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Full Version: Suggestions for Home Networking
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I'm wondering if a switch is something I benefit from.

I have:
1 Gbit Fiber to my ISP Router/Modem. CAT 5e connections are great but WiFi through the walls/floors is not very good...so

I have:
2x TP-Link m9 Mesh units but the connection to these are 1/2 speed at best (significantly worse in the basement). So I still use the main router as well as the mesh. 

My question is, should I buy a Switch?
It would give me more hardwired options. (TV, Synology, PS4, M9, AV Reciever, Bell/ISP Cable box)

but would I get more speed in my Mesh network? 
would I have more reliable/stable connections?

NOTES:
Two people work in the house M-F
Synology will be upgraded to DS222+ (or similar)
Skipping the ISP Router/Modem will prevent being able to watch the ISP TV (but we haven't watched that in Months so no loss there)

Considerations:
2.5Gbit Switch or better?
You can connect all mesh points via LAN cable. This will improve your WiFi speeds. You can also connect a switch to any of the mesh points to improve data transfer speeds. Nothing is faster than a cable.

I hope this helps.
If your router isn't mesh then you should consider switching off the wifi on it, even just as a trial.

With an all mesh network AP you get a proper hand over from one device to another when the signal gets stronger.
If any 1 device is not mesh and you connect to it (intentionally or just because you were closest to it) then it keeps you connected until you are totally out of range, so as you move away your connection gets slower, but it doesn't change.

If your router isn't mesh - try switching off wifi and seeing how your access goes - if it's poor close to the router - simply plug another m9 into the router. Then you would be handed over as you move through the house properly.

I would say, if the other M9s are plugged by cable into the router you only need a switch in the zones where you want additional devices that don't move - otherwise the m9 is already going straight to the router by cable, so an extra switch isn't really needed.

Most old routers can be configured to bridging mode (making them a switch), so no need to spend on an additional switch as we all have an old router or 2 kicking around - especially if your main router doesn't have 2.5Gbit ports as if it's configured as your DHCP server then all traffic passes through it at the speed of the router port and not the devices at the other end.