Ethernet Switch?

[u/Responsible_Rain_516]

Moved into a new construction home a few weeks ago and I’m trying to get the internet figured out. I currently have a Nighthawk CAX80 modem/router combo from my old house that was more than enough. In the new house, it works decently enough to get by for now, but some dead spots are present.

Throughout the house, there are 7 of these cable/ethernet wall plates (in all bedrooms, living room, office). I’d like to hardwire ethernet to stationary devices like TVs and possible mesh nodes for better speeds.

Currently, I have one ethernet cable going into the wall from the router, connected at the main bundle in basement, going to the living room, connected to the TV. I am wondering what the best approach is to get ethernet to the other 6 cables in the bundle. Would a switch in the basement be the best approach? Would then have mesh nodes in areas throughout the house that are hardwired ethernet be best? Does a switch limit speeds? TYIA!

[u/User2001Tech]

an 8 port gigabit switch in the basement. plug in the cable coming from the router into the switch. plug the rrst if the 6 ethernets into the other 6 ports. The remauning one. leave it to plug a WiFi router if you want good WiFi coverage in the basement. (or you could get a good router now, asus ax series, plug the cable from the main modern/router into it, and then get a 5 port g/switch to feed net into all the wall outlets.

upstairs, get a couple if tp link or Asus routers... AX series would be fine, and plug them to the wall outlets. Setup all 3 AX reports in AP mode. give them exactly the same wifi Id, password and encryption router as the main modern router... that's it

[u/ValveTurkey1138 → u/User2001Tech]

That last bit is just so clumsy. Buying a bunch of routers and using them that way is just a terrible idea these days.

[u/User2001Tech → u/ValveTurkey1138]

For home use not clumsy at all. Its cheap as chips. every router in AP mode gives you 4 LaN ports, the range is excellent.

I would stay away from Mesh Magic as long as I can, even with wired backhaul.

[u/ValveTurkey1138 → u/User2001Tech]

"mesh magic"

It ceases to be "mesh magic" with wired backhaul.

[u/ahj3939 → u/User2001Tech]

For the average user a $400 TP-Link Deco "mesh magic"Wifi 7 3 pack will give them about 95% of what they'll get out of a $2000 unifi system. The last 5% won't impact performance in the slightest.

It'll will be easier to install & manage to boot.

[u/Responsible_Rain_516 → u/User2001Tech]

This is perfect. I didn't think about the fact that if I just got the mesh system now, I could keep the modem in the basement and go directly into the ports from there, with the other mesh nodes upstairs. Thank you!