Upgrade your home network speed to 2.5 gigabits per second.
Upgrade your home network speed to 2.5 gigabits per second.
Hello everyone, I'm considering improving my home network speed to around 2.5Gbps. I currently use an ISP modem, but when the internet drops, the entire LAN shuts down, which isn't suitable for my security camera and NAS connection. I'm thinking of adding a new modem behind the existing one (bridged setup) with at least two 2.5Gbps ports—ideally five to eight gigabit ports. I'm unsure if modern modems support that many ports, so perhaps a switch would be necessary. The modem might not have built-in Wi-Fi, and it could be placed in a less ideal location. I'd like one or two access points with two 2.5Gbps ports plus some 1Gbps ones. I plan to route everything via internal wiring from the modem to the APs, use WiFi from the APs, and connect at least two PCs over Ethernet (the current one already supports 2.5Gbps). Would anyone have suggestions? I need something available in Europe that offers strong LAN stability. Thanks in advance!
I would purchase a new router and connect the existing modem/router combo unit through the ISP, but you'll also need a switch since affordable routers with that many ports aren't available. Consumer routers typically don't support that many ports. 1Gig APs usually have more than two ports, yet you still require a switch for proper setup. An AP might offer two pass-through ports, but finding one with three or more ports that also functions as a router isn't common. You should contact your ISP and express concerns—they need reliable network performance, and any WAN issues affecting your LAN shouldn't be a recurring problem. If they can't deliver consistent service, replacing their equipment would be necessary.
It's clear you're connecting your switches directly to the router. Your devices on the local area network should remain functional even if the wider internet connection fails. When I switched to a 2.5 GbE setup, I set up PFSense as the router and added a couple of 2.5 GbE switches to link everything: my wireless access points go through a POE switch in the middle. My fiber modem simply connects to the PFSense unit at the top, which is running an Intel NUC with dual 2.5 GbE ports.
Ok, so I won't be able to avoid at least two different switches. Would you have any recommendation for switches? I did complain to ISP, they said it is how the RG is programmed (Arris), and nothing that can be done about it, unfortunately.
2.5gbit is a specialized standard I’m not focused on, though companies like Netgear and Ubiquiti have options that could work. You might discover they provide a solution that fits you. I’ll eliminate both and use a third-party modem compatible with your ISP, then pick any router you prefer.