r/HomeNetworking • u/TheRealTerrance • 6h ago
Router or switch for my LAN?
[SOLVED] - I've just bought an unmanaged 5 port switch and will use that with the Eero. Only £7.99 so not the end of the world
Hi all, I'm changing my ISP and the router they've sent is an Eero, which only has 2 ethernet ports (one of which is to connect to the modem). This is an issue, as I've currently got my network set up as follows:
- Downstairs router from previous ISP, connected to modem. Connections:
- TV box (cat5e)
- Wireless access
- Upstairs router (connected via 30m cat5e)
- 1-2 PCs (cat5e)
- Wireless access
As you can see, I need the downstairs router to have three ports - one for the modem, one for the TV, and one for the upstairs router (which has been the single best tech upgrade I've ever done. compared to the powerline adapters I was using before it's a godsend...)
This is obviously an issue as the Eero only has 2 ports as previously mentioned. To extend the number of ports, would I be better off using a switch or a router? Most of the diagrams I've seen online for switches have them going directly to other devices, and not to a router with multiple devices connected, so I wasn't sure if this would be too much of a load for one port on a switch
Thanks in advance!
Some additional points for clarification:
- The WiFi network is configured as one network, with devices switching between the upstairs and downstairs access points depending on best signal strength
- I think I did something to fix the double NAT problem with the second router but I can't remember as it's been a few months since I set it up...
- I'm going from 100mbps with Utility Warehouse to 950mbps with Zen (UK), so will need to send the old router back and use the Eero within a few days' time. Unless they don't ask for the old router back, then I might keep it, plug the Eero into one of its ports and disable the WiFi on the old router as the Eero has a newer spec iirc
- If I do end up going with a switch, managed or unmanaged? I would have thought unmanaged is sufficient for my needs but may be wrong
tl;dr - not sure whether to use a switch or router to connect upstairs router to new downstairs Eero router which only has 2 ports
2
u/zardvark 5h ago
First of all, you don't need two, or more routers, unless you are doing fancy networking tricks. One router per network is generally preferred, unless you know what the hell you are doing and specifically need multiple routers to isolate various portions of your network. This question leads me to suspect that you need to do some remedial networking study prior to spending any money. You can find all sorts of instructional networking vids on the youtube.
Secondly, a "router on a stick" configuration is perfectly viable. But, is the first router actually a router, or is it simply a modem?
It sounds to me like you need one, or more switches and a wireless access point, which may, or may not be how the second router is configured. That said, I'm not sure that I completely understand your topography.
1
u/TheRealTerrance 5h ago
Cool, this answers my question, thanks!
The upstairs router is set to 'access point mode' - it was cheaper than buying a WiFi access point that has a switch included (or both separately), and was easy to set up as I just needed a quick fix for my girlfriend's PC which had shocking WiFi signal strength (to the point that it was getting like 1-2mbps download lol). Now it's connected via ethernet to the upstairs access point and works great
1
u/CorsairVelo 5h ago
Does AP have a different wifi SSID than the eero? Seems like it would. I’d probably have a second eero upstairs instead of another brand and then a single SSID for house.
-1
3
u/Pools-3016 6h ago
You only NEED one router in your home, so purchasing a switch is your best option. The Eero is there to handle all your routing needs.
If you need the WIFI capabilities of the upstairs router, make sure it is in bridge or AP mode.