 10G Fibre link from the Nighthawk to the switch is chosen for rapid LAN performance between an Ethernet device and a mobile device connected wirelessly. Since the physical run from the cabinet to the office center isn’t insignificant, I’m questioning whether replacing the long cable in red with a direct connection between the modem and switch would be feasible. I’m somewhat worried about this change because the original setup clearly defines how cables should connect. The 1G Base-T from the modem connects directly to the WAN port of the Nighthawk, then the router’s SFP+ port is configured as a LAN port. In the modified plan, I’m uncertain whether the device will actually receive internet access. Anyone have experience with this configuration? Is it possible to achieve similar results without the long cable? If not, are there alternative ways to optimize the whole setup? Thanks.
It seems this approach won't be feasible. The outcome largely relies on the router's capabilities. Consumer routers usually feature separate ports for WAN and LAN connections. Combining them into a single port isn't generally supported. Instead, you'd set up two subinterfaces on the SFP port—one for VLAN 10 and another for VLAN 100. On the switch, assign the modem port to VLAN 10, the router port to a trunk allowing both VLANs, and leave other ports as VLAN 100. This arrangement mimics a logical setup even though the physical connections aren't arranged that way. Unfortunately, subinterfaces and VLANs aren't commonly available on non-enterprise devices. You might need to run two cables into your networking cabinet—one for the modem and another for the switch.
Keep in mind that VLANs may not be the solution. You'll require: 1) VLAN tagging on your router, 2) Subinterface support, and 3) the capacity to route WAN traffic through LAN ports. These capabilities are typically absent in consumer devices, but together they ensure proper functionality. That approach is definitely worth considering—it will definitely work without extra features and could be valuable later too.
What type of switch do you use for 10Gbps fiber? If you already have one, it’s likely enterprise-level. My plan would be straightforward: place an EdgeRouter-X between the modem and switch, using that as your network router. You can also opt for the SFP version even though it supports only 1Gbps. Configure the X10 in access point mode and link it to the switch. This setup keeps everything connected via one cable—whether fiber or standard—and maintains fast LAN performance for all devices.
It turns out your assessment was right. I consulted with their network administrator, and it looks like the X10 doesn’t support VLAN tagging on its SFP+ port, let alone subinterfaces. I won’t alter the firmware—I’d rather stick to the original plan now.