Gigabit switch and home networking

[paucm0]

Hello, new to the forums. This place is awesome. I have a question about gigabit switches and whether or not I am correctly thinking.

I have a new build home (2 story with finished basement below - 3 levels total) that we prewired datports into with cat5e. I'm getting ready to replace my old G router with a Netgear 3700.

Since my cat5e's all terminate to a box in my basement, I have our cable modem down there with the router plugged into it. House data port lines are then plugged into the router. What I'd like to do is put the 3700 up in the study (middle level) plugged into the dataport to avoid problems with 5GHz band being in the basement.

Any reason I can't put a gigabit switch down in the basement that is hooked to the cable modem? Then plug all the house datports into it? Also, would it be important to get a Netgear gigabit switch or will any do?

Thanks in advance...sorry for the long post.

 

[thiggins]

You'll need to run a CAT5e cable from the cable modem to the router WAN port. Then another back down to the switch.

Otherwise, everything in your home will be sitting on the Internet connection...not a good thing!

 

[paucm0]

Hmm..yes thank you for pointing out that oversight

So, a 2nd router upstairs to extend range would probably be the way to go then. Is that what folks talk about when they mention "repeaters"?

 

[thiggins]

So, a 2nd router upstairs to extend range would probably be the way to go then. Is that what folks talk about when they mention "repeaters"?

You have the right thought to get your first router onto a higher floor. I'd try that first.

If coverage isn't enough, then you can add another AP (access point).

"Repeaters" use a wireless connection to extend range. The better way to extend wireless range is to add more APs (or wireless routers converted to APs) connected via Ethernet.

 

[paucm0]

Thanks

I appreciate the help!