I’m a complete noob when it comes to networking. I want a very simple setup.
Here’s what I want to do, but have no idea how practical it is.
I want to put a modern tri-band modem in the main spot where the cable comes into the house. There’s a spot right next to there where there are more than a half dozen Cat5e endpoints (for lack of a better word) that run to various “drops” (I think that’s what they’re called) throughout the house.
The house is 2 story and 2400 sq feet.
- Can I just get a modern modem and connect the Cat5e endpoints/plugs directly to the router’s LAN ports?
- Do I need a special router?
- Can I plug something into the “drops” in various rooms to get devices in those rooms faster wifi speeds without needing a wifi mesh network?
- Are there any special considerations for running potentially 2 dozen smart lights, a half dozen smart speakers (to start), and having multiple people (3 - 5) streaming and/or gaming on various devices?
If you don’t know to much about Networks and just want something that works. I would purchase a 2 or 3 pack of Eero 6 Pros and a network switch that has enough ports for all of the Ethernet drops. You would connect the Ethernet cable from the modem to the Eero 6 pro which will now be called your gateway/router, you will then plug an Ethernet cable from the Eero Pro 6 to your network switch. You would plug all of the Ethernet drops to your switch. Then depending on the your signal coverage you would plug in the other eeros into where you have low WiFi signal. Or you could just plug your streaming devices/game consoles to the Ethernet wall ports in the rooms. If you decide you need additional Ethernet lines in the rooms you could buy a 5 port switch.
Maybe. You’ll need to check to see if the cabling is set up for Ethernet or Telephone. Most houses have it set up for telephone. A tester can help validate the Cat wiring situation.
I suggest first deciding exactly how you’re going to use your home network. Pick your smart switches and speakers, whatever else you want, then work backwards to what network support works best with your choices. Smart switches can be picky in some environments.