Home Network - Switch/Access Points

[Raezo]

Hello All,

I have always used a router in the past but I'm currently considering using a switch with access points for my home network. I've been doing a lot of searching via google but I thought I'd post here cause AnandTech has always been my main source when looking for PC hardware. I'm currently in the process of seeking out my first house so the details could change a bit, I'm trying to see what budget i need to work with to do this properly.

The largest scenario here would be a 3 level house (including basement). I would like to have wifi out in the garage and on the patio and such. Obviously distance of how far the garage is away and such would be factors but just for a general idea. I have seen some of the ubiquiti access points are water proof if i needed to mount outside etc. I currently wouldn't use any PoE ports but later if I decided to add some camera's or something, wouldn't be a bad idea just to buy the switch that could do it now. Mostly all the devices will be connected via wifi but maybe hardwire a box or two. I don't fully know the difference between managed/unmanaged switches. I've read that unmanaged require a bit more work but I'm willing to learn and read to do it right and also have friends who can help if needed. Right now I'm just trying to figure out the best hardware for my scenario.

As always,
Thanks for any Help
Ryan

 

[mv2devnull]

I have always used a router in the past but I'm currently considering using a switch with access points for my home network.

No, you have used a multi-function device that has a wireless access point (AP), probably small switch, and router functionality. My ISP's documentation calls it "modem", for they call all devices that they sell modems. You call it router, even though you are more interested in the AP part of it.

You wan't APs. That is clear. How many? That depends on coverage. Ultimately you will have some number of wired devices that you need to connect. (APs are wired devices.) Most APs (without other functions) support PoE, so they are easier to place; just draw ethernet cable to the site.

You need a router too. A router router. The one that routes between your home subnet and the ISP. A router, firewall, DHCP, DNS relay. A router can have multiple ports and act as a switch. It might even support PoE. However, with multiple devices, a switch with PoE support is probably good to have too.

There are more than one PoE implementation. They are not compatible. One can always use PoE injectors, if switch/router cannot provide the power.

Unmanaged switch is a plug-and-play device. It either does what you want, or not. Simple.
Managed switch you can configure. Much more versatile.

 

[EdHerVA]

Hello All,

I have always used a router in the past but I'm currently considering using a switch with access points for my home network. I've been doing a lot of searching via google but I thought I'd post here cause AnandTech has always been my main source when looking for PC hardware. I'm currently in the process of seeking out my first house so the details could change a bit, I'm trying to see what budget i need to work with to do this properly.

The largest scenario here would be a 3 level house (including basement). I would like to have wifi out in the garage and on the patio and such. Obviously distance of how far the garage is away and such would be factors but just for a general idea. I have seen some of the ubiquiti access points are water proof if i needed to mount outside etc. I currently wouldn't use any PoE ports but later if I decided to add some camera's or something, wouldn't be a bad idea just to buy the switch that could do it now. Mostly all the devices will be connected via wifi but maybe hardwire a box or two. I don't fully know the difference between managed/unmanaged switches. I've read that unmanaged require a bit more work but I'm willing to learn and read to do it right and also have friends who can help if needed. Right now I'm just trying to figure out the best hardware for my scenario.

As always,
Thanks for any Help
Ryan

Ryan,

I use an Unmanaged Switch- the TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Desktop Switch- TL-SG1008D ($19.99 on Amazon). Plug and Play. I simply plugged in my Inherent cable, then cable to desktop, an Internet capable Printer and an external hard drive. Zero problems with startup and all devices show on LAN.

Ed