So I’m finally getting around to setting up a home network.
The previous owners of the house ran CAT5e lines to several spots throughout the house (8 lines total), but the coax line for the internet comes into a closet in corner of the house, and the CAT5e lines originate there. That’s where the modem (ARRIS TM1602A https://www.amazon.com/ARRlS-Touchst...tronics&sr=1-5) is located, I currently have one Ethernet cord plugged in that connects to a jack in a loft, that is somewhat centrally located in the house.
I have a Wi-Fi router (ASUS RT-AC1900P https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Dual-Ban...s%2C270&sr=1-1 ) in that area, because I’m trying to get the best coverage around the house. A closet in the corner of the house wasn’t going to get the done!
When things are running smooth I get 400+ Mbps download right next to the router, over the 5G signal, However, in some spots, far from the router, speeds get down around 80-100Mbps, and the signal can be very weak, and therefore a little unreliable. The 2.4G signal is strong throughout the house, but obviously much slower than 5G.
I’d like to keep the WiFi router where it is, but get the jacks in some of the remote corners activated. That would allow me to hook up my Fire Sticks, personal and work laptops, printer/fax/scanner, etc, to Ethernet connections.
I have an 8 port unmanaged switch (D-Link DGS-1008G https://www.amazon.com/D-Link-8-Port...s%2C281&sr=1-3 ), that I haven’t hooked up yet, because I know nothing about using one of those.
Can I simply run the Ethernet cable from the modem to the switch, and connect the Ethernet cables from switch out the jacks in various rooms? Some searching on the internet suggests in addition to the switch I might need another router in between the modem and the switch, but the tech who hooked up my internet, and one who came out to do a repair, seem to think I don’t need an additional router. An additional router is also less than ideal, as it’s more equipment to buy, but also the closet where the modem is only has one electrical outlet, but if I need a router between the modem and switch, I’d then need to power three devices. Also, the cabinet that houses that stuff won’t hold all three devices, so I’d have to mount some equipment to the wall outside the cabinet.
If I do need a router, any suggestions on what to get? Is there a better way to accomplish this? I’d rather not buy more gear, but if there is a better/easier way to do this I’m open to those suggestions.
Thanks in advance for any advice.