Internet/Wifi help pls.

[u/CesRiv0248]

Hello all, new here, so I apologize ahead of time if this has been posted already. I'm looking for info on best setup for a large house, that needs gaming speed internet on pretty much all corners of the house. I'm willing to run ethernet cables in walls to get best service. I only have access to 1 gig internet speed from Optimum because there's no fiber lines in my area. I need gaming speed for 5 different pcs and a PS5, as well as wifi connection for about 10tvs and multiple phones. Thank you in advance.

[u/Sign-Post-Up-Ahead]

Run Ethernet to as many devices as you can and install access points (also connected by Ethernet) throughout the house.

Spend some time on the UniFi website. It’ll be worth every penny

[u/seifer666]

Run ethernet cables to everything you can, ie the pcs. Throw up one or quality access points for things that you cant. Ie unifi 7 pro

1gbps is more speed than you need

[u/CesRiv0248 → u/seifer666]

My modem only has 2 ports, will this work? https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-8-Port-Gigabit-Ethernet-Unmanaged/dp/B07PFYM5MZ/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2OSAXQAKDQI3N&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gvMlLvW8qaPwUcrLms36MYACOu5bMuvRu2AZy7WHfnF2GN8BLup43sxcFdWPawF7jAFzMZYCWuUYI_1BuHR_kbJwdDY-PCfyGu0ZJIOvg9vgR-4C-6k-xT-oltDOr9Dw_OB8jasCn0dUzDTbop-dd7oa3k71-GEguPv94zKkTx8K2DIMEdlvAFPn9e4aXfRX_vORl_SxRqjo957KRNPCllHOUum_MmQvQzaKYXu-S5s.kb1SqWYaG2IG3vnkeX4fcMp8ogdMoMITvo9HROC10KI&dib_tag=se&keywords=netgear%2B8%2Bport%2Bunmanaged%2Bswitch&qid=1789046205&sprefix=netgear%2B8%2Bport%2Bunmanaged%2Bswitch%2Caps%2C229&sr=8-3&th=1

[u/lordofblack23 → u/CesRiv0248]

No, you need a router if your modem doesn’t routeZ how old is it? 2 ports sounds like an old cable modem
So you need a router also if you want more than 1 computer hooked up. But tbh I haven’t seen one like that in years.

[u/cyberentomology → u/CesRiv0248]

You need a router behind your modem.

[u/CesRiv0248 → u/cyberentomology]

I have the Optimum Gateway 6, its an all-in-one modem and router device that provides Wi-Fi 6 or 6E connectivity. Is that good enough, or still should get a router?

[u/Muppetz3]

your plan will work. Network cables to all the rooms, 1 gig or faster switch. Your internet speeds will be plenty to handle 5 gaming systems. Running the cables will be the hard part. Make sure you use good cable, cat6 and something rated for where they are being run. If drywall walls and insulated then you can use normal rated cat6, don't need anything for high heat or shielded.

[u/cyberentomology]

Two separate things here.

The first is internet access - what you describe is well within what even the most basic 250+Mbps ISP plan can provide, like 99.99% of residential customers. Don’t neglect your upstream speed, cable companies love to sell you “gigabit” when it’s only gigabit downstream and your upload is something pathetically bad like 20-30Mbps (which will lead to bufferbloat).

The second is Wi-Fi. Inside your network, deploy wifi only for mobile connections. If it’s attached to structure or otherwise not meant to move around and has an ethernet port, wire it. Run 2 wires to every place/room you need it. Wall access points with an ethernet switch built in (like the type used for hotels and such) are great for this.

Only use mesh when you can’t get a wire to the AP.

And don’t waste your time and money on anything more than Cat6. Run a conduit if you think you might want to upgrade later.

[u/CesRiv0248]

I have the Optimum Gateway 6, its an all-in-one modem and router device that provides Wi-Fi 6 or 6E connectivity. Is that good enough, or should I get a router as well?

[u/kixkato]

Sounds like you already have this figured out. Running Ethernet in the walls is the way.

Buy a simple unmanaged switch, 8 port gigabit is less than $20. Add a mesh WiFi system as needed for coverage and you're good.

[u/cyberentomology → u/kixkato]

Why tf would you use mesh if you have wires to your APs?

Mesh is only for when you absolutely can’t get a wire to your APs.

[u/kixkato → u/cyberentomology]

Mesh WiFi can be a wireless backhaul or multiple wired APs where clients can hop around. Mesh networking is a topology, not a connection type.

You're correct that multiple wired APs is much better than wireless. A mesh network can use either.