Home ethernet switch? Any recommendations?

Neilk · 06-30-2016, 07:56 AM

Hello,

We are finishing building house that has been wired with a mix of Cat5e and Cat6 cabling. I was thinking about getting a 24 Port ethernet switch to connect the modem to the rest of the network including some WAPs. Does anyone have any recommendations on which one to get. Is the NETGEAR ProSAFE JGS524PE managed switch good or should I go with something cheaper like the D-Link 24-Port Gigabit Switch (DGS-1024A)?

It seems like a managed switch might give me more options to control the network, but might also get me into more trouble

.

I did a search, but didn't really see anything about managed switches. Lastly, any experience with the Ubiquiti WAPs?

Thanks,
Neil

nota · 06-30-2016, 08:06 AM

how many devises and no wifi for the laptops or tablets ?
heck ever my new printer is wifi as are most other devises on my home net
only the two big computers are hard wired and most of the tv's as they donot move
but even the one kids tv is wireless

so wifi is the future and over time less stuff will be hard wired

stomachmonkey · 06-30-2016, 08:20 AM

That's a bit spendy and overkill for a home network.

You don't really need managed.

The traffic from your devices will likely be very similar and the need to do things like segmenting, VLANS, traffic monitoring etc... all sound nice but you'll never use those features.

That device also has 12 PoE ports. power over ethernet, handy if you'll be running security cameras that can be powered over ethernet but if not a wasted feature that only adds cost for no benefit.

I happen to like, and use, the Netgear stuff in home.

Save yourself a few sheckles and go with this instead https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-ProSAFE-JGS524NA-24-Port-Rackmount/dp/B0002CWPW2/ref=sr_1_5?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1467303497&sr=1-5&keywords=24+port+gigabit+switch

These are fine as well. https://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-24-Port-Ethernet-Rackmount-TL-SG1024/dp/B003BU0EKW/ref=sr_1_4?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1467303497&sr=1-4&keywords=24+port+gigabit+switch

Neilk · 06-30-2016, 08:21 AM

I agree wireless is the future, but to avoid wireless issues, I want anything that isn't moving and can be wired to connect that way.

My wireless HP printer prints wirelessly 80% of the time, I find myself plugging it in the other 20%.

VincentVega · 06-30-2016, 08:27 AM

What advanced switching features do you or would you use at home? I setup guest access via wifi and short of that I cant think of any switch features really useful for the typical home installation. I can see some need/interest in NAT, port forwarding or firewalling but do that at the perimeter for simplicity.

stomachmonkey · 06-30-2016, 08:29 AM

As far as the WAPS, get two ASUS bridgeable routers and stick them around the house hard wired to the network.

What you seem to be trying to achieve is "Roaming".

Sounds great in theory but the fudge factor comes in the handoff from one AP to another.

Handoff is controlled by the client, for example your laptop, and not the AP itself which is why I say it's nice, in theory.

If you've got beer and want me to stop by just let me know.

stomachmonkey · 06-30-2016, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VincentVega

...I can see some need/interest in NAT, port forwarding or firewalling but do that at the perimeter for simplicity.

Yup, do that at the router.

stomachmonkey · 06-30-2016, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neilk

I agree wireless is the future, but to avoid wireless issues, I want anything that isn't moving and can be wired to connect that way.

My wireless HP printer prints wirelessly 80% of the time, I find myself plugging it in the other 20%.

I cable anything I possibly can.

If it's stationary it gets ethernet.

masraum · 06-30-2016, 01:05 PM

I have a 10 port version of one of these.
Cisco SG300-20. You can also get them with more ports or less, SFPs, POE, etc....
https://www.amazon.com/Cisco-SG-300-20-SRW2016-K9-NA-20-Port/dp/B0041ORN9M/

I'm not sure that I'd recommend managed switches for anyone, but I'm a network engineer which is why I have one. Bugged me not to be able to manage my switch.

Wifi is great, but if you can wire your networked equipment, especially over a broad area full of walls and other wireless gear, it's a good idea.

Another option might be to spend a bunch more on a wifi device that has a built in switch. Most of the standard routers that you get with service have crap wifi. Spend some money on something with good wifi and several ports if you can find one, and you may kill two birds with one stone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

I cable anything I possibly can.

If it's stationary it gets ethernet.

Exactly, you're much less likely to run into interference if your stuff is hardwired than if it's wireless. Wired is pretty much always better if it's possible and reasonable.