Transitioning to a new residence - connecting devices Network configuration guide
Transitioning to a new residence - connecting devices Network configuration guide
Hello everyone, I’m excited to start a new rental in mid-May and am organizing our network plan. I need some guidance on choosing routers and switches. TL;DR: I’d like recommendations for a switch and routers. Would having three routers inside be excessive? (+1 in the office) What type of switch would you suggest? Ideally with 10Gb ports, but maybe 2.5Gbit or 1Gbit is more budget-friendly right now? My realtor mentioned there are RJ45 ports, but I haven’t seen a switch yet. How can I resolve this? Keep the lower floors quiet and move Wi-Fi upstairs (and consider dropping the LAN in the upper floors). The house is about two stories, with the master bedroom downstairs and three bedrooms upstairs. Total living space is roughly 2,700 sqft. There’s also a converted garage turned office with two rooms. I was told there are LAN ports, but no switch is visible. What should I do? My main worry is figuring out where all the connections go. If they’re set up as described, I’d expect a switch somewhere. Internet situation: I’m stuck using coax again—used fiber for three years. The modem is a Netgear Nighthawk CM2000, which supports up to 2.5Gb and has a 2.5Gb RJ45 port. Note this is just the modem; it doesn’t include a router. Networking goals: In the office I need a separate router for reliable internet via both Wi-Fi and LAN (no NAS planned). The coax goes to the back, so I want strong Wi-Fi coverage throughout. TVs and consoles require RJ45. I’d like a 1Gb LAN in the guest room for the Apple TV. How can I set this up? I’m considering ASUS routers because I already own one. My current setup is an RT AX88U with AI mesh, which works well for our space. It’s in the middle of the apartment. Equipment ideas: I plan to use the RTAX88U in the office and place an ASUS RT-AX89X near the coax modem. That spot should also be where I install a switch. Add two more routers—one by the TV (front door) and another upstairs. This might be a bit much? Switch advice: Since I’m new, I’ll go for a 10Gb switch to future-proof things. For now, I’m thinking about a 2.5Gb or 1Gb port. If we don’t get RJ45 ports, I might have to ask the landlord to install one, as I’ll have keys soon and plan to stay for two years. Alternatively, I could keep Wi-Fi routers downstairs and rely on the upstairs ones. That would save money but might affect performance. I appreciate your help!
You already have 5000 square feet of coverage with that ASUS router (just place it in the middle of the house). I looked up reviews and found this: Overall Best: Asus RT-AX88U This dual-band router offers fast wireless internet, supports WiFi 6, and covers a wide area of up to 5,000 square feet – quite impressive for one device. On April 20, 2020, people were encouraged to try it out. If you have a home office and use VPNs... a mesh network could be a great alternative. I don’t know how much a mesh system would reduce your VPN issues.
Here’s a rephrased version of your notes:
- You generally prefer just one router per home unless you’re tackling advanced setups—unlikely in most cases. For better wireless reach, consider adding a few access points. With a 2500 sq ft space, 2–3 APs would suffice, with one integrated into the router. An Ubiquiti Unifi-6 works well as a backup for laptops and phones. A setup with two routers could also function, though it might be more expensive. Place them in access point mode for optimal performance.
- Switches – focus only on what matters most. Prioritize 1GbE initially unless you have a clear need. An 8-port 1GbE switch costs around $25. Not every room needs 10GbE; typically, 2–3 ports are enough in tight spaces. Think about mixing options like MikroTik CRS305-1G4S+IN (use SFP+ with RJ45 adapters if you mainly use SFP+ cables), QNAP QSW-M2108-2C (offers 2x10Gb and 8x2.5Gb ports for about $450), or QSW-M408-2C (combines 4x10Gb and 8x1Gb ports). QSW-1105-5T is another solid choice. Consider your budget and requirements carefully.
- Future NAS – decide early. If you mainly need to store photos or stream videos, 1GbE is fine and much simpler. It’s cheaper and more reliable. Upgrading later could be costly. Your current QSW-M408-2C went from around $230 to $350, showing value over time. Think about how often you’ll access large files and whether caching or network speed matters more.
- Performance tips – if you’re unsure, stick with 1GbE for simplicity and cost. If you ever need faster speeds, look into SFP+ cables (around $15 per 5’ cable) and consider newer models that offer better value. Check forums like r/homelab and r/homelabsales for up-to-date deals and reviews.
Let me know if you’d like a summary table or further breakdown!